Perthshire Advertiser - Saturday 30 October 1920
MONZIEVAIRD
WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED
In common with other places, the inhabitants of the parish of Monzievaird and Strowan paid a tribute of respect to their honoured dead who fell in the Great War by erecting a monument as a memorial to commemorate their memory, and as a lasting tribute to let the future generations yet unborn know the sacrifice made on their behalf. The unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon, and a great concourse of people assembled to take part in the ceremony. Among those present were the Hon. Mrs Williamson and rev. Mr Williamson, Tomperran; Major B. Ernest and the Misses Graham Stirling of Strowan; Major, Mrs, and Mrs Ernest Colquhoun, Clathie; Mr Keith Murray of Ochtertyre, Capt. And Mrs Rockey, Lawers; Mr and Mrs Sharp, Westerton etc. The Rev. Wilson Bell, minister of the parish conducted the service, assisted by the rev. Canon Meredith, Crieff; Rev. Dr Thomson, Dunning; Rev. Mr Murray, Monzie; and the Rev. Mr Ferguson, Crieff. The praise was led by Mr H. M’Kinstry, Comrie. Miss Dow, the organist of the church, officiated at the organ.
After the singing of the hymn, “For all the saints that from their labour rest”, and the reading of the New Testament lesson by the Rev. Canon Meredith, from Rev. vii, 9-17, the Rev. Wilson Bell read the Roll of Honour, after which Mrs Campbell Colquhoun of Clathie (who lost two sons in the war) gracefully performed the unveiling. Visibly affected, she said: “I unveil this monument to the glory of God in memory of the brave men who fell in the Great War belonging to this parish”. The Rev. Mr Thomson offered the prayer of Dedication, after which Mr Haig, D.S.O., T.D., R.A.M.C., delivered an address full of touching passages. “How bright these glorious spirits shine”, having been sung, the benediction pronounced by the Rev. Wilson bell, and the singing of God Save the King”, an interesting and impressive service was brought to close.
The monument is of Killelo-Aberdour freestone with four panels surmounted by a dome and bronze ionic cross. At the top of the north panel immediately underneath the dome is a pelican in the act of feeding her young, the whole presenting an interesting and effective appearance. The architect of the monument was Mr Reginald Fairlie, Edinburgh. Mr James M'Cowan, builder, Comrie, executed the work. At the close of the service several beautiful were placed at the base of the monument. Misses and Mr Ernest graham Stirling of Strowan placed one, and Colonel and Mrs Reddie likewise paid their tribute of respect.
The front and back panels of the monument bear the following transcriptions and names:- “To the glory of God and in memory of the men connected with Monzievaird and Strowan Parish who gave up their lives for King and country during the Great war 1914-1919. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends”.
Capt. W.W. Cooper, 1/1st Ayrshire Yeomanry; Capt. J. Ewing, M.B., R.A.M.C.; Cpl. J. Carr, R.A.S.C.; Signaller W. M’Kenzie, 12th Royal Scots; Pte. G. Newlands, 54th Canadians; Rev. D. Heggie (Capt.), Chaplain, H.M. Forces; 2/8th Royal Scots; Lieut. F.E. Colquhoun, 2nd R.U. Fusiliers; Pte. G.T. Gibson, 2nd A.& S. H.; Gnr. A. M’Laren, R.G.A.; Pte. J.M. M’Ewan, 7th Cameron Highlanders; Capt. H.L. Colquhoun, M.C., Cpl. D. Lawson, L/Cpl. J. Stothard, L/Cpl. W.R. Donaldson, Signaller D.T.J. Dow, Pte. A. Morrison, Pte G. Wilson, all Black Watch.