The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 2/3MacGibbon, David
History
The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland from the earliest Christian times to the seventeenth century; vol. 2/3
MacGibbon, David
Church architecture -- Scotland
There can be no doubt that Mr. Jervise is in error as to the church
being erected in 1557; but it was probably altered at that date, as the
eastern or priests’ doorway in the south wall (which is now square
headed, and has a transome and upper light over it) bears the date 1557.
That was probably the time when the church was altered for Presbyterian
worship. The sculptured ambry was probably executed in the early part of
the sixteenth century, before the Reformation.
In 1513-14 the Church of Auchindoir was erected into a prebend of King’s
College Chapel, Aberdeen. That would be a likely time for the
introduction of the sacrament house. The building continued to be
employed for divine service till 1810, when a new church was erected in
the neighbourhood. The old churchyard which surrounds the old church is
still used for interment.
When this church ceased to be used for service, the roof and woodwork
were sold, and some of the panelling, including the back of the pulpit,
which is carved with shields, is preserved in a farmhouse in the
vicinity.
ST. CUTHBERT’S, MONKTON; AND ST. NICHOLAS’, PRESTWICK, AYRSHIRE.
These two ruined churches are situated within a mile of one another on
the level ground near the sea, which forms the basin of the river Ayr,
near its mouth.
[Illustration: FIG. 706.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. Plan.]
Prestwick is an ancient town, which had a parish church; while Monkton
derived its name from the residence of a body of monks from Paisley.
Both St. Nicholas’ and St. Cuthbert’s were originally churches of
Prestwick, and were distinguished as Prestwick de Burgo and Prestwick
Monachorum. Both these churches were bestowed on Paisley Abbey, in 1163,
by Walter, son of the Great Steward of Scotland, and endowed with
valuable lands.
[Illustration: FIG. 707.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. View from South-East.]
Prestwick Church is mentioned in the Paisley Chartulary, in 1212, as a
chapel; Monkton continued as a rectory till the Reformation, and the two
parishes were united in the beginning of the seventeenth century. Till
1837 both churches were used for public worship.[108]
[Illustration: FIG. 708.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. South Doorway.]
The Church of St. Cuthbert (Fig. 706), at Monkton, has originally been
a simple oblong chamber, 46 feet in length by about 20 feet in width
internally. The walls of this part of the structure are undoubtedly
ancient, but they have been considerably altered, and a north wing has
been added after the Reformation. The belfry (Fig. 707) erected at that
period still exists on the east gable.
[Illustration: FIG. 709.--St. Nicholas’ Church. Plan.]
[Illustration: FIG. 710.--St. Nicholas’ Church. View from South-East.]
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