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What’s in a name?
St Quivox refers to the name of the entire Parish. The Parish of St Quivox has two churches: Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village, and Dalmilling Church on Dalmilling Road, Ayr. The name St Quivox is an unusual and its origins are obscure. The church was originally called Sanchar-in-Kyle and may have been dedicated to an 11th century St Kevoka, also called Mochaemhog, an Irish Christian alive in the 7th Century, who may have worked in this area of Scotland and who died in 699. The name of the church has changed over the years being variously known as St Kenockis, St Cavocks and St Evox. The church was still known by this name in the 18th century. St Quivox Roman Catholic Church in Prestwick has the Saint’s festival day as the 24th February. |
Auchincruive Church in the present day.
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Beginnings
In 1208, the church on the Auchincruive site was originally called Sanchar-in-Kyle, and was described as a Rectory.
In 1221, it was mentioned in connection with the founding of the Gilbertine Priory of St Mary at Dalmulin within the Parish, and in 1238 came under the ownership of Paisley Abbey when the monks left Dalmulin.
At this time it was a Roman Catholic Church. The movement away from Rome began, both in England and the Continent. Scotland lagged behind in the initial stages, but, under the impetus of John Knox, officially adopted the reformed and Protestant religion.
During that time, there was strong antagonism towards the churches of 'Popish' connection, and many of these were wholly or partly destroyed or bereft of their valuables. St Quivox must, of course, have passed through this phase, but there is no evidence that it suffered in any way. After the Reformation in 1560, the church became used for the Protestant form of worship.
In 1208, the church on the Auchincruive site was originally called Sanchar-in-Kyle, and was described as a Rectory.
In 1221, it was mentioned in connection with the founding of the Gilbertine Priory of St Mary at Dalmulin within the Parish, and in 1238 came under the ownership of Paisley Abbey when the monks left Dalmulin.
At this time it was a Roman Catholic Church. The movement away from Rome began, both in England and the Continent. Scotland lagged behind in the initial stages, but, under the impetus of John Knox, officially adopted the reformed and Protestant religion.
During that time, there was strong antagonism towards the churches of 'Popish' connection, and many of these were wholly or partly destroyed or bereft of their valuables. St Quivox must, of course, have passed through this phase, but there is no evidence that it suffered in any way. After the Reformation in 1560, the church became used for the Protestant form of worship.
Ministers
After 1560, it was difficult to get a sufficient number of qualified ministers acceptable to the new regime, and a class of Probationers known as Readers, (or Exhorters), was employed.
These Readers (who were really lay assistants), were placed one in each Parish under the direction of the regional ordained Ministers. Generally they were precluded from solemnizing marriages or administering the sacraments.
The Church of St Quivox was served intermittently by four Readers from 1567 till 1591. After this, all the occupants of the charge were ordained ministers.
The second of these Readers,Hew Kennedy had to cover a lot of ground, as do many ministers in linked or united charges, as he served under the supervision and director of Maister Johnne Nisbett, Minister of Tarbolton, Barnwell, St Kenochis, Prestwick and Monckton!
Other than between 1604 and 1732, there is a continuous record of the Ministers who have faithfully served this parish.
1567-1591 Four Readers (lay assistants) including Hew Kennedy,
1604 Colin Row
∞
1732 Rev George Reid (Moderator of the General Assembly 1755-56)
1764 Rev William McQuhae (Mentioned by Burns in ‘The Twa Herds’)
1818 Rev Stair Park McQuhae (son of the above)
1858 Rev Archibald H Charteris (Moderator of the General Assembly and Founder of the Womens’ Guild)
1859 Rev James Wilson
1906 Rev James Peter Wilson (eldest son of the above)
1942 Rev Lyle B Wilson (grand-nephew of the Rev James Wilson)
1979 Rev Robert Brown
1985 Rev Gordon McRae
1989 Rev David Ness
2009 Rev Rona Young (assisted from 2012 by Rev Douglas Moore)
2015 Rev Ken Yorke (Interim Moderator)
2019 Rev John McCutcheon
After 1560, it was difficult to get a sufficient number of qualified ministers acceptable to the new regime, and a class of Probationers known as Readers, (or Exhorters), was employed.
