Jane Haining: Scot who died at Auschwitz honoured in new heritage centre

The memory of a Scot who gave her life to help protect Jewish schoolgirls during the Second World War will be kept alive in a new heritage centre which has now officially been opened.

Jane Haining’s story of heroism, bravery and personal sacrifice was celebrated at Dunscore Church in Dumfries and Galloway.

A short film featuring pupils from Braes High School in Polmont near Falkirk, who performed a monologue based on the personal testimonies of two of the boarding school matron’s former pupils, is on display.

The scene includes a depiction of Miss Haining’s arrest when she told sobbing children “Don’t worry, I’ll be back by lunch” as she was led away.

The centre is was opened by Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong on what is Holocaust Memorial Day. This annual event is dedicated to the memory of people who suffered during genocides in mainland Europe, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Ms Armstrong, a broadcaster, said: “Here in Dumfriesshire, we are very proud to honour the memory of such a brave and selfless woman.

“This new heritage centre will help to keep Jane Haining’s memory alive and it is all tribute to those in Dunscore who have made it possible.”

Miss Haining’s niece, Deirdre McDowell, unveiled a Historic Environment Scotland plaque in memory of the missionary, who worked at the Scottish Mission School in Budapest, Hungary during the 1930s and 40s.

She refused to return home after war broke out, despite advice from church officials, saying the children needed her in the “days of darkness”.

Miss Haining was arrested in 1944, charged with working amongst Jews and taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp in Nazi-occupied Poland, where she died aged 47.

The Christian martyr was posthumously honoured by the UK Government for “preserving life in the face of persecution” and is the only Scot to be officially recognised at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Israel.

Rev Iain Cunningham, convener of the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council, said: “This year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is the power of words – words that can make a difference both for good and evil.

“So it is fitting that at this time we remember the poignant words of Jane Haining.

“When instructed by the Church to return home for her own safety, she wrote back ‘if these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more do they need me in days of darkness?’

“Jane’s words live on like a light shining in the dark places of today’s world.”

About 100 people, including Braes High pupils, attended a special service at Dunscore Church, led by minister Rev Jannie du Plessis and include song and harp playing.

A special poem about Miss Haining, written by BBC Scotland Poet in Residence, Stuart Paterson, was read by church member Kath Aitken.

Church elder Pam Mitchell, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome so many people to the official opening of our heritage centre.

“It includes exhibits on Dunscore village heritage, the history of our church and the life and sacrifice of Jane Haining.

“We enjoyed having a full church and sharing Jane’s story with people from across Scotland, from Northern Ireland and Hungary.

“It was a very special service and a fitting way to open our heritage centre and to remember Jane.”

Mrs McDowell of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, said she was proud to represent her family at the event.

“It is a fitting tribute to Jane’s memory that a heritage centre has been opened in the village where she was born,” she added.

“The people of Dunscore have been wonderful in getting this centre up and running so there is a comprehensive, lasting memorial to her life.

“I am excited about the prospect of visiting the village where I was born and it will be lovely to be able to walk around a room in the church and look at memorabilia.”

A memorial cairn for Miss Haining, who treated Jewish and Christian girls in her care equally, stands near Dunscore Church.

The heritage centre was created as part of renovation work to the building, which was part-funded by a £106,400 grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Environment Scotland. (HES)

It is open to the public on Sundays between 2pm-4pm.

Last Sunday the Moderator of the General Assembly, Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, paid tribute to Miss Haining at Yad Vashem, the sacred Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem where she is the only Scot to be named Righteous Among the Nations.

• See more pictures of the centre and its opening at the Church of Scotland website.

Dumfries church offers free Christmas Day dinner for those in need

The River of Life Church near Dumfries Railway Station is inviting those who have nobody else to share Christmas with to attend their festive dinner on December 25.

Pastor of the church, Mark Smith, is sending a message to people who think they have nothing to look forward to, that there is hope.

He said: “Please don’t be miserable on Christmas Day – come along to a very warm welcome, some fantastic food plus some super entertainment, all for free.

“Let’s remember the festive season can be rotten for some people, when everyone seems to be having a fantastic time except you. Here, at River of Life, we always serve some great festive fayre but, equally important, a loving welcome to all without judgement and irrespective of faith or not.

Pastor Mark Smith, centre, with volunteers Eddie and Tracy Vallance. Picture: Dumfries and Galloway Standard.

“We’re so grateful to ordinary people and businesses in our region whose generosity makes this event possible. Thanks so much Dumfries! There’s a one hour service at 11am on Christmas Day too, so people are very welcome to that as well, or just arrive for the meal at 1pm if they’d rather.”

