Graves, Holy Trinity, Dunoon

Although the sun was shining in Glendaruel first thing this morning by the time we got to Holy Trinity, the Episcopal Church in Dunoon, there was a thick sea mist obscuring the view from the vantage point over the west bay that the church occupies.  

An hour a bit later we came out of the Easter Communion to brightness all around.   Before we left for home we walked through the graveyard which is still in use, though the older parts are a little overgrown.  

This grave slab marks the final resting place of a George Anderson who was , according to the inscription "for many years Political Agent at Kilapore , Bombay" and who died at Glenmorag (in sight of this spot) in 1886.  

The graveyard inscriptions here tell a fascinating history of the town and area and the influences that have created the place as it is now.

The also bear testament to the strength of 19th century Episcopalianism, though in this place  - as in others - there was also a tension between the practices of the Scottish Episcopal Church  (an ancient Scottish church, virtually outlawed after the 1745 rising)  and the "anti-Scotch" Anglican movement which established chapels in various places including the town's aptly named Alfred St. 

Though depleted compared to those days, Episcopalianism remans strong here with positive , inclusive leadership provided by the Rector of Dunoon & Rothesay, Andrew Swift who is also Dean of the Argyll & The Isles Diocese - and a  blipper.