These Readers (who were really lay assistants), were placed one in each Parish under the direction of the regional ordained Ministers. Generally they were precluded from solemnizing marriages or administering the sacraments.
The Church of St Quivox was served intermittently by four Readers from 1567 till 1591. After this, all the occupants of the charge were ordained ministers.
The second of these Readers,Hew Kennedy had to cover a lot of ground, as do many ministers in linked or united charges, as he served under the supervision and director of Maister Johnne Nisbett, Minister of Tarbolton, Barnwell, St Kenochis, Prestwick and Monckton!
Other than between 1604 and 1732, there is a continuous record of the Ministers who have faithfully served this parish.
1567-1591 Four Readers (lay assistants) including Hew Kennedy,
1604 Colin Row
∞
1732 Rev George Reid (Moderator of the General Assembly 1755-56)
1764 Rev William McQuhae (Mentioned by Burns in ‘The Twa Herds’)
1818 Rev Stair Park McQuhae (son of the above)
1858 Rev Archibald H Charteris (Moderator of the General Assembly and Founder of the Womens’ Guild)
1859 Rev James Wilson
1906 Rev James Peter Wilson (eldest son of the above)
1942 Rev Lyle B Wilson (grand-nephew of the Rev James Wilson)
1979 Rev Robert Brown
1985 Rev Gordon McRae
1989 Rev David Ness
2009 Rev Rona Young (assisted from 2012 by Rev Douglas Moore)
2015 Rev Ken Yorke (Interim Moderator)
2019 Rev John McCutcheon
Stone panel bearing the date, the Cathcart coat-of-arms and motto "I Hope to Speed".
The first restoration.
.Perhaps the church building suffered, as did many churches in the Reformation’s zeal to destroy any evidence of Catholicism, but we have no records of this. We do know that Auchincruive Church was restored in 1595 by Alan, Fourth Lord Cathcart, owner of Sundrum and Auchincruive Estates, and Patron of St Quivox Church.
He was bom in 1537 and owned the Estates from 1547 until 1618. He was an early Adherent to the Protestantism of John Knox and agreed by bond to the Reformed religion.
In 1569, he joined the Regents Council Board (after the defeat of Queen Mary's forces at Langside) and was created a member of the Privy Council, and in 1610, was appointed one of the first Justices of the Peace in Ayr.
Lord Cathcart's interest in St Quivox was considerable and the alterations and restoration carried out to his instructions in 1595 were marked by a stone panel on the outside south wall of the older part of the church bearing the date, the Cathcart coat-of-arms and motto "I Hope to Speed".
Over the centuries, the church has undergone various changes in structure and outline. In its earliest form, it probably consisted solely of a long hall running along the current pulpit wall The pulpit and chancel were thought to be on the east wall, and the covered-in door on that wall probably served as an entrance for the priest.
This first restoration probably carried carried out on Lord Cathcart's instruction in 1595 moved the pulpit to its present position and added a portion - the 'body' o' the kirk - opposite the pulpit making a T shape,
.Perhaps the church building suffered, as did many churches in the Reformation’s zeal to destroy any evidence of Catholicism, but we have no records of this. We do know that Auchincruive Church was restored in 1595 by Alan, Fourth Lord Cathcart, owner of Sundrum and Auchincruive Estates, and Patron of St Quivox Church.
He was bom in 1537 and owned the Estates from 1547 until 1618. He was an early Adherent to the Protestantism of John Knox and agreed by bond to the Reformed religion.
In 1569, he joined the Regents Council Board (after the defeat of Queen Mary's forces at Langside) and was created a member of the Privy Council, and in 1610, was appointed one of the first Justices of the Peace in Ayr.
