This is where all the news and intimations from St Quivox Parish Church live.
The page is updated every couple of days or so, so please keep checking back.
for Sunday March 7th 2021
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Remember
Sunday, 7th March is Communion Sunday You may be a member of the congregation; you may be just 'passing though', or perhaps, for whatever reason, you haven't been to a Communion Service for a long time, and are wondering about whether or not to watch this service. |
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Whoever you are, and whatever your situation, you are welcome.
If you would like to, have a glass of wine or juice and some bread ready.
If you would like to, have a glass of wine or juice and some bread ready.
The Rev James Wilson's relative
We had another nice email from the gentleman who had discovered that he was related to the Rev James Wilson (see 6th Dec 2020 news entry) He's been doing more research into the family history and found the sad information that the Rev Wilson had two young daughters, aged ten years and three years, who both died of scarlet fever within a fortnight of each other in 1878.
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(It's sobering to think of these times before antibiotics, when scarlet fever was the leading cause of death in children. Nowadays, because antibiotics have sometimes been used too widely, some strains of the particular bacteria which causes this illness have become resistant to the antibiotics normally used to treat it. Ed)
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On a happier note, the gentleman is still hoping to visit us here in St Quivox when the Covid coast is clear!
We had another nice email from the gentleman who had discovered that he was related to the Rev James Wilson (see 6th Dec 2020 news entry) He's been doing more research into the family history and found the sad information that the Rev Wilson had two young daughters, aged ten years and three years, who both died of scarlet fever within a fortnight of each other in 1878.
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(It's sobering to think of these times before antibiotics, when scarlet fever was the leading cause of death in children. Nowadays, because antibiotics have sometimes been used too widely, some strains of the particular bacteria which causes this illness have become resistant to the antibiotics normally used to treat it. Ed)
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On a happier note, the gentleman is still hoping to visit us here in St Quivox when the Covid coast is clear!
for Sunday February 28th 2021
More about the wall at Auchincruive today!
The lads from FT Stonemasonry are putting the finishing touches to the part of the wall by the gate. If you look closely at the close up of the wall, below, you'll see that the mortar to the bottom left of the photo is smooth, but the top right is rough. They use a sharp tool to roughen every area of the surface to bring out the beauty and sparkle of the aggregates in the mortar. It also makes it look instantly older. The mortar has been coloured a pinkish-buff using stone quarried in the West of Scotland to blend in with the mortar used on the surrounding stone buildings. The stonemasons say their business is going well, and if anyone wants any stonework attended to - here are their details!
The lads from FT Stonemasonry are putting the finishing touches to the part of the wall by the gate. If you look closely at the close up of the wall, below, you'll see that the mortar to the bottom left of the photo is smooth, but the top right is rough. They use a sharp tool to roughen every area of the surface to bring out the beauty and sparkle of the aggregates in the mortar. It also makes it look instantly older. The mortar has been coloured a pinkish-buff using stone quarried in the West of Scotland to blend in with the mortar used on the surrounding stone buildings. The stonemasons say their business is going well, and if anyone wants any stonework attended to - here are their details!
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Some more interesting History
The Rev Gerald Jones of Kirkmichael and of Straiton St Cuthbert's churches sent us, this week, some interesting historical information about Auchincruive Church and its links via the Oswalds of Auchincruive and the Kennedys of Culzean to the well-known author and broadcaster Sir Ludovic Kennedy.
The Rev Gerald Jones of Kirkmichael and of Straiton St Cuthbert's churches sent us, this week, some interesting historical information about Auchincruive Church and its links via the Oswalds of Auchincruive and the Kennedys of Culzean to the well-known author and broadcaster Sir Ludovic Kennedy.
Signs of Spring and Hope.
The catkins are in bud, flowers are enjoying the sun,
and Auchincruive Churchyard has rolled out its Spring carpet of snowdrops and crocuses for us.
A little yellow Celandine, one of the first flowers of Spring has also appeared.
The catkins are in bud, flowers are enjoying the sun,
and Auchincruive Churchyard has rolled out its Spring carpet of snowdrops and crocuses for us.
A little yellow Celandine, one of the first flowers of Spring has also appeared.
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Dalmilling Church is having its fair share of ongoing roadworks in front of it these days, as Scottish Gas upgrade the Gas Network. The works started in January and are planned to last 12 weeks in total. |
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for Sunday February 21st 2021
On the 15th February this year,
Douglas Boyd, our friend,
would have celebrated his 40th year as a Church Elder.
We remember him and miss him.
Douglas Boyd, our friend,
would have celebrated his 40th year as a Church Elder.
We remember him and miss him.
Kirk Session
There will be an extraordinary Meeting of the Kirk Session by Zoom
at 18:30 hrs on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
This meeting is to sign off the annual accounts.
