The Orkney Image Library
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As a follow up to the recent photos of the Paterson Kirk this is one from the collection of glass negatives left by Bob Spence formerly of Cumming & Spence. Taken on 7 October 1908, the kirk was decorated for the marriage of Bob's sister Mariannie Spence and George Drever. Considerable changes were made when the organ was installed - I wonder what date that was.
Picture added on 09 February 2009
Was that the Dean of Guild R. Spence mentioned in picture #17118?
Added by Paul Sutherland on 10 February 2009
I'm not sure Paul. My husbands father (1890-1965) was a councillor at one time but his grandfather (Robert Spence 1850-1925) was also on the council. The Dean of Guild mentioned could have been either of them. What exactly did a Dean of Guild do?
Added by Cathleen Spence on 11 February 2009
The Dean of Guild and his court were responsible mainly for regulating building within the burgh. Originally he was the head of the Guildry, the Merchant Company or Guild Brethren, that is all the merchants who had been given the freedom to trade in the burgh, but from 1833 on he was a councillor elected to the office by his fellow council members.
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Added by Paul Sutherland on 18 February 2009
Kirkwall