Lord Cathcart's interest in St Quivox was considerable and the alterations and restoration carried out to his instructions in 1595 were marked by a stone panel on the outside south wall of the older part of the church bearing the date, the Cathcart coat-of-arms and motto "I Hope to Speed".
Over the centuries, the church has undergone various changes in structure and outline. In its earliest form, it probably consisted solely of a long hall running along the current pulpit wall The pulpit and chancel were thought to be on the east wall, and the covered-in door on that wall probably served as an entrance for the priest.
This first restoration probably carried carried out on Lord Cathcart's instruction in 1595 moved the pulpit to its present position and added a portion - the 'body' o' the kirk - opposite the pulpit making a T shape,
Early Beginnings.
It has long been recognised by historians that the name "St Quivox" is somewhat obscure. The original name of the church was "Sanchar-in-Kyle" and was dedicated to St Kevoca or Sancta Kevoca, Patroness of Kyle, who lived in the eleventh century and was distinguished for her zeal in promoting monastic institutions. The name changed several times and appears as St Kenockis, St Cavocks and St Evox which name persisted until at least the 18th century.
In Paterson's "History of Ayrshire" we find that the Church of Sanquhar was a rectory and existed prior to 1208. That information derived from the earliest record of the Church. It is mentioned in connection with the founding of the Gilbertine Priory of St Mary at Dalmulin within the Parish in 1221.
The Priory (or Monastery or Convent as it is variously called) continued until 1238 when the monks left Dalmulin and the Priory came under the ownership of Paisley Abbey.
It continued in this position until the Reformation. Until then, (around 1560), our forebears had generally been of the Roman Catholic faith. The movement away from Rome began much earlier, both in England and the Continent. Scotland lagged behind in the initial stages, but made rapid progress under the impetus of John Knox and officially adopted the reformed and Protestant religion in the wake of England. During the transition there was strong antagonism towards the churches of Popish connection, and many of these were wholly or partly destroyed or bereft of their valuables. St Quivox must, of course, have passed through this phase, but there is no evidence that it suffered in any way.
In Paterson's "History of Ayrshire" we find that the Church of Sanquhar was a rectory and existed prior to 1208. That information derived from the earliest record of the Church. It is mentioned in connection with the founding of the Gilbertine Priory of St Mary at Dalmulin within the Parish in 1221.
The Priory (or Monastery or Convent as it is variously called) continued until 1238 when the monks left Dalmulin and the Priory came under the ownership of Paisley Abbey.
It continued in this position until the Reformation. Until then, (around 1560), our forebears had generally been of the Roman Catholic faith. The movement away from Rome began much earlier, both in England and the Continent. Scotland lagged behind in the initial stages, but made rapid progress under the impetus of John Knox and officially adopted the reformed and Protestant religion in the wake of England. During the transition there was strong antagonism towards the churches of Popish connection, and many of these were wholly or partly destroyed or bereft of their valuables. St Quivox must, of course, have passed through this phase, but there is no evidence that it suffered in any way.
After 1560, it was difficult to get a sufficient number of qualified ministers acceptable to the new regime, and a class of Probationers known as Readers, (or Exhorters), was employed. These Readers (who were really lay assistants), were placed as far as possible, one in each Parish under the direction of the regional ordained Ministers. Generally they were precluded from solemnizing marriages or administering the sacraments. The Church of St Quivox was served by four Readers from 1567 intermittently until 1591. Following this, however, all the occupants of the charge were ordained ministers.
In these present days of 'multiple ministries', it is interesting to note, that the second of these Readers, Hew Kennedy, "served under the supervision and director of Maister Johnne Nisbett, Minister of Tarbolton, Barnwell, St Kenochis, Prestwick and Monckton"!
There are several unaccountable gaps and, apart from the names of the Readers, there is little precise information about the Church itself for a number of years after 1560, but it could safely be assumed that the building fell into disrepair.