If any one wishes to view the accounts and has not received a copy by email or post
please contact the Session Clerk.
There will be an extraordinary Meeting of the Kirk Session by Zoom
at 18:30 hrs on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
This meeting is to sign off the annual accounts.
If any one wishes to view the accounts and has not received a copy by email or post
please contact the Session Clerk.
Easter is only a few weeks away now and we will have to wait for guidance on Church Opening.
Good Friday is on April 2nd 2021
Easter Sunday is April 4th 2021
If we are able to open the churches,
the Easter Services will be in church.
If we are still unable to gather as a congregation in church, Services on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday will be held live, by Zoom.
More details will appear on the web and on fb as we get nearer the time,
and the situation becomes clearer.
Please keep checking back for updates.
Dalmilling Church Roof problems
There has been a fairly major leak in the roof at Dalmilling Church, in the area of the old kitchen/janitor room. The leak was above the electricity meter, so the electrics have been switched off for safety. This means that the heating is off. Fortunately we seem to be past the worst of the cold weather for the moment. An initial inspection has showed problems with the asphalt roof covering at that point. As there have been more minor leaks in some other areas of the roof, some ongoing, the Fabric Committee has recommended an inspection of the entire roof, and also need estimates on the costs of repairing the various leaks. Allan is helping enormously in finding roofers to give us the information needed.
There has been a fairly major leak in the roof at Dalmilling Church, in the area of the old kitchen/janitor room. The leak was above the electricity meter, so the electrics have been switched off for safety. This means that the heating is off. Fortunately we seem to be past the worst of the cold weather for the moment. An initial inspection has showed problems with the asphalt roof covering at that point. As there have been more minor leaks in some other areas of the roof, some ongoing, the Fabric Committee has recommended an inspection of the entire roof, and also need estimates on the costs of repairing the various leaks. Allan is helping enormously in finding roofers to give us the information needed.
Fire Safety News
Following on from the fires at the Glasgow School of Art, the Church of Scotland asked for Fire Inspections to be carried out at all its A Listed Church buildings. Auchincruive has been inspected and the recommendations from the report are being put in place. The only outstanding action is Fire Safety Training for the Elders, and Allan is booked to do a training session soon (by Zoom) so that he can relay the training to the rest of the Elders.
Following on from the fires at the Glasgow School of Art, the Church of Scotland asked for Fire Inspections to be carried out at all its A Listed Church buildings. Auchincruive has been inspected and the recommendations from the report are being put in place. The only outstanding action is Fire Safety Training for the Elders, and Allan is booked to do a training session soon (by Zoom) so that he can relay the training to the rest of the Elders.
The snowdrops are at their best now at Auchincruive, but look! There are tiny crocuses lifting their heads above ground too!
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Wall Update!
They've put on the mortar on the wall by the side gate now, and covered it up with a tarpaulin while it dries. The architect from the Council has recommended a mortar mix of 'buff and pink,' as he said it was not a true 'Mauchline pink,' having looked at the mortar on the surrounding cottage walls for comparison. 
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The workers have been very tidy, but I think all the neighbours will be glad to get the full width of the road back again. |
The far end of the churchyard wall has been built back up, and is looking really good. There is still a huge hole behind it, and piles of earth and turf waiting, ready to make it good as new. The finishing touch of the mortar has still to go on.
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for Sunday February 14th 2021
As Christians, we are looking now towards Easter.
Good Friday is on April 2nd 2021
Easter Sunday is April 4th 2021
If we are able to open the churches,
the Easter Services will be in church.
If we are still unable to gather as a congregation in church, Services on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday will be held live, by Zoom.
More details will appear on the web and on fb as we get nearer the time,
and the situation becomes clearer.
Please keep checking back for updates.
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A Spring-like feel to the light today at Auchincruive, even with the snow on Arran across the water.
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The wall keeps getting better! The coping stones are on and protected from the frost by a tarpaulin weighted down by turf!
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for Sunday February 7th 2021
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We're going to miss wee Tess 'helping' John and Katharine around Auchincruive church, and coming with them every December to advise on the Christmas decorations. |
Click the image to go to the Home4Cancer webpage for more info
Home4Cancer Capital Campaign
aims to build a centre in Ayrshire
to develop our existing work to include essential support services
for children and young people
affected by, or bereaved through, cancer.
The campaign is now looking for Volunteer Ambassadors
If this is something you, or someone you know, would be interested in, please get in touch with Martin Quigley at QuigleyM@ayrshirecs.org
Role profile
Be active in the Ayrshire community raising awareness
of the Home4Cancer Capital Campaign
to ensure that the community is informed about the project
and the vital role Ayrshire Cancer Support provides to cancer patients in Ayrshire, their families and friends.
