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 May 16th 2021
The next services are on
Sunday 16th May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church
and
Sunday 23rd May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church
Sunday 16th May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church
and
Sunday 23rd May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church
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Summer Flower of the week
The Welsh Poppy (Papaver Cambricum) growing on the verge across the road from the Old Manse in St Quivox village. Found all over the uplands areas of Western Europe and the western parts of the British Isles, and likes damp, rocky, shady ground best. It's the logo of Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Nationalist and Social Democratic political party. |
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for Sunday May 9th 2021
The next services are on
Sunday 9th May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church
and
Sunday 16th May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church
Sunday 9th May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church
and
Sunday 16th May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church
The Annual Stated Meeting for St Quivox Parish Church
will take place via Zoom on
Tuesday 11th May at 18:30pm.
It will be followed immediately
by the next meeting of the Kirk Session.
Please contact David McMahon for the Zoom link if you want to be at either meeting.
Church members not on the Kirk Session are always welcome to attend that too.
The Agenda for the Kirk Session is available here
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Willie Campbell celebrates 50 years as an Elder in the Church of Scotland
Willie Campbell celebrated this wonderful achievement on Sunday and will soon receive a Certificate signed by the Moderator.
Our Session Clerk was able to deliver a wee Afternoon Tea in a Box and a Card to Willie on Tuesday as a gesture from the Congregation congratulating this Golden Anniversary and 50 years of magnificent service to St. Quivox Parish Church. Well done Willie Campbell! |
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Great to see people coming back to the church services again! We still have to keep socially distanced so we're all a bit spread out - but there's plenty room for more! Everyone is welcome in this place. |
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New baby of the week
Welcoming Arwel and Marianne's new little son born this week. Arwel and Marianne were married in Auchincruive Church last March. |
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Summer flowers of the week
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Marsh Marigold
A member of the buttercup family - the name 'Mary Gold' referring to its use as a tribute to the Virgin Mary in Medieval Churches. It's a common flower with many other names such as Mary-blob, May-blob, Soldier's buttons and publican's cloak! These were beside a burn near Failford. |
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Siberian Spring Beauty
Otherwise known as Pink Purslane, this pretty plant was introduced to the UK in the 18th century is found in damp woodland and flowers between February and August.
There is a white variety, which is called the Stewarton Flower, as it is a genetic variety only found in that part of North Ayrshire. These more common pink ones were on the River Ayr walk near Ballochmyle Viaduct. |
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Yellow Dead Nettle
Sometimes known as the Yellow Archangel, this started out life as a European wild flower but was then introduced to UK gardens to provide dense cover. Unfortunately it escaped from the gardens and is now choking native wild plants. It's now an offence to plant these in the wild. The leaves don't sting - hence the name 'dead' nettle. This one was seen in woodland near the River Ayr. |
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for Sunday May 2nd 2021
The next services are on
Sunday 2nd May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
and
Sunday 9th May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
Sunday 2nd May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
and
Sunday 9th May at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
The Annual Stated Meeting for St Quivox Parish Church
will take place via Zoom on
Tuesday 11th May at 18:30pm.
It will be followed immediately
by the next meeting of the Kirk Session.
Please contact David McMahon for the Zoom link if you want to be at either meeting.
Church members not on the Kirk Session are always welcome to attend that too.
The Agenda for the Kirk Session is available here
It gives great pleasure to celebrate the faithful service given by
Willie Campbell
who celebrates
his 50th Anniversary
of becoming an Elder in the Church of Scotland.
Well done Willie!
Willie Campbell
who celebrates
his 50th Anniversary
of becoming an Elder in the Church of Scotland.
Well done Willie!
We regret to announce the sad death
of another of our church family,
Irene McCrorie
latterly of Claremont Care Home
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
of another of our church family,
Irene McCrorie
latterly of Claremont Care Home
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
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Summer flowers of the week
So many to choose from now, as the earth and the air heat up and the hedgerows, woods and grasses are filled with colour! Top of the list today is the beautiful blue Speedwell which popped its head up on the grass verge beside Auchincruive Church. |
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Just further along the wall were some White Bluebells, a happy genetic mutation from the more common blue bluebell. |
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Beside almost every roadway now you can see the tall Hedge Garlic, with its nettle-like leaves. Its other names are Jack by the Hedge, or Poor Man's Mustard, and if you rub the leaves you can get a mild mustardy smell from them. These were by the side of the road in St Q.
(The nettle is a member of the mint family and its flowers are more droopy) |
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And last, but by no means least, this week, is the humble Buttercup, which has finally made its appearance in Auchincruive Estate. It grows everywhere in Western Europe, from the north shores of the Med to the 60 degN parallel. |
And, if you can get there to see them, the combination of the cherry blossom, remaining daffodils and the carpet of bluebells in the woods in Auchincruive Estate just now is breathtaking.
for Sunday April 25th 2021
The next services are on
Sunday 25th April at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
and
Sunday 2nd May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
Sunday 25th April at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
and
Sunday 2nd May at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
The Annual Stated Meeting for St Quivox Parish Church
will take place via Zoom on
Tuesday 11th May at 18:30pm.