In these present days of 'multiple ministries', it is interesting to note, that the second of these Readers, Hew Kennedy, "served under the supervision and director of Maister Johnne Nisbett, Minister of Tarbolton, Barnwell, St Kenochis, Prestwick and Monckton"!
There are several unaccountable gaps and, apart from the names of the Readers, there is little precise information about the Church itself for a number of years after 1560, but it could safely be assumed that the building fell into disrepair.
The Church was restored in 1595 by Alan, the fourth Lord Cathcart who was the owner of Sundrum and Auchincruive Estates and, therefore, Patron of St Quivox Church. Bom in 1537 and owner of these Estates from 1547 until 1618, he was an early Adherent to the Protestantism of John Knox and agreed by bond to the Reformed religion. In 1569, he joined the Regents Council Board (after the defeat of Queen Mary's forces at Langside) and was created a member of the Privy Council. In 1610, Lord Cathcart was appointed one of the first Justices of the Peace in Ayr.
Lord Cathcart's interest in St Quivox was considerable and the alterations and restoration carried out to his instructions in 1595 were marked by a stone panel on the outside south wall of the older part of the church bearing the date, the Cathcart coat-of-arms and motto "I Hope to Speed".
Obviously, over the centuries, the church has undergone various changes in structure and outline. It is thought that in its very earliest form, the building consisted solely of the east-west stretch running between the Craigie and Whitletts galleries. There were, of course, no galleries at that time. Originally, the pulpit and chancel would be located towards the east wall, and the blind door on that wall probably served as an entrance for the priest. Apart from shifting the pulpit, the first major alteration was the addition of the northward portion - ie. 'the body of the kirk' - which faces the pulpit. It is thought most likely that this alteration was the one carried out on Lord Cathcart's instruction in 1595.
Lord Cathcart's interest in St Quivox was considerable and the alterations and restoration carried out to his instructions in 1595 were marked by a stone panel on the outside south wall of the older part of the church bearing the date, the Cathcart coat-of-arms and motto "I Hope to Speed".
Obviously, over the centuries, the church has undergone various changes in structure and outline. It is thought that in its very earliest form, the building consisted solely of the east-west stretch running between the Craigie and Whitletts galleries. There were, of course, no galleries at that time. Originally, the pulpit and chancel would be located towards the east wall, and the blind door on that wall probably served as an entrance for the priest. Apart from shifting the pulpit, the first major alteration was the addition of the northward portion - ie. 'the body of the kirk' - which faces the pulpit. It is thought most likely that this alteration was the one carried out on Lord Cathcart's instruction in 1595.
Restoration.
The east-west stretch running between the Craigie and Whitletts galleries.
Craigie Gallery (Upper Left )
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The Oswald Gallery from the Pulpit
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Whitletts Gallery from the Pulpit
The next change to the church was made in 1767 by Mr Richard Oswald when he added the Auchincruive gallery and the underlying burial vault. The Church "was repaired, uniformly seated, and plaistered by the heritors; and a new aile built by the Patron".
Auchincruive Estate had been purchased by Mr Oswald in 1764 and the Patronage of the Church went with the sale. It is worth noting that in 1765, Mr Richard Oswald presented the Communion Cups to the Church which are still in use.
A further addition was made early in the 19th century (most probably the Whitletts and Craigie galleries). This was the final change to the church and so it has remained to the present day.
The Rev. J. P. Wilson wrote in 1930 -
"In its present form which it has retained almost unchanged externally and internally since the days of Sir Walter Scott, with its outside gallery stairs and its plain unvarnished pews, it has a homely attractiveness and a quaint interest of its own. Box pews are still in evidence and ladles continue to be used for taking up the collection".
It is interesting to note the number of old and unusual tombstones in the churchyard. At least one dates back to 1657 and there are quite a number in the 1700's. As the church goes back to the 13th. century and the oldest tombstone is some four centuries later, are we to assume that the earlier burials were made elsewhere?
Auchincruive Estate had been purchased by Mr Oswald in 1764 and the Patronage of the Church went with the sale. It is worth noting that in 1765, Mr Richard Oswald presented the Communion Cups to the Church which are still in use.