Be the “face of the capital campaign” locally
to raise awareness of our services and the profile of the capital campaign generally.
Share our posts on social media platforms, Facebook, Linkedin etc.
Deliver talks to community groups and organisations, such as churches, Rotary clubs, etc.
Proactively seek opportunities to present information about the charity to local groups and organisations – but in particular your own contacts.
Represent the charity at cheque presentations when thanking a group, individual or company for their donation. Be comfortable getting photograph taken and providing a quote for press releases for local newspapers.
Expected commitment 2/3 hours per month.
aims to build a centre in Ayrshire
to develop our existing work to include essential support services
for children and young people
affected by, or bereaved through, cancer.
The campaign is now looking for Volunteer Ambassadors
If this is something you, or someone you know, would be interested in, please get in touch with Martin Quigley at QuigleyM@ayrshirecs.org
Role profile
Be active in the Ayrshire community raising awareness
of the Home4Cancer Capital Campaign
to ensure that the community is informed about the project
and the vital role Ayrshire Cancer Support provides to cancer patients in Ayrshire, their families and friends.
Be the “face of the capital campaign” locally
to raise awareness of our services and the profile of the capital campaign generally.
Share our posts on social media platforms, Facebook, Linkedin etc.
Deliver talks to community groups and organisations, such as churches, Rotary clubs, etc.
Proactively seek opportunities to present information about the charity to local groups and organisations – but in particular your own contacts.
Represent the charity at cheque presentations when thanking a group, individual or company for their donation. Be comfortable getting photograph taken and providing a quote for press releases for local newspapers.
Expected commitment 2/3 hours per month.
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The snowdrops are in full bloom in Auchincruive churchyard. |
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Auchincruive wall update - the back wall is ready now for the men to heave the huge coping stones into place - missing pieces of stone where some had just gone to rubble, have been replaced with brand new sandstone. One of the stonemasons said that the wall seemed to have been built in two stages - an earlier, lower and wider part, which had then been heightened at a later date. It's interesting to conjecture that these may have corresponded to the 1500s early church and then the 1700s restoration.
KIRK SESSION MEETING
The next meeting of the Kirk Session will be on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 18:30pm
The meeting will be by Zoom and the link will be emailed to you in advance.
The next meeting of the Kirk Session will be on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 18:30pm
The meeting will be by Zoom and the link will be emailed to you in advance.
As Christians, we are looking now towards Easter.
Good Friday is on April 2nd 2021
Easter Sunday is April 4th 2021
If we are able to open the churches,
the Easter Services will be in church.
If we are still unable to gather as a congregation in church, Services on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday will be held live, by Zoom.
More details will appear on the web and on fb as we get nearer the time,
and the situation becomes clearer.
Please keep checking back for updates.
The next North Ayr Prayer Meeting
is on Monday 8th Feb by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to to get the link and join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
or the minister.
is on Monday 8th Feb by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to to get the link and join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
or the minister.
March issue of the Church Magazine
Something you've seen, or you'd like to write, or send into
the March issue of the Church Magazine?
Please let Elizabeth have it either in writing before the 7th of Feb
or by email by the 11th of Feb.
Something you've seen, or you'd like to write, or send into
the March issue of the Church Magazine?
Please let Elizabeth have it either in writing before the 7th of Feb
or by email by the 11th of Feb.
for Sunday January 31st 2021
All news for this week has been moved to next week as still current.
for Sunday January 24th 2021
It is with great sadness that the death of
Elizabeth Gilmour
is announced.
Please remember
Elizabeth, and Gordon and all family and friends in your prayers.
Elizabeth Gilmour
is announced.
Please remember
Elizabeth, and Gordon and all family and friends in your prayers.
The next North Ayr Prayer Meetings
is on Monday 8th Feb by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to to get the link and join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
or the minister
is on Monday 8th Feb by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to to get the link and join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
or the minister
An important letter to all,
from The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Dear friends,
Perhaps as never before in recent times, folks have 'tried praying'!
The global pandemic has raised so many questions, not least about our vulnerability and mortality,
that many people have found themselves wondering about deeper matters
and not least that which is usually referred to as 'spiritual'.
There are some within the Christian fold who adopt a somewhat sneering, cynical attitude in response.
Much as they criticise those who worship at Christmas by asking: "Where are they on the other fifty-one weeks of the year?", they contemptuously dismiss those who have turned to prayer in recent times,
suggesting that looking for God in an emergency is shallow and infantile and hardly worthy of a response.
I take a different view. An entirely different view.
Should those who are genuinely seeking be dismissed and put off, or encouraged?
