A local undertaker in Buckie, Laura Wood, has purchased the former Church of Christ building at Cluny Terrace with plans to expand her funeral home business and make the space available to the community. The church had been sitting empty for seven years before Laura and her business partner, William Paterson, decided to revamp it.
Laura expressed her excitement about repurposing the building and mentioned that the community response has been positive. She highlighted the friendly nature of the locals in Buckie and mentioned how welcoming they have been since she moved to the town.
In addition to expanding her business, Laura aims to offer the space to community groups and charities, such as those providing counseling services. She emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that has been kind to her and her business.
Furthermore, Laura recognized the changing trends in the funeral sector, with some families preferring more intimate and personalized funeral services outside of traditional church settings. By providing a space like the former church building, she hopes to cater to the needs of these families and offer them a comfortable and suitable venue for funeral services and gatherings.
Laura shared the history of the building, explaining its origins as an independent church that closed down after the owner passed away. She also mentioned her personal journey into becoming a funeral director, which was inspired by the passing of her grandmother and her desire to ensure that loved ones are looked after with care and respect.
As a gesture of goodwill, Laura donated the original pews from the church building to the local men’s shed, highlighting her commitment to giving back to the community and repurposing resources in a meaningful way.
Overall, the redevelopment of the former Church of Christ building by Joe Dawsons Funeral Home represents a thoughtful and community-oriented approach to business expansion, catering to the changing needs and preferences of families in the Buckie area.