It will be followed immediately
by the next meeting of the Kirk Session.
Please contact David McMahon for the Zoom link if you want to be at the meeting.
Church members not on the Kirk Session are always welcome to attend that too.
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The next issue of the
St Q Church Magazine will be out in June to coincide with the June Communion Service. Please send any articles, ideas of interest or anything that takes your fancy for including in the magazine to Elizabeth Brechany by Sunday 9th May. That's two weeks from this Sunday. It's your magazine! Let Elizabeth hear from you! |
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A special St Q welcome
to this wee cutie! Introducing Keira who has chosen John and Kath as her family. Keira is just two months old and has already discovered the pleasures to had in swinging on the window blinds. My, what fun you're all going to have! |
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Spring Flower of the week
Our native Wild Garlic has now appeared! You can see its broad leaves and multiple flower heads on each stem and you'll certainly be able to smell it as you walk through our woodlands. Its aromatic carpet is another sign of an ancient woodland. Milder in taste to conventional garlic, the flowers and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and can be blended to make a delicious pesto to add to pasta, salads or soups. Also great in sandwiches! This can be confused with Lily of the Valley, which is poisonous, so make sure you get the correct plant!! |
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And.....this young couple celebrate
their 40 year Ruby Wedding Anniversary on Sunday 25th April 2021. They were married in Merrylea Parish Church by the Rev Ernest Smart and Y Parchedig (the Rev) R Gwilym Hughes of Caernarfon. The hymns were: 'All people that on Earth do dwell' and 'O Love divine and tender, that through our homes dost move.' |
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for Sunday April 18th 2021
The next services are on
Sunday 18th April at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
and
Sunday 25th April at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
Sunday 18th April at 10:30am
in Dalmilling Church in Whitletts
and
Sunday 25th April at 10:30am
in Auchincruive Church in St Quivox village
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Spring Flower of the week
How wonderful! The bluebells have returned to Auchincruive Estate, ready to thrill us all with their heady perfumed displays in the woods. They live in ancient woodland and have long been associated with fairy magic - if you pick one, you might be led astray by the fairies, to wander lost for evermore! In the Victorian language of flowers, the bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you can turn a bluebell inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells, you will only be able to speak the truth. All this is going to be awkward however, if you want to avoid being led astray as above! |
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You may find it of interest to read the text of the late
HRH Prince Philip's 1969 address
to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
HRH Prince Philip's 1969 address
to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
for Sunday April 11th 2021
The service this Sunday, 11th April '21, is in
Auchincruive Church, St Quivox at 10:30am
(The service on Sunday 18th April '21 will be in
Dalmilling Church, Whitletts)
Auchincruive Church, St Quivox at 10:30am
(The service on Sunday 18th April '21 will be in
Dalmilling Church, Whitletts)
Spring Flowers of the week
Every day new flowers are appearing, bringing splashes of bright colour
to the woods and the hedgerows.
Every day new flowers are appearing, bringing splashes of bright colour
to the woods and the hedgerows.
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My Lady's Smock is also known as the Cuckooflower, as its pretty lilac flowers open around the time of the first cuckoo's call. It likes damp grassland or verges. This bunch were on the side of the road between Stair and Annbank. It's an important food plant for butterflies. And you can use the young leaves instead of cress in sandwiches!
Red Campion is next - a very common sight all over the British Isles. These were in woodland on the River Ayr walk, on the sunny side of the river. Bumblebees and butterflies feed on its nectar and moths eat the leaves. These Few Flowered Garlic flowers are springing from the narrow leaves in the photo. They are invaders from Iran, the Caucuasus and Turmenistan, brought here in 1823. The Wildlife and Countryside Act makes it illegal to plant this in the wild as it forms a broad carpet, smothering native plants such as snowdrops. You can eat it raw and cooked. The broad leaves at the back will give rise later in the month to our own native Wild Garlic. These beautiful, beautiful Violets were growing on the sunny banks of the River Ayr behind Annbank. Species of Violets are found the world over. Newly opened violets are used to decorate dishes. The young leaves are edible, if bland. It is the traditional birth flower for February, and the county flower of Lincolnshire. |
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for Sunday April 4th 2021 - Easter Sunday
Easter Services this week are -
Good Friday 2nd April (7pm in Auchincruive Church)
and Easter Sunday 4th April (10:30am in Dalmilling Church)
A big 'Welcome Back' to all!