If there is even a mustard-seed worth of faith, shouldn't it be fed and nourished?
The trypraying initiative has grown significantly through the years
and now has a significant degree of 'brand recognition'.
Its simple seven-day format offers a challenge,
but one that seems attainable to those who may be doing no more than enquiring.
And just as importantly, trypraying has now built up a considerable case history;
that is, people who have tried praying and have met with significant responses.
I can't imagine that there's a better year for congregations to have a go with trypraying.
I'm delighted to commend it to you and offer my encouragement to those who make it happen,
that it may be a blessing to the whole Church at this time:
www.trypraying.co.uk
www.thereishope.co.uk
Every blessing,
Rt Revd Dr W Martin Fair
Moderator
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
from The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Dear friends,
Perhaps as never before in recent times, folks have 'tried praying'!
The global pandemic has raised so many questions, not least about our vulnerability and mortality,
that many people have found themselves wondering about deeper matters
and not least that which is usually referred to as 'spiritual'.
There are some within the Christian fold who adopt a somewhat sneering, cynical attitude in response.
Much as they criticise those who worship at Christmas by asking: "Where are they on the other fifty-one weeks of the year?", they contemptuously dismiss those who have turned to prayer in recent times,
suggesting that looking for God in an emergency is shallow and infantile and hardly worthy of a response.
I take a different view. An entirely different view.
Should those who are genuinely seeking be dismissed and put off, or encouraged?
If there is even a mustard-seed worth of faith, shouldn't it be fed and nourished?
The trypraying initiative has grown significantly through the years
and now has a significant degree of 'brand recognition'.
Its simple seven-day format offers a challenge,
but one that seems attainable to those who may be doing no more than enquiring.
And just as importantly, trypraying has now built up a considerable case history;
that is, people who have tried praying and have met with significant responses.
I can't imagine that there's a better year for congregations to have a go with trypraying.
I'm delighted to commend it to you and offer my encouragement to those who make it happen,
that it may be a blessing to the whole Church at this time:
www.trypraying.co.uk
www.thereishope.co.uk
Every blessing,
Rt Revd Dr W Martin Fair
Moderator
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
Good progress on the walls at Auchincruive.
for Sunday January 17th 2021
This week we are saddened to hear of the death of
Mr Jim Sinclair
Jim's son Alan and his wife Daisy have been coming regularly to the St Quivox Parish Church services since they arrived from Malaysia in February last year, before the first lockdown, because of the illness and subsequent death of Jim's wife Sally.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family just now
in this hard year for them.
Mr Jim Sinclair
Jim's son Alan and his wife Daisy have been coming regularly to the St Quivox Parish Church services since they arrived from Malaysia in February last year, before the first lockdown, because of the illness and subsequent death of Jim's wife Sally.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family just now
in this hard year for them.
March issue of the ST Q Church Magazine
Something you've seen or you'd like to write or send into
the March issue of the Church Magazine?
Please let Elizabeth have it
either in writing before the 7th of Feb
or by email by the 11th of Feb.
Something you've seen or you'd like to write or send into
the March issue of the Church Magazine?
Please let Elizabeth have it
either in writing before the 7th of Feb
or by email by the 11th of Feb.
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North Ayr Prayer Meetings
started up on Monday evening (11th January) by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
and he'll send you the link.
started up on Monday evening (11th January) by Zoom.
The meetings are at 18:30pm
If you want to join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
and he'll send you the link.
Work is continuing on the walls at Auchincruive. The gentlemen have made a really neat job of the wall at the gate and have now just the coping stones to replace. That first one with the V cut out is going to find its place easily I think! They have also opened up the far wall more extensively.
Into the churchyard, the snowdrops are back in abundance.
Into the churchyard, the snowdrops are back in abundance.
for Sunday January 10th 2021
Anne Houston wishes to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and condolences following the death of her dear husband Tom at the end of November
The weather is so cold that no further work has been possible on the wall at Auchincruive. The soil is frozen solid.
We live in a beautiful area.
And even with so much cold weather, and ice on the River Ayr at Auchincruive,
a Chinese Rowan tree in the grounds of the estate is thinking of Spring.
And even with so much cold weather, and ice on the River Ayr at Auchincruive,
a Chinese Rowan tree in the grounds of the estate is thinking of Spring.
Following the First Minister's Statement at 1400hrs today (Monday 4th January),
there will be no public services of Worship
at either Dalmilling or Auchincruive churches during January.
Funerals and Weddings are still permitted but with considerable restrictions on numbers.
The weekly Sunday Online services will continue as usual.
there will be no public services of Worship
at either Dalmilling or Auchincruive churches during January.
Funerals and Weddings are still permitted but with considerable restrictions on numbers.
