The beautiful valley of Kindee was originally named by the first settler there, Mr Newman Hollis, after his father's farm in England. He purchased land there in 1856 and became the first of a number of early pioneers to live and work the land in that area. The Kirkman family followed in 1900, with the McKinnons in 1907 and a number of other well-known families including the Hucketts, Steeps and Elphicks etc thus establishing a growing and thriving community throughout the valley. One of our local historians, Margaret Trotter, published a very informative book in 2000 entitled, 'Beyond the Swinging Bridge', all about Kindee. (Thanks to all our local historians who have provided us with a rich literacy portrait of the Hastings, well illustrated with familiar photographs.)

Our particular interest on this occasion is with the McKinnon family. Neil McKinnon settled in Kindee in 1907.

From his large family of 10 sons and one daughter, came the many families which made up the growing congregation of the Free Presbytarian Church (connected to the Free Church of Scotland) in the Kindee valley.

These people would meet in homes for worship on the Lord's Day until a church building was erected and opened on the 23rd June 1939.

On June 27th at the church, a brief service of worship will be held in thanksgiving to the Lord of the church, followed by a picnic lunch on the grounds. A paper will be given on aspects of the church's history in the area. A welcome is extended to any who would be interested in attending. A plate would be appreciated to help with catering.