Its history goes back a couple of centuries, but after it hit the open marked it was at risk of being snapped up by property developers.
Now a historic Angus church has become a hub for its namesake clan following a global fundraising drive.
Guthrie Church, near Forfar, had been one of several kirks put up for sale by the Church of Scotland.
While they are often acquired by property developers who are keen to make unique home conversions, worldwide support made sure this one did not fall victim to a similar fate on the eve of its 200th birthday.
Instead, a crowdfunding campaign helped Clan Guthrie’s bid to buy the property for a reported value of around £100,000 – securing the last historical property the Guthrie’s are able to visit.
The granddaughter of the Guthrie chief has already made a visit of Angus ahead of foreign clan members later this year.
Remeny Royle, who is the chairman of the newly formed Guthrie Church charitable body, was given a tour of the building by long-standing former minister the Rev Brian Ramsey.
Ms Royle, who was joined by sons Alex and Luke as well as mother Flavia Guthrie-Armitage, told the Courier newspaper: ‘Guthrie Heritage will oversee this cherished landmark as a community and visitor centre dedicated to sharing the rich history of the Guthrie and surrounding Scottish clans.
‘The charity is committed to reopening the kirk for community engagement and events such as weddings and funerals.’
For the charity’s official launch in June, more than 30 members of Clan Guthrie will travel from the United States to Angus.
It is hoped local Guthries and others connected to the village will attend, and Ms Royle said centuries old family rivalries are being consigned to the past.
She told the newspaper: ‘From historic family battles to generous neighbours, it’s a beautiful reminder of how times changes and communities come together.
‘Plans are underway to create a visitor centre at Guthrie Kirk, set to open within the year.
‘Our vision is to ensure Guthrie Kirk remains a cornerstone of heritage – where the past is honoured and the future inspired.’
While the current church was built in 1826, the its history goes way further back.
It is said to have appeared in written records as far back as the 12th century when King William granted the land to the Guthries.
The church is adjacent to the Guthrie Aisle, where all the clan chiefs and family are buried, and there are many Guthrie headstones which date back hundres of years.
The name Guthrie is believe to be one of the oldest in the country although its exact origins are not known.
Well known Guthrie’s include Sir James Guthrie, one of the Glasgow Boys who helped transform Scottish art, and American folk singer Woody Guthrie.
American connections also go back far beyond the date the latest building was put up, with hundreds of Guthries emigrating across the Atlantic between 1650 and the late 1800s.