The weekly Sunday Online services will continue as usual.
North Ayr Prayer Meetings
are starting up next Monday evening (11th January) by Zoom.
The meetings will be at 18:30pm
If you want to join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
and he'll send you the link.
are starting up next Monday evening (11th January) by Zoom.
The meetings will be at 18:30pm
If you want to join in, please get in touch with Paul Algeo, our Community Worker
on PAlgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
and he'll send you the link.
Spooky goings-on at Auchincruive churchyard?
No - just a stonemason sheltering from the cold in his cosy wee bivouac.
No - just a stonemason sheltering from the cold in his cosy wee bivouac.
The intrepid Fabric Team have braved the Artic conditions and have taken down the Christmas banners and the Dalmilling Church Christmas Tree and lights, and put everything away safely for next Christmas. Thanks Gentlemen!
for Sunday January 3rd 2021
South Ayrshire is still in Tier Four.
There will be no Public Services in either Auchincruive or Dalmilling churches
until at least January 17th 2021, or whilst Tier Four continues.
Sad to say, but needs must.
There will be no Public Services in either Auchincruive or Dalmilling churches
until at least January 17th 2021, or whilst Tier Four continues.
Sad to say, but needs must.
Sunday December 27th 2020
The Council workers are making a lovely job of replacing the wall by the side gate at Auchincruive, after attending to the tree roots pushing against it.
From Rev John McCutcheon (23rd Dec)
Hi everyone,
I don't know about everyone else, but for me it definitely isn't beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at the moment.
I know that this year has been a tough one for many of us for one reason or another, and it has also been a tough one for the Church. And with the restrictions and announcements that were made on Saturday evening, it was possibly the last things that we wanted or needed to hear.
That said, I would like to congratulate and thank everyone for the perseverance and work that has been put in to keeping the Church going during 2020. it's not been easy but it has been greatly appreciated, not just by me but by the members of our congregation who have attended the services throughout the year, and especially since the pandemic. A lot of churches have remained closed since March, but due to everyone's efforts we have managed to reopen. Not just that but we have also been able to turn our hands to putting out an online service as well. A lot of tears, laughter and hard work has gone into that. We also have a presence on social media through our Facebook page, which resulted in an enquiry from one of the wee Islands off Australia (as you can tell I've forgotten it's name at the moment). We have also engaged with numerous enquiries about other aspects to the church as well.
I'm saying all that to say that although we might be dis-heartened just now with everything that is going on, God, in His own mysterious way is still at work, and may He always be our focus as we move into 2021, as we are definitely going to need Him.
I know that this Christmas will not be the one you planned or even hoped it might be, but nonetheless can I still take the opportunity to wish everyone of you, and everyone in the church who is not on e-mail a Peaceful and Merry Christmas and a Good New Year. As someone said, we've come this far, staying apart, together.
Stay safe and hopefully we can meet up together at some point next year.
John
Hi everyone,
I don't know about everyone else, but for me it definitely isn't beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at the moment.
I know that this year has been a tough one for many of us for one reason or another, and it has also been a tough one for the Church. And with the restrictions and announcements that were made on Saturday evening, it was possibly the last things that we wanted or needed to hear.
That said, I would like to congratulate and thank everyone for the perseverance and work that has been put in to keeping the Church going during 2020. it's not been easy but it has been greatly appreciated, not just by me but by the members of our congregation who have attended the services throughout the year, and especially since the pandemic. A lot of churches have remained closed since March, but due to everyone's efforts we have managed to reopen. Not just that but we have also been able to turn our hands to putting out an online service as well. A lot of tears, laughter and hard work has gone into that. We also have a presence on social media through our Facebook page, which resulted in an enquiry from one of the wee Islands off Australia (as you can tell I've forgotten it's name at the moment). We have also engaged with numerous enquiries about other aspects to the church as well.
I'm saying all that to say that although we might be dis-heartened just now with everything that is going on, God, in His own mysterious way is still at work, and may He always be our focus as we move into 2021, as we are definitely going to need Him.
I know that this Christmas will not be the one you planned or even hoped it might be, but nonetheless can I still take the opportunity to wish everyone of you, and everyone in the church who is not on e-mail a Peaceful and Merry Christmas and a Good New Year. As someone said, we've come this far, staying apart, together.
Stay safe and hopefully we can meet up together at some point next year.
John
Dalmilling Church is looking very Festive this year!
Courtesy of the Church Lighting Department of Messrs McMahon, Fulton and Williams
Courtesy of the Church Lighting Department of Messrs McMahon, Fulton and Williams
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South Ayrshire is back into Tier Four.
There will be no Public Services in either Auchincruive or Dalmilling churches
until at least January 17th 2021, or whilst Tier Four continues.