This year, the church will also be handing out parcels of food and gifts to people who go along to the dinner, to help them through the rest of the festive season and they’ve teamed up with communitychristmas.org.uk which lets people know what similar groups are doing around the UK.

This year will be the 13th Christmas Day dinner served at the River of Life and the 11th year professional chef, Eddie Vallance, has volunteered his services. He and his wife Tracy will be co-ordinating a team of excited volunteers all helping in a variety of ways.

• Full story at the Daily Record / Dumfries and Galloway Standard.

Christmas Services and Events 2017

Saturday 2 December
6.00pm for 6.30pm
Light Up a Life at Christmas – because love never dies
St Michael’s & South Parish Church [St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF] Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree with the switching on of the ‘lights’ in remembrance of Loved Ones & Friends
Music by Dumfries Town Band – mulled wine & mince pies will be served in the Hall after the switch-on

Sunday 3 December
8.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Holy Communion
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

9.15am
Crichton Royal Church – Ecumenical service
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

9.45am
Caerlaverock Church – Morning Worship
[Caerlaverock Church, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4]

10.00am
Terregles Church – Morning Worship
[Terregles Village, Dumfries DG2 9RY]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church – Holy Communion Service
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

11.30am
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ Morning worship
[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

3.00pm
Maxwelltown West Church – Holy Communion in Church Hall
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

Wednesday 6 December
6.30pm
St Andrew’s Primary School Carol Service in St Andrew’s Church
followed by refreshments in the hall
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

Friday 8 December
12noon – 1.30pm
Friday Soup Lunches in aid of First Base Food Parcels Project in St John’s Church Hall – bowl of homemade soup, filled roll & tea/coffee £3.50 (children £2.00) Christmas Sales Table & Second Hand Book Stall
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

6.00pm
Salvation Army: Dumfries
Family Christmas Celebrations followed by a light meal
[Whitesands, Dumfries]

6.30pm
River of Life Church
Simply Christmas “An evening of song, music, stories and so much more. Christmas is fast approaching and it’s a good time to remember what it’s all about! Come and enjoy candles and carols as we share, ‘Simply Christmas’. Refreshments served.”
[River of Life Church Centre, By Dumfries Railway Station, DG1 1LU]

Saturday 9 December
10.00am
Caerlaverock Church Meet at the church for our Advent Prayer walk. This is a stroll through the countryside with prayers and readings followed by mulled apple juice, tea, coffee and mince pies.
[Caerlaverock Church, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4]

11.00am – 12noon
Dumfries Christian Network Christmas Carols in the Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries (by Marks & Spencer Inner Door) Do come & join us – just bring a smile!

7.30pm
University of Glasgow Chapel Choir annual Christmas Carols & Concert in the Crichton Memorial Church, Bankend Road, Dumfries.
Entry is free by ticket only – please e-mail: dumfries-admin@glasgow.ac.uk or phone: 01387 702001

Sunday 10 December
9.45am
Caerlaverock Church – Morning worship
[Caerlaverock Church, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4]

10.00am
Irongray Church – Morning Worship
[Irongray, Dumfries]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church Family Nativity Service followed by Brunch
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

11.00am
St Michael’s & South Parish Church – Service includes Children’s Nativity
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

11.30am
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ – Morning worship
[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

2.00pm
Troqueer Parish Church – short Carol service in Goldielea Nursing Home with residents and staff
[Dalbeattie Road, Dumfries DG2 7PE]

6.00pm
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Carols for Advent with the Regional Youth Choir followed by refreshments & fellowship in the Hall
Retiring collection for Aberlour, Scotland’s Children’s Charity & the Regional Youth Choir
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

Tuesday 12 December
7.00pm
NHS Carol Service in the Crichton Royal Church – All welcome
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

7.30pm
Dunscore Parish Church
A Spotless Rose – Seasonal choral music and readings by The Balliol Consort – in aid of Dunscore Church
Admission £10 (children free)
[situated in the village of Dunscore, DG2 0TA]

Saturday 16 December
7.00pm
Dumfries Choral Society Carols & Christmas music in St John’s Church, Dumfries Lovers Walk, Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW
Adults £6 (school children free) – tickets from The Midsteeple, Dumfries Town Centre, at the door or via their website: www.dumfrieschoralsociety.org.uk
Collection during the Interval for Food Train
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

Sunday 17 December
8.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Holy Communion
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

9.15am
Crichton Royal Church – Ecumenical service
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

9.45am
Caerlaverock Church – Morning worship
[Caerlaverock Church, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4]

10.00am
Terregles Church – Morning Worship
followed at 11.00am by tea/coffee and mince pies in Maxwell Memorial Hall
[Terregles Village, Dumfries DG2 9RY]

