Templehall time capsule gives a glimpse into the past

A pigeon racing medal, a certificate of baptisms, the names of tradesmen, a 1954 copy of the Highway Code and even an old cigarette were among the items found in a time capsule unearthed in Kirkcaldy as part of the Templehall Community Hub project.

The metal box was in a cavity in the foundation stone of the old Templehall Parish Church and was carefully removed in June before it was demolished.

It was taken to the Fife Collections Centre at Bankhead, Glenrothes, where it was painstakingly examined by OnFife Archives staff.

The capsule was opened at the Collections Centre on 29 July when Collections Support Assistants Susan Goodfellow and Owen Harrison had the first glimpse of the contents in over 70 years.

Then yesterday, 11 August, Rev. Josh Milton from Kirkcaldy Hope Church, formed from the union of Templehall and Torbain Parish Churches, and Shona Bellfield, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes Area Community Use Manager, took their chance to view the artefacts.

The time capsule gives a snapshot into local life in 1955, when the foundation stone was laid to mark work starting on building the church.

Other items in the box included stamps, coins, church publications, newspaper articles and an order of service for the laying of the foundation stone by local dignitary Mr M.A. Spencer-Nairn of Balgeddie House, Leslie.

Rev Milton said: “Opening this time capsule is a moving reminder that every generation leaves something behind for those who follow. These simple objects give us a glimpse into the life, faith and hopes of the people who laid the foundation stone of Templehall Church in 1955.

“Although the Templehall building has now gone, its story and ministry have not ended. Templehall and Torbain united to become Kirkcaldy Hope Parish Church, and we chose that name for a reason. We believe there is always hope — hope beyond change, hope beyond the loss of a familiar building, and hope for the generations still to come.

“The people who gathered at Templehall laid more than the foundations of a church building; they helped establish a community of faith that continues today. We are grateful to OnFife and Fife Council for preserving this important part of our shared history and allowing its story to be seen and remembered.”

Shona Bellfield said: “Opening the time capsule has been a real highlight and has given us a fascinating glimpse into Templehall’s past. Seeing the items that people chose to preserve in 1955 helps bring local history to life and reminds us of the generations who came before us.

“As we prepare for the official opening of the new community hub, it’s fitting that we’re able to celebrate both Templehall’s heritage and its future. We’re thrilled that the contents of the time capsule will be on display at the official opening, allowing the community to share in this special discovery.”

Andrew Dowsey, OnFife’s Archives and Local Studies Manager, said: “The contents may not be of great historical significance or monetary value but time capsules are always interesting as they give a glimpse into what was considered important in the life of the church and local community at the time – even the cigarette!”

The contents of the time capsule will be on display in the hub when it has its official opening on Friday 4 September.

Images:

• Time capsule no. 3: Delving into the past are from left: Rev. Josh Milton of the Hope Church; Shona Bellfield, Area Community Use Team Manager and Andrew Dowsey, Archive and Local Studies Manager. (Photo Andrew Beveridge.)
• Time capsule no. 1: Among the contents of the time capsule was a pigeon racing medal. (Photo Andrew Beveridge.)
• The time capsule when it was opened. (Pic: OnFife)
• The contents of the time capsule. (Pic: OnFife)
• A report of the laying of the foundation stone and burying of the time capsule from the Fife Free Press.

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For further information contact Sheona Small, Press & Communications Manager, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com   

Notes to editors:  

OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife.  Further information can be found at www.onfife.com