A further addition was made early in the 19th century (most probably the Whitletts and Craigie galleries). This was the final change to the church and so it has remained to the present day.
The Rev. J. P. Wilson wrote in 1930 -
"In its present form which it has retained almost unchanged externally and internally since the days of Sir Walter Scott, with its outside gallery stairs and its plain unvarnished pews, it has a homely attractiveness and a quaint interest of its own. Box pews are still in evidence and ladles continue to be used for taking up the collection".
It is interesting to note the number of old and unusual tombstones in the churchyard. At least one dates back to 1657 and there are quite a number in the 1700's. As the church goes back to the 13th. century and the oldest tombstone is some four centuries later, are we to assume that the earlier burials were made elsewhere?
A Stonemason's Tools?
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The Garden of Eden.
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The first ordained minister on record after the Reformation (and after the Readers already mentioned) was Colin Row in 1604. Since then, twenty six ordained ministers have been admitted to the charge. Notable ministries of the past include those of: Rev. George Reid, admitted to St Quivox on 23rd November 1732. Mr Reid was the Moderator of the General Assembly in 1755-56 when Charles, the ninth Lord Cathcart was Lord High Commissioner. Mr Reid died in 1763 aged 70.
Rev. William McQuhae was ordained and admitted on 1st March 1764. He was awarded a D.D. (St Andrews) in 1794 and was proposed as Moderator of the General Assembly in 1806, but declined. Dr McQuhae is mentioned in Bums’ "The Twa Herds".
He is described as "A learned and able man of business. His cheerful and happy temper, his rich
fund of anecdote and flow of wit, rendered him an agreeable and pleasant companion." He was married twice and had 15 children who included daughters named Charles and Glencairn and a son called Stair! Dr McQuhae died in 1823 aged 86.
(An interesting footnote is that the Old Manse at Auchincruive was built in 1823 - just too late to accommodate all these children!)
Rev. Stair Park McQuhae, youngest son of the above. Presented by George Oswald of Auchincruive, September 1818; ordained Assistant and successor on 2nd March 1820. He was awarded a D.D. (Glasgow) in 1840 and retired in bad health in 1859 although he lived till 1872.
Between them, father and son ministered to the charge for almost 100 years.
He is described as "A learned and able man of business. His cheerful and happy temper, his rich
fund of anecdote and flow of wit, rendered him an agreeable and pleasant companion." He was married twice and had 15 children who included daughters named Charles and Glencairn and a son called Stair! Dr McQuhae died in 1823 aged 86.
(An interesting footnote is that the Old Manse at Auchincruive was built in 1823 - just too late to accommodate all these children!)
Rev. Stair Park McQuhae, youngest son of the above. Presented by George Oswald of Auchincruive, September 1818; ordained Assistant and successor on 2nd March 1820. He was awarded a D.D. (Glasgow) in 1840 and retired in bad health in 1859 although he lived till 1872.
Between them, father and son ministered to the charge for almost 100 years.
Memorial Plaque to Rev. James Wilson, Minister at Auchincruive 1859 - 1906.
Rev. Archibald H. Charteris. Presented by Alexander Oswald of Auchincruive and ordained Assistant and successor on 27th June 1858. He was translated to New Abbey on 21st July 1859.
Dr Charteris remained in St Quivox only a year and a month but he made his mark upon the Parish before he left and the Parish left its mark upon him. Dr Charteris became one of the foremost churchmen of his time and was responsible for the inception of the Committee on Christian Life and Work, the revival of the Order of Deaconesses and was, of course, the Founder of the Woman's Guild.
He became Moderator of the General Assembly and during his year in office he revisited St Quivox and received an enthusiastic welcome when he preached again in the ancient sanctuary in which he had been ordained.
Rev James Wilson. Presented by Alexander Oswald of Auchincruive and ordained Assistant and successor on 10th November 1859. Mr Wilson was Clerk to the Presbytery of Ayr from 1866 till 1901 and died in May 1906 aged 74.