10.30am
Dumfries Baptist Church – Discoverer’s Nativity Service
NOTE VENUE: Dumfries High School [Marchmount, Dumfries DG1 1PX] (entrance to large car park from Bane Loaning, Dumfries DG1 3BA)

11.00am
River of Life Church Christmas Special service, “Celebrating the reason for the season, with presentations from Kids Church and Little Wonders – a must-invite for your friends! Coffee and mince pies after.”
[River of Life Church Centre, By Dumfries Railway Station, DG1 1LU]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church Morning Service (Lessons & Carols)
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

11.00am

St Michael’s & South Parish Church – a service of Lessons and Carols followed by refreshments in the Hall
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

11.00am
Troqueer Parish Church Christmas Family Service
[Troqueer Church, Troqueer Road, Dumfries, DG2 7DF]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

11.30am
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ Family service and Baptism
[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

3.00pm – 4.00pm
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Festive Big Sing in the Hall
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

3.30pm
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Evensong & Benediction
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

3.30pm
Irongray Church – Christingle Service
A family Service suitable for all ages celebrating the coming of the Christ light into the world
[Irongray, Dumfries]

6.30pm
Dumfries Baptist Church Carol Service with the Choir
NOTE VENUE: Dumfries Baptist Church [Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

Friday 22 December
St Mary Roman Catholic Church – Carol Service
[New Abbey Road, New Abbey]

Saturday 23 December
10.00am
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Mass
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

6.00pm
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Vigil Mass
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

6.45pm (leaving at 7pm) Carol Singing round Troqueer – meet at Troqueer Church Centre, Troqueer Road, Dumfries, DG2 7DF
Bless local people as we carol sing through the streets of Troqueer and collect for charity – ‘Cancer Research Scotland’ and ‘Rwanda’. Dress in warm clothes. Refreshments served in the Centre to revive and warm you at the end

CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday 24 December
8.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Eucharist
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

9.15am
Crichton Royal Church – Ecumenical service
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

9.30am
Maxwelton Chapel, Moniaive – Eucharist
[Moniaive, Dumfriesshire DG3 4DX]

9.45am
Caerlaverock Church – Morning worship
[Caerlaverock Church, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4]

10.00am
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Mass
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

10.00am
Irongray Parish Church – Morning Worship
[Irongray, Dumfries]

10.30am
Dumfries Baptist Church – All Age Christmas Eve Service
NOTE VENUE: Dumfries Baptist Church [Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church Morning Service
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

11.00am
St Michael’s & South Parish Church Morning Worship
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

11.00am
St George’s Church Morning Service
[George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EJ]

11.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church Christmas Day Family Eucharist
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.30am
Salvation Army: Dumfries Carol Service
[Whitesands, Dumfries]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

11.30am
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ Christmas Eve Service with Nativity Play
[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

12noon
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Mass
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

4.00pm
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church Christingle Family Service followed by festive refreshments
[Lovers Walk/Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

4.00pm
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ Christingle making – All children welcome
followed by
5.00pm Christingle Service

[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

5.00pm
Dumfries Baptist Church All-Age Christingle Family Service
NOTE VENUE: Dumfries Baptist Church [Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

5.30pm refreshments followed at 6.00pm
Lighthouse Church
“The Miracle” – Special evening celebrating the reason for the Season.
[Theatre Royal, Shakespeare Street, Dumfries DG1 2JH]

6.00pm
River of Life Church – Christmas Eve Cosy Carol Service (No morning service this day) “Gather with others to anticipate the big day, with a cosy candlelit atmosphere, singing carols, enjoying readings and munching mince pies!”
[River of Life Church Centre, By Dumfries Railway Station, DG1 1LU]

6.00pm
St Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church – Vigil Mass of Christmas
[Glasgow Street Dumfries DG2 9DE]

6.00pm
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

6.30pm
St Michael’s & South Parish Church – Family Christmas service followed by Christmas refreshments in the hall
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

6.30pm
Festival of Carols with St John’s Choir in the Crichton Royal Church
Collection in aid of the Aberlour Childcare Trust – Scotland’s Children’s charity & Bethany Christian Trust
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

6.45pm (leaving at 7pm) Carol Singing round Troqueer – meet at Troqueer Church Centre, Troqueer Road, Dumfries, DG2 7DF
Bless local people as we carol sing through the streets of Troqueer and collect for charity – ‘Cancer Research Scotland’ and ‘Rwanda’. Dress in warm clothes. Refreshments served in the Centre to revive and warm you at the end!