Next Sunday - 11th April will be at 10:30 in
Auchincruive Church, St Quivox village
Good Friday 2nd April (7pm in Auchincruive Church)
and Easter Sunday 4th April (10:30am in Dalmilling Church)
A big 'Welcome Back' to all!
Next Sunday - 11th April will be at 10:30 in
Auchincruive Church, St Quivox village
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The 1st Dalmilling Brownies have sent an Easter Card, wishing everyone at St Quivox Church -
Happy Easter 2021 from all the Owls and Brownies "What kinds of books does the Easter Bunny like? Ones with hoppy endings, of course!" |
Something a bit different, sent by our South African relatives
to wish everyone a Happy Easter
Indodana is a traditional isiXhosa Easter Hymn.
It is a prayer asking God to be with us in the time of mourning before the resurrection.
Singing in celebration of the Holy Week, we light a candle of unity as Christians around the world gather in spirit.
TRANSLATION
Ngob’umthathile umtwana wakho, uhlale nathi – because you have taken your son please stay with us Indodana ka Nkulunkulu bay’bethelela – they crucified the son of God Baba – Father (God)
Lead Singers: Lungelo Masango & Sandile Majola
to wish everyone a Happy Easter
Indodana is a traditional isiXhosa Easter Hymn.
It is a prayer asking God to be with us in the time of mourning before the resurrection.
Singing in celebration of the Holy Week, we light a candle of unity as Christians around the world gather in spirit.
TRANSLATION
Ngob’umthathile umtwana wakho, uhlale nathi – because you have taken your son please stay with us Indodana ka Nkulunkulu bay’bethelela – they crucified the son of God Baba – Father (God)
Lead Singers: Lungelo Masango & Sandile Majola
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Spring Cleaning at Auchincruive
With the help of a couple of bin bags and a shredder, all the old decaying wreaths have now gone, and the dead trees and branches turned into bark chippings. Looks a lot better now.
Dalmilling has felt the love too. Glenbuild have been back to redo some roofing problems, and all the litter has been cleared from the grounds on a number of occasions. |
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Spring Flower(s) of the week
A veritable posy of Spring Flowers this week, as the weather warms up and they poke their heads up at last. These are some which are easily overlooked! All were seen this week in the woodland on the north bank of the River Ayr, in a warm, but shaded area. The top picture shows the yellow flower of Woodspurge. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (Christina 'In the Bleak Midwinter' Rosetti's brother) wrote a poem mentioning it - ......... My eyes, wide open, had the run of some ten weeds to fix upon: Among those few, out of the sun, The woodspurge flower'd, three cups in one............. Barren Strawberry is next. It's a member of the rose family. Although it looks like a strawberry plant, it doesn't bear fruit. It's found all over Europe and likes woodland. The bottom photo is of Dog's Foot Mercury. It's an extremely poisonous woodland plant which grows in dense carpets. The last reported case of poisoning was in 1983. Its name comes from the fact that it looks a bit like another plant - Lincolnshire spinach, also called Mercury, with the 'dog' added to denote that it is bad, being poisonous. It can be used to make a blue dye, similar to indigo. It only grows south of the Great Glen. |
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for Sunday March 28th 2021
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St Quivox Parish Churches are re-opening for Public Worship
on Good Friday and Easter Sunday then every Sunday after. |
The first services are:-
Good Friday 2nd April (7pm in Auchincruive Church)
and Easter Sunday 4th April (10:30am in Dalmilling Church)
A series of three Reflections as we journey through Holy Week
Newton Wallacetown Church is hosting a series of reflections for Holy Week
Monday Rona Young from Newton Wallacetown
Tuesday Linda Watson from the Salvation Army
Wednesday John McCutcheon from St Quivox
These will be available as live videos at 7pm
on the Newton Wallacetown facebook page
Newton Wallacetown Church is hosting a series of reflections for Holy Week
Monday Rona Young from Newton Wallacetown
Tuesday Linda Watson from the Salvation Army
Wednesday John McCutcheon from St Quivox
These will be available as live videos at 7pm
on the Newton Wallacetown facebook page
A wee bit of useful and helpful advice from Voluntary Action South Ayrshire
Spring Flower of the week
The Coltsfoot is this week's flower, which lasts until early summer. A member of the daisy family, the leaf is supposed to look like a colt's foot, and the flower often mistaken for a dandelion. (Special reference to this week's Bible reading where there is a mention of a colt!)
This one was spotted during a litter clearing session in the grounds of Dalmilling Church, enjoying the morning sunshine outside the Wilson Hall emergency exit doors. (As was the litter picker-upper!)
Its 'Sunday Name' is Tussilago farfara - Latin 'tussa' to cough and 'ago' to act on, or to cast off. It's still used as an ingredient in some cough medicines, and is also in the confectionary, coltsfoot rock, but it's got some rather nasty actions on the liver if taken in excess.