Rev. James Peter Wilson, eldest son of the above. Admitted 23rd August 1906 and remained Minister of the Parish until he retired in 1941. Mr Wilson died on 13th November 1959 aged 90.
Rev. W. Lyle B. Wilson, grand-nephew of the Rev. James Wilson and nephew of the Rev. J. P. Wilson. Admitted in 1941 and retired in April 1978.
The "Wilson Family" together served St Quivox for One Hundred and Nineteen years. They were greatly admired and respected for their devotion and dedication to the people of the Church and Parish.
Rev. Robert Brown: 1979 to 1984, moving to Queens Cross Church, Aberdeen.
Rev. Gordon McRae: 1985 to 1989.
Rev. David Ness: 1989 to his retirement in 2008.
Rev. Rona Young: 2009 to 2015, assisted by Rev. Douglas Moore. (Ordained Local Minister)
Rev. Kenneth Yorke: 2015 to 2019 (Interim Moderator)
Rev. John McCutcheon: 2019 to present day
Wallacetown
When reading these old accounts, other points of local interest crop up. One of particular interest to us is Wallacetown which was part of St Quivox Parish.
In 1793, the district of Wallacetown was growing rapidly. This influx of inhabitants was due to the extensive collieries on the Blackhouse estate in the Parish and on the lands belonging to the community of Newton adjoining it.
Further, a considerable number from Ireland and the West Highlands settled here as weavers, day-labourers etc "because they got higher wages than at home". Being three miles distant from the Parish Church, many took the opportunity of attending public worship at Newton but (we learn from the records) "they had no seats"!
So, the growth of the population in this area led to a state of imbalance and it was agreed that a new, near-at-hand church was called for. By 1836, following sanction the previous year by the General Assembly, Wallacetown became disjoined 'quoad sacra' from the Parish of St Quivox. It is good to know that, to this day, the good people of Wallacetown regard St Quivox as their 'Mother Church'.
In 1793, the district of Wallacetown was growing rapidly. This influx of inhabitants was due to the extensive collieries on the Blackhouse estate in the Parish and on the lands belonging to the community of Newton adjoining it.
Further, a considerable number from Ireland and the West Highlands settled here as weavers, day-labourers etc "because they got higher wages than at home". Being three miles distant from the Parish Church, many took the opportunity of attending public worship at Newton but (we learn from the records) "they had no seats"!
So, the growth of the population in this area led to a state of imbalance and it was agreed that a new, near-at-hand church was called for. By 1836, following sanction the previous year by the General Assembly, Wallacetown became disjoined 'quoad sacra' from the Parish of St Quivox. It is good to know that, to this day, the good people of Wallacetown regard St Quivox as their 'Mother Church'.
Some statistics from the Parish may also be of interest:
In 1767, the total population of the Parish was:
In the country - 96 families, being 490 souls
In Wallacetown - 250 families, being 960 souls
The combined total of 1,450 people (souls) shows an increase of 951 over the total for 1755.
A day labourer lived comfortably on a shilling a day, and the schoolmaster's salary was £12 per annum plus school fees, bringing the total to about £24 plus house and garden. Men servants received from £6 to £8 a year in wages and women servants from £3 to £4 a year.
From the 'Statistical Account' of that period, we further read that "There are about 20 on the Poor’s List who receive only 2 shillings each per month contributed by the Church (this figure was later increased to 10 shillings in very needy cases), and even this small amount could not be afforded them from the weekly collections in the church, but the Kirk Session has received in donations and legacies during the last ten years above £100 which they distributed among the poor”.
To those who in 1837 were members of Friendly Societies and contributed weekly while in work, infirmity and sickness benefits amounted to 4 shillings per week, plus a marriage allowance and funeral expenses.
In 1767, the total population of the Parish was:
In the country - 96 families, being 490 souls
In Wallacetown - 250 families, being 960 souls
The combined total of 1,450 people (souls) shows an increase of 951 over the total for 1755.