This feels just dreadful over Christmas, but needs must.
There will be no Public Services in either Auchincruive or Dalmilling churches
until at least January 17th 2021, or whilst Tier Four continues.
This feels just dreadful over Christmas, but needs must.
for Sunday December 20th 2020
The first snowdrops and crocuses
have appeared in the churchyard at Auchincruive.
Spring, and better times, will come.
have appeared in the churchyard at Auchincruive.
Spring, and better times, will come.
Work continues on stabilising the walls
Archeology find
Rathmell Archeology from Kilwinning (http://www.rathmell-arch.co.uk) is overseeing any finds uncovered during the wall repairs at Auchincruive Church. Today (18th December) a buried headstone was found, bearing the inscription "sacred to the memory of", but no name could be made out. Some remains were found with it, so the stones and the remains are been transported to Kilwinning for safekeeping during the dig, and will be reinterred at the same spot when the ground is being filled in.
["Rathmell Archaeology provides commercial archaeological and heritage consultancy services to developers and their agents, land managers, civil engineers, heritage authorities and local government departments across Scotland."]
Rathmell Archeology from Kilwinning (http://www.rathmell-arch.co.uk) is overseeing any finds uncovered during the wall repairs at Auchincruive Church. Today (18th December) a buried headstone was found, bearing the inscription "sacred to the memory of", but no name could be made out. Some remains were found with it, so the stones and the remains are been transported to Kilwinning for safekeeping during the dig, and will be reinterred at the same spot when the ground is being filled in.
["Rathmell Archaeology provides commercial archaeological and heritage consultancy services to developers and their agents, land managers, civil engineers, heritage authorities and local government departments across Scotland."]
Wall repairs at Auchincruive
South Ayrshire Council have begun repairs to two parts of the churchyard wall at Auchincruive church. A large tree root has been disrupting the wall by the side gate, and the wall at the far corner, by the Kirkgreen cottages, has been bowing outwards for a while now. Today, the workmen were taking down the wall to expose the tree roots, lifting the turf at the far corner in preparation fro work there, and deciding on the colour of the cement they should use when putting back the stones. They're looking at a mix of buff and pink, but not a true 'Mauchline' pink.
South Ayrshire Council have begun repairs to two parts of the churchyard wall at Auchincruive church. A large tree root has been disrupting the wall by the side gate, and the wall at the far corner, by the Kirkgreen cottages, has been bowing outwards for a while now. Today, the workmen were taking down the wall to expose the tree roots, lifting the turf at the far corner in preparation fro work there, and deciding on the colour of the cement they should use when putting back the stones. They're looking at a mix of buff and pink, but not a true 'Mauchline' pink.
Remembering one of our church family,
Jenny Ewart
who has sadly died
Our thoughts and prayers go to
her friends and family.
Her private funeral is on Tuesday 22nd December,
and, for anyone wishing to pay their respects,
the cortege will journey along Low Road, Whitletts at 3pm.
Jenny Ewart
who has sadly died
Our thoughts and prayers go to
her friends and family.
Her private funeral is on Tuesday 22nd December,
and, for anyone wishing to pay their respects,
the cortege will journey along Low Road, Whitletts at 3pm.
for Sunday December 13th 2020
Current Scot Gov Covid Protection Levels as they apply to churches
South Ayrshire is in Level 3
South Ayrshire is in Level 3
The Big Church Sing Christmas Special!
🎵 🌍🎄
The Methodist Church Big Church Sing and Nativity is here!
Raise your voices to your favourite carols and join in a special extraordinary nativity
as we celebrate across the nation and globally!
Follow the guiding star - and this link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeBSH2w1GQ
Featuring: Libera
Lucy Grimble and Bianca Rose
The Belfast Community Gospel Choir
Emu Music
Tom McConnell
The Jazz Community Church
OneSound
The 1600 singers of the National Methodist Choir of Great Britain
and CeeBeebies' Gemma Hunt with an original Nativity story
All performing to support All We Can's vital Christmas campaign - Extraordinary Gifts - for some of the world's poorest communities! You can order Extraordinary Gifts for your loved ones this Christmas now at allwecan.org.uk/shop
Pray. Give. Sing and save lives!
🎁 🎄💛🎶
🎵 🌍🎄
The Methodist Church Big Church Sing and Nativity is here!
Raise your voices to your favourite carols and join in a special extraordinary nativity
as we celebrate across the nation and globally!