The Coltsfoot is this week's flower, which lasts until early summer. A member of the daisy family, the leaf is supposed to look like a colt's foot, and the flower often mistaken for a dandelion. (Special reference to this week's Bible reading where there is a mention of a colt!)
This one was spotted during a litter clearing session in the grounds of Dalmilling Church, enjoying the morning sunshine outside the Wilson Hall emergency exit doors. (As was the litter picker-upper!)
Its 'Sunday Name' is Tussilago farfara - Latin 'tussa' to cough and 'ago' to act on, or to cast off. It's still used as an ingredient in some cough medicines, and is also in the confectionary, coltsfoot rock, but it's got some rather nasty actions on the liver if taken in excess.
for Sunday March 21st 2021
Dalmilling Church roof
There have been some problems over the past weeks' wet weather with water coming in through the roof in the corridor leading from the church to the Wilson Hall. Unfortunately, the leak was very close to the electricity meter, which meant the electricity had to be turned off, so there has been no heating in the church. The good news is that the leak has now been repaired, thanks to Kevin Aitken, and we are now waiting for the area to dry out before switching on the electricity again. Once we can get the electricity on, and the heating and lighting back on then we can get back in again!
There are still some problems with continuing roof leaks over the new back kitchen and Paul's office, which is causing damp in both these spaces, but the Fabric team are on the case and are chasing up the roofers.
There have been some problems over the past weeks' wet weather with water coming in through the roof in the corridor leading from the church to the Wilson Hall. Unfortunately, the leak was very close to the electricity meter, which meant the electricity had to be turned off, so there has been no heating in the church. The good news is that the leak has now been repaired, thanks to Kevin Aitken, and we are now waiting for the area to dry out before switching on the electricity again. Once we can get the electricity on, and the heating and lighting back on then we can get back in again!
There are still some problems with continuing roof leaks over the new back kitchen and Paul's office, which is causing damp in both these spaces, but the Fabric team are on the case and are chasing up the roofers.
Spring Flower of the week
The Butterbur is this week's flower, appearing from March to May.
It grows in wet ground beside rivers, canals and lakes, and in marshes and meadows. This one was on the bank of the River Ayr, near Annbank.
It grows very densely and the leaves can reach 1-1.5m across. The huge leaves were once used to wrap pats of butter - hence the name.
The Butterbur is this week's flower, appearing from March to May.
It grows in wet ground beside rivers, canals and lakes, and in marshes and meadows. This one was on the bank of the River Ayr, near Annbank.
It grows very densely and the leaves can reach 1-1.5m across. The huge leaves were once used to wrap pats of butter - hence the name.
Moderator's Photo Competition
This was a competition to find the best photo of the Cross, hidden in plain sight.
There are lots and lots of entries on the Church of Scotland competition webpage now, including at least three from St Q!
Have a browse through them - some are very inventive!
This was a competition to find the best photo of the Cross, hidden in plain sight.
There are lots and lots of entries on the Church of Scotland competition webpage now, including at least three from St Q!
Have a browse through them - some are very inventive!
for Sunday March 14th 2021
We have recently heard of the sad death of one of our church family,
John Cuthbert
after a long illness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter, Shona,
and all his family and friends.
John Cuthbert
after a long illness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter, Shona,
and all his family and friends.
Churches re-opening for Public Worship
The First Minister has announced that churches may open for Public Worship from Friday 26th March with a maximum of 50 people in attendance, but a final decision will be taken on Tuesday 23rd March.
Currently, we plan to open with our first services on Good Friday 2nd April (7pm)
and Easter Sunday 4th April (10am), but this is still provisional.
I will update the website with the and times
as soon the information becomes available.
The First Minister has announced that churches may open for Public Worship from Friday 26th March with a maximum of 50 people in attendance, but a final decision will be taken on Tuesday 23rd March.
Currently, we plan to open with our first services on Good Friday 2nd April (7pm)
and Easter Sunday 4th April (10am), but this is still provisional.
I will update the website with the and times
as soon the information becomes available.
Spring Flower of the week
The Lesser Celandine is regarded by many as a harbinger of Spring.
A member of the Buttercup family, its welcoming bright, yellow, glossy petals appear in early March. These little beauties popped up in Auchincruive Estate this week.
Its older name is Pilewort, an ointment of raw leaves said to bring relief to the appropriate area.
Although pretty, it is poisonous if ingested raw, and potentially fatal to grazing animals and livestock such as horses, cattle and sheep.
The Lesser Celandine is regarded by many as a harbinger of Spring.
A member of the Buttercup family, its welcoming bright, yellow, glossy petals appear in early March. These little beauties popped up in Auchincruive Estate this week.
Its older name is Pilewort, an ointment of raw leaves said to bring relief to the appropriate area.
Although pretty, it is poisonous if ingested raw, and potentially fatal to grazing animals and livestock such as horses, cattle and sheep.
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)