Documents from the 19th century onwards, artefacts from the last 100 years and photographs of church groups and activities from the early 1900s through to the present day will be on display.

Parish minister Jim Campbell says it is important to remember past church history.

He told The Wee Paper: “The names Heatherlie, Lawson Memorial, St Mary’s and the West Church are familiar to many. They are just some of the names and buildings from the church’s past in Selkirk, and they all form a part of the town’s heritage.

“And although the buildings have since disappeared or been converted for other use, that rich heritage remains.”

Jean Wood, of the Selkirkhire Antiquarian Society, has been heavily involved in preparing the exhibition.

She told us: “I have really enjoyed researching the Christian heritage of the last 100 years in Selkirk – in particular, the photographs capture generations of Souters. I think people will enjoy seeing themselves, friends and generations of family members taking part in church activities which have formed part of our cultural heritage.”

And the exploration of that cultural heritage goes back centuries, with displays examining the Celtic roots of the Christian faith and how they developed, looking in particular at Aidan and Cuthbert, saints forever associated with the Borders.

The open day will also focus on the role of the church in current times; the impact of faith on people whose lives were dramatically changed by Christianity; and how the local parish church is also part of a global church, through such initiatives as the recent twinning of the Presbytery of Melrose and Peebles with the Presbytery of Zomba in Malawi.

The Rev. Campbell commented: “An important feature will be to consider the demands and challenges of the 21st century and how the church should respond both locally and in the wider global context.”

Louise Raffier, one of the organisers, added: “The purpose of the open day is to celebrate the contribution of the church to the history of Selkirk, inform people what the church does nowadays in the life of the community, and hopefully inspire people to consider the future role of church in their lives and the life of Selkirk.”

z The open day is being held at the parish church on Saturday, August 23, between 10am-4pm.