Follow the guiding star - and this link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeBSH2w1GQ
Featuring: Libera
Lucy Grimble and Bianca Rose
The Belfast Community Gospel Choir
Emu Music
Tom McConnell
The Jazz Community Church
OneSound
The 1600 singers of the National Methodist Choir of Great Britain
and CeeBeebies' Gemma Hunt with an original Nativity story
All performing to support All We Can's vital Christmas campaign - Extraordinary Gifts - for some of the world's poorest communities! You can order Extraordinary Gifts for your loved ones this Christmas now at allwecan.org.uk/shop
Pray. Give. Sing and save lives!
🎁 🎄💛🎶
MONTHLY PRAYER MEETINGS are re-starting on Monday 11th January 2021. These will be Zoom meetings and will be at 6:30 pm on the SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH. (They will revert to the first Monday when actual face to face meetings start up again.) Paul Algeo will send out the link, so if you want to be included, please let Paul know on palgeo@churchofscotland.org.uk
for Sunday December 6th 2020
This week we remember in our prayers
Tommy Lewis
Our thoughts and prayers go to
his many friends and family
at this sad time.
Tommy Lewis
Our thoughts and prayers go to
his many friends and family
at this sad time.
The Reverend James Wilson
We find out about a new family connection!
Many church members affectionately remember the ministers of the Wilson family and their 119 year record of service to St Quivox and the community.
I was delighted to hear this week from a gentleman, a retired solicitor, who lives in Haddington and who, researching his family tree, found out that he was related to Rev James Wilson!
This is what he tells us:
"To go back to the beginning, my ancestors come from the Parish of Scoonie, Leven, Fife, although for some reason that I don’t know and will probably never find out, my grandfather, who had been dux of the Bell-Baxter School there, went to St Andrews University at the age of 15 and graduated MA in Classics at the age of 19, left the farm at Prestonhall, just outside Cupar where my great grandfather was the tenant farmer and moved to Galashiels with his wife some time after they married. He had a Stationers and Newsagents shop in Gala.
I was in a unique situation in that my father and his cousin who lived in Edinburgh wrote down the family tree. That was all very well but the only date they put in was the date of my paternal grand-parents’ marriage in 1856! In 1999, I joined the East Lothian University of the Third Age (U3A).
You probably know, or know of, the U3A, and the East Lothian one had a Family History Research group, so I joined it. Between that and 'Scotlandspeople' I was able to put some meat on the bones, but I was stymied over some things. One major problem was that I found out that my mother’s mother was unmarried when my mother was born. No doubt because of that very little was ever said about my mother’s family.
However it all changed when the 1911 Census went on-line and I discovered a whole lot about my mother’s side of the family. One of the most remarkable things was that I my mother’s mother had been born on an estate just along the road from where I live in Haddington where my maternal grandfather was the farm Grieve!
One of the dead-ends I had was over an item in the family tree of a Rev James Wilson.
Last Friday morning after exiting from Tesco I spoke to a chap who works in East Lothian Council’s Museum Service and knows a lot about local history etc. When I told him my dilemma he told me about the (now) online resource of Fasti Ecclesiae Scotanicae.
I thought that trying to find James Wilson was going to be hard-going but I soon got the hang of it. Just to be difficult, the Rev James Wilson appears in two volumes! The earlier one relates to his time as a probationer at Belhaven, which isn’t all that far from Haddington and is just outside Dunbar on its west side.
The other volume relates to his being called to St Quivox. I have to admit that I don’t know much about the West of Scotland. After seeing that he was ordained at St Quivox I then did the logical thing and looked up the church which is how I came to email you (John). My church, Haddington West has nothing like the history or appearance of St Quivox. I took the virtual tour of your church and I was amazed at it, especially inside.
I think the saying about God moving in a mysterious way
doesn’t begin to cover all that has happened since last Friday morning!"
-----o0o------
(I've sent the gentleman some photos of the Wilsons' gravestones in Auchincruive churchyard in StQ, and maybe when we're more free to travel and meet up, he'll be able to come to pay us a visit in this lovely part of the world. E)
We find out about a new family connection!
Many church members affectionately remember the ministers of the Wilson family and their 119 year record of service to St Quivox and the community.
I was delighted to hear this week from a gentleman, a retired solicitor, who lives in Haddington and who, researching his family tree, found out that he was related to Rev James Wilson!
This is what he tells us:
"To go back to the beginning, my ancestors come from the Parish of Scoonie, Leven, Fife, although for some reason that I don’t know and will probably never find out, my grandfather, who had been dux of the Bell-Baxter School there, went to St Andrews University at the age of 15 and graduated MA in Classics at the age of 19, left the farm at Prestonhall, just outside Cupar where my great grandfather was the tenant farmer and moved to Galashiels with his wife some time after they married. He had a Stationers and Newsagents shop in Gala.
I was in a unique situation in that my father and his cousin who lived in Edinburgh wrote down the family tree. That was all very well but the only date they put in was the date of my paternal grand-parents’ marriage in 1856! In 1999, I joined the East Lothian University of the Third Age (U3A).