A day labourer lived comfortably on a shilling a day, and the schoolmaster's salary was £12 per annum plus school fees, bringing the total to about £24 plus house and garden. Men servants received from £6 to £8 a year in wages and women servants from £3 to £4 a year.
From the 'Statistical Account' of that period, we further read that "There are about 20 on the Poor’s List who receive only 2 shillings each per month contributed by the Church (this figure was later increased to 10 shillings in very needy cases), and even this small amount could not be afforded them from the weekly collections in the church, but the Kirk Session has received in donations and legacies during the last ten years above £100 which they distributed among the poor”.
To those who in 1837 were members of Friendly Societies and contributed weekly while in work, infirmity and sickness benefits amounted to 4 shillings per week, plus a marriage allowance and funeral expenses.
But to return to the old church at Auchincruive. In 1985, at a cost of some £83,000, extensive roof repairs, renovations to heating and lighting, and redecoration were carried out, but the Church itself remains unchanged.
The charge of Ayr: St Quivox, however, has seen several changes in the 20th century.
Early in the 1950s, with the ending of the War and the population of Whitletts expanding, new housing was built at Dalmilling and Whitletts and it was agreed that a 'church in the midst' was necessary. The "Hall Church" was built in the traditional Church of Scotland Church Extension manner, ie. One building with open seating, a stage at one end and a Sanctuary at the other. The Opening and Dedication Service of the new Hall-Church took place on the 2nd September 1953.
A further two halls and attendant facilities were added and officially Opened and Dedicated on the 21st February 1975. The main hall was named “The Wilson Hall” after the Wilson family.
In September 1981, a union took place between St. Quivox and Lochside Churches which lasted until 2008, when Lochside Church was joined with St. Columba Church, Ayr.
And so, we have come a long way since the days of the Dalmulin monks in the 13th century, and the various Patrons and Ministers down through the ages who have kept the name of St. Quivox alive. As we go forward celebrating so many years of the Church, who can say what will be the future of this ancient place that is so dear to all who are connected with it.
The charge of Ayr: St Quivox, however, has seen several changes in the 20th century.
Early in the 1950s, with the ending of the War and the population of Whitletts expanding, new housing was built at Dalmilling and Whitletts and it was agreed that a 'church in the midst' was necessary. The "Hall Church" was built in the traditional Church of Scotland Church Extension manner, ie. One building with open seating, a stage at one end and a Sanctuary at the other. The Opening and Dedication Service of the new Hall-Church took place on the 2nd September 1953.
A further two halls and attendant facilities were added and officially Opened and Dedicated on the 21st February 1975. The main hall was named “The Wilson Hall” after the Wilson family.
In September 1981, a union took place between St. Quivox and Lochside Churches which lasted until 2008, when Lochside Church was joined with St. Columba Church, Ayr.
And so, we have come a long way since the days of the Dalmulin monks in the 13th century, and the various Patrons and Ministers down through the ages who have kept the name of St. Quivox alive. As we go forward celebrating so many years of the Church, who can say what will be the future of this ancient place that is so dear to all who are connected with it.
Acknowledgements
The following References are acknowledged:
Nana Taylor – Session Clerk, 1982- 2004 – A Short History of St. Quivox Church – 1994.
Notes copied over 70 years ago by Mr Peter Forrest of The Old Schoolhouse, St Quivox, a former session Clerk of the Church;
The Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland, 1793 and 1897;
"Life and Work" August 1930;
St Quivox Kirk Session Minutes.
Photographs: David McMahon.
Nana Taylor – Session Clerk, 1982- 2004 – A Short History of St. Quivox Church – 1994.
Notes copied over 70 years ago by Mr Peter Forrest of The Old Schoolhouse, St Quivox, a former session Clerk of the Church;
The Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland, 1793 and 1897;
"Life and Work" August 1930;
St Quivox Kirk Session Minutes.
Photographs: David McMahon.