Profile of St Michael and all Angels, Elie

Elie is an attractive coastal resort, with a population of about 850, although this increases greatly in the summer as there are a large number of “holiday houses” in the village. There is a thriving primary school in the village. Elie has seven shops, a half day bank and a farm shop on its outskirts. The village provides facilities for golf, tennis, bowls, sailing, fishing and of course a superb beach.



The regular worshipers at St. Michael’s come from Elie and the neighbouring villages. At present we have four housebound members, two in Earlsferry House Nursing Home near the Church and the other two in their own homes. We have established ecumenical services about four times a year with local Church of Scotland parish and have good, supportive relations with the minister, the Rev. Brian McDowell, We are very anxious that the feeling of goodwill between the two churches continues to grow.

St Michael's Church is an interesting survival, a “tin tabernacle” built of wood clad with a corrugated material. Although it is just over 100 years old, the building is in good repair, it was re-painted internally last year and the roof has recently been re-covered. Everyone who enters is surprised at its pleasant peaceful atmosphere. The church will seat 100. There is a small vestry and a few years back we installed a small disabled toilet and built a ramp up to the door. There is a modern chamber-organ, although we usually rely on recorded music.

Sunday worship at Elie is at 9.45, and mostly we use 1982 Scottish Liturgy. At regular intervals we celebrate the Eucharist or sing matins from the 1929 Scottish Prayer Book. The average attendance is around 15 members each week with 35 on the roll. Most of the Congregation are elderly though we do have several younger members but no children.

We are a friendly, welcoming church with a good atmosphere and sound finances. Our present rector has greatly helped to foster this and we look forward to building on his success, reaching out to the community and visitors emphasising our role as one of the two Anglican churches in the East Neuk of Fife, a place of prayer and fellowship.