You probably know, or know of, the U3A, and the East Lothian one had a Family History Research group, so I joined it. Between that and 'Scotlandspeople' I was able to put some meat on the bones, but I was stymied over some things. One major problem was that I found out that my mother’s mother was unmarried when my mother was born. No doubt because of that very little was ever said about my mother’s family.
However it all changed when the 1911 Census went on-line and I discovered a whole lot about my mother’s side of the family. One of the most remarkable things was that I my mother’s mother had been born on an estate just along the road from where I live in Haddington where my maternal grandfather was the farm Grieve!
One of the dead-ends I had was over an item in the family tree of a Rev James Wilson.
Last Friday morning after exiting from Tesco I spoke to a chap who works in East Lothian Council’s Museum Service and knows a lot about local history etc. When I told him my dilemma he told me about the (now) online resource of Fasti Ecclesiae Scotanicae.
I thought that trying to find James Wilson was going to be hard-going but I soon got the hang of it. Just to be difficult, the Rev James Wilson appears in two volumes! The earlier one relates to his time as a probationer at Belhaven, which isn’t all that far from Haddington and is just outside Dunbar on its west side.
The other volume relates to his being called to St Quivox. I have to admit that I don’t know much about the West of Scotland. After seeing that he was ordained at St Quivox I then did the logical thing and looked up the church which is how I came to email you (John). My church, Haddington West has nothing like the history or appearance of St Quivox. I took the virtual tour of your church and I was amazed at it, especially inside.
I think the saying about God moving in a mysterious way
doesn’t begin to cover all that has happened since last Friday morning!"
-----o0o------
(I've sent the gentleman some photos of the Wilsons' gravestones in Auchincruive churchyard in StQ, and maybe when we're more free to travel and meet up, he'll be able to come to pay us a visit in this lovely part of the world. E)
for Sunday November 29th 2020
This week we remember in our prayers our friend
Revd Tom C Houston.
Our thoughts and prayers go to
Anne's and Tom's friends and family
at this sad time.
Revd Tom C Houston.
Our thoughts and prayers go to
Anne's and Tom's friends and family
at this sad time.
The Campbells of Craigie
News of a highly regarded lady
Professor Stephen Martin from Durham, after watching the Open Doors 2020 Video Tour about Auchincruive Church, writes:
"Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this delightful and spiritual film. The focus of the curved pews is lovely. I am researching Lady Jane Munro, née Campbell, (1790-1850), whose monument is in the Playfair mausoleum.
She was very highly thought of and almost certainly a pillar in reforming education in Regency India for girls and boys, Hindus and Muslims. She would have sat in the Craigie pew as a child, but I have no doubt that she was no stranger to altruism and the common touch.
Do please look at her portrait - she deserves to be a lot better known: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw04578/Jane-Lady-Munro"
News of a highly regarded lady
Professor Stephen Martin from Durham, after watching the Open Doors 2020 Video Tour about Auchincruive Church, writes:
"Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this delightful and spiritual film. The focus of the curved pews is lovely. I am researching Lady Jane Munro, née Campbell, (1790-1850), whose monument is in the Playfair mausoleum.
She was very highly thought of and almost certainly a pillar in reforming education in Regency India for girls and boys, Hindus and Muslims. She would have sat in the Craigie pew as a child, but I have no doubt that she was no stranger to altruism and the common touch.
Do please look at her portrait - she deserves to be a lot better known: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw04578/Jane-Lady-Munro"
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In the Current Protection Levels for Scotland,South Ayrshire is now in Level FOUR.
St Quivox Parish Church
WILL NOT
be holding services of public worship
while we are in Level FOUR.
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY
The online services will continue every week.
St Quivox Parish Church
WILL NOT
be holding services of public worship
while we are in Level FOUR.
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY
The online services will continue every week.
Volunteer Scotland
If you're looking for any volunteering opportunities in South Ayrshire,
here is the link to local needs for volunteers.
https://search.volunteerscotland.net/search?sort=&campaign=coronavirus&location=Ayr%2C+South+Ayrshire&distance=5&lat=55.458243558932104&lng=-4.629030326125048&keywords=
If you're looking for any volunteering opportunities in South Ayrshire,
here is the link to local needs for volunteers.
https://search.volunteerscotland.net/search?sort=&campaign=coronavirus&location=Ayr%2C+South+Ayrshire&distance=5&lat=55.458243558932104&lng=-4.629030326125048&keywords=
St Quivox Parish Church: Ayr (Church of Scotland) (known as Ayr:St Quivox Parish Church) is a Scottish Charity, SC004906, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)