7.00pm
Maxwelltown West Church – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

7.00pm
St George’s Church – Carols Service
[George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EJ]

7.00pm
Lochfoot Mission Hall – Service of Lessons and Carols
[Main Street DG2 8NR – part of Irongray, Lochrutton & Terregles Group of Churches]

7.30pm
Glencaple Carols at the Barbour Hall
[Barbour Hall, Church Street, Glencaple DG1 4QY]

8.00pm
St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church – Vigil Mass of Christmas
[Scott’s Street, Annan, DG12 6JG]

9.30pm
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Carols followed by 10.00pm Mass of Christmas
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

11.15pm
St Michael’s & South Parish Church – Watch Night Carol Service
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

11.30pm
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Midnight Eucharist of the Nativity
[Lovers Walk/Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.30pm
Troqueer Parish Church – Watch Night Service
[Troqueer Church, Troqueer Road, Dumfries, DG2 7DF]

11.30pm
Closeburn Parish Church – Watchnight Service
[Closeburn DG3 5HP]

11.30pm
Terregles Church Watchnight Service
[Terregles Village, Dumfries DG2 9RY]

11.30pm
St. Mary’s-Greyfriars’ Watchnight service
[1 St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 1HA]

CHRISTMAS DAY Monday 25 December
8.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Holy Communion
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

10.00am
St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church – Morning Mass of Christmas
[Brooke Street Dumfries DG1 2JL]

10.30am
Dumfries Baptist Church – All-Age Christmas Day Service
NOTE VENUE: Dumfries Baptist Church [Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

10.00am
St Michael’s & South Parish Church – Christmas Morning Worship
[St Michael’s Street Dumfries DG1 2QF]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church Christmas Day Family Service
[Laurieknowe Dumfries DG2 7AH]

10.00am
Closeburn Parish Church – Christmas Day Family Service
[Closeburn DG3 5HP]

10.00am
Irongray Parish – A short service to celebrate Christmas Day including Holy Communion
[Irongray, Dumfries]

11.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church Christmas Day Family Eucharist
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.00am – 12noon
River of Life Church – Christmas Day Service “Make Christmas Day special as we gather to celebrate the birth of the messiah, with a traditional Christmas service. Kids; bring your toys!”
[River of Life Church Centre, By Dumfries Railway Station, DG1 1LU] FOLLOWED BY at 1.00pm:
River of Life Church Centre – Christmas Day Dinner (Vegetarian option available.) for anyone who’d be alone on Christmas Day – There’s no cost!
[River of Life Church Centre, By Dumfries Railway Station, DG1 1LU]

11.00am
St George’s Church – Christmas Day Family Service
[St George’s Church, George Street, Dumfries DG1 1EJ]

11.00am
Troqueer Parish Church – Christmas Day Service
[Troqueer Road, Dumfries DG2 7DF]

11.30am
St Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church – Morning Mass of Christmas
[Glasgow Street Dumfries DG2 9DE]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Blessing of Crib & Solemn Sung Mass
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

12noon
St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church – Morning Mass of Christmas
[Scott’s Street, Annan, DG12 6JG]

Tuesday 26 December St Stephen’s Day

10.30am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Eucharist for St Stephen
[Lovers Walk/Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass – St Stephen, Protomartyr
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

Wednesday 27 December

10.30am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Eucharist: St John the Evangelist
[Lovers Walk/Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

Thursday 28 December
11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass: Holy Innocents
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

6.00pm
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Eucharist: Holy Innocents
[Lovers Walk/Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

Sunday 31st December
8.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Holy Communion
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

9.15am
Crichton Royal Church – Ecumenical service
[Bankend Road, Dumfries]

10.00am
Lochfoot Mission Hall – Morning Worship
[Main Street DG2 8NR – part of Irongray, Lochrutton & Terregles Group of Churches]

11.00am
Maxwelltown West Church – Morning Worship (End of year Communion)
[Laurieknowe, Dumfries DG2 7AH]

11.00am
St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Said Eucharist
[Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW]

11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns – The Holy Family
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF] Happy New Year!

Monday 1 January 2018
11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns – Mary Mother of God
[Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

Saturday 6 January Epiphany
11.30am
St Bride’s (Greyfriars) Anglican Church
Low Mass with Hymns [Church Crescent, Dumfries DG1 1DF]

Sunday 21 January
Dumfries Christian Network Prayers for Christian Unity
St Mary’s-Greyfriars Church – time to be confirmed
[St Mary’s Street, Dumfries DG1 (opposite the Cairndale Hotel)]

Videos show the work of the Church in Dumfries

The Guid Nichburris Songs of Praise event on 11th June 2017 featured three video reports, from Dumfries Baptist Church, Dunscore Parish Church and Bethany Christian Trust’s local initiative. Watch the reports again here: