Auld Kirk of John the Baptist, Ayr, South Ayrshire One Place Study

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Auld Kirk of John the Baptist, Ayr, South Ayrshire One Place Study

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Name

Auld Kirk of John the Baptist, Ayr, South Ayrshire One Place Study

Geography

Continent: Europe

Country: Scotland

State/Province: South Ayrshire

County:

GPS Coordinates: 55°27'46.080"N, 4°37'43.392"W

Elevation:

Overview

Saint John the Baptist is the Patron Saint of Ayr.

In 1205 Ayr was named a Royal Burgh by way of a Royal Charter granted by Scottish King William The Lion (1142-1214).

The people of the Burgh decided that they needed a Kirk to go along with the title, so they proceeded to build one on the sand dune near the shore, and named it St. John the Baptist Kirk, aka the Burgh Kirk. It was a success until English General Oliver Cromwell came along in 1652 to build a large citadel which forced the Kirk to relocate to another area.

The newer and present Auld Kirk of Ayr, aka St. John the Baptist Kirk is the product of that relocation.

History

^[1]

To understand the history of the present Kirk, it is necessary to explain a reference summary of the original Burgh Kirk first which has a great history to it as well.

(Original) Burgh Kirk of St. John the Baptist c.1233

The Norman style Burgh Kirk was a large wooden structure, cruciform in plan (shape of a cross as viewed in plan view), oriented West to East, and was built sometime at the end of the 1100's or early 1200's, but was not completed until 1233 and noted in a town charter which authorized the Kirk to establish a 'Sang Schule of Air' (a choir school for boys in Ayr), which eventually became the Ayr Academy. A bell tower in stone and was added later.

The Kirk's front entrance would have extended out into the today's Bruce Crescent and maybe Citadel Place as well.

Robert the Bruce met here with the Scottish Parliament in 1315.

The Kirk was Roman catholic until the mid 1500's when John Knox led the Reformation of Scotland and preached here in 1547 and on numerous other occasions as well. In 1560, St. John's became a Protestant Kirk under an act of parliament.

In 1563, Mary Queen of Scots slept here for one night on her way to Glenluce.

When English General Oliver Cromwell came to the region in 1651, he decided that Ayr was a good strategic site for a large citadel and proceeded with his plan to build in 1652. The plan however was to include the only existing structures within its wall's perimeter, and that was the Burgh Kirk and tower. The tower was a perfect ready made lookout for his troops to watch out for approaching enemies.

The good people of the Kirk wanted no part of this plan and decided to take Cromwell's offer of 1000 Merks (600 Pounds Sterling) to relocate to another site. The citadels commander, Colonel Matthew Alured signed the official 'Deed of Gift' and the Kirk doors were closed by the Rev. William Adair therefore starting a new chapter of the Kirk history. Until the new Kirk was built. they used the grammer school on the Sandgate as a temporary house of worship.

The citadel ended up having a short life span and was abandoned when the Scots took control of the land, and the citadel was demolished in 1660.

Even after it closed, the Burgh Kirk was used by some parishioners between 1687-1688, then it sat empty for about forty years before its condition required demolishing. The stone tower was left intact and still stands today with its adjoining graveyard in a quiet residential area of Ayr.

(New and Current) Auld Kirk of Ayr of St. John the Baptist c.1654

The new Kirk site chosen was over by the River Ayr in a quiet spot previously occupied by the Franciscan friary dating back to 1472. By the time the (new) Auld Kirk was built in 1654 no vestiges of the friary remained. Grey Friars Monastery, chapel and gardens occupied the site by the Franciscan Order from 1472 until 1560.

The (new) Auld Kirk was thought out without an architect in cruciform plan by Rev. William Adair (last minister of the (old) Burgh Kirk, and soon to be the first minister of the new Kirk), Theophilas Rankeine (town Burgess), John Masoun (mason), and John Smith (mason from Kilmaurs). A contract to build was signed on June 16, 1653 with a cost of 20,827 Pounds Scots (1,733 Pounds Sterling). With the front money from Cromwell, the townsfolk made up the difference in costs.

Read details below in the Auld Kirk of Ayr heading.

Auld Kirk of Ayr

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Exterior

The (new) Auld Kirk was started in 1654 and completed in 1656 is accessed via the Kirkport (Lane) off the High Street. At the top of the lane is 'Lychgate', an arched stone entrance which was built in 1656. At this entrance are two examples of 'Mort-Safes' on display which were used to protect graves from robbery. This archway leads to the Kirk graveyard and Kirk beyond.

The Kirk is a combination of odd shaped rubble sandstone (likely original 1654) and also of cut sandstone blocks, (likely the 1933 addition) all laid horizontally. The Kirk was modified and updated as follows: 1836 alterations by David Bryce (including replacement ceiling, dormers renewed and doubled in number), general renovation 1864, refurnished 1887, addition and alterations 1933, general renovation 1952.

The graveyard is filled to capacity with hundreds of graves and markers. Along the North wall is memorials and markers of those long departed.

See also Gravesite heading below.

Interior

The interior is a quiet place away from the outside world just feet away on the High Street. It features timber roof beams, pews, (box pew to East) and church furniture (predominantly late 19th century), bow-fronted paneled pulpit with sounding board (rebuilt).

The Kirk can seat 900 people.

William Burnes (the poet's father) served as an Elder here and also held the post of Presbytery Elder. Robert Burns worshiped here as well for 17 years. The Burns family likely sat near where the bronze statuette of the poet now stands. It was in The Auld Kirk as a child that Robert Burns learned to worship God, reinforcing his Elder father's teaching at home.

Chancel Area

The ceiling originally featured a 'hessian fabric' (Jute plant woven material) and was later changed to wood. The huge roof beams were cut and shaped without modern tools but using 'adze' (similar to an ax with a sharp flat cutting surface) like tools, oak nails, and slates secured by wooden pegs. It is accessible from the Merchants' loft.

The organ loft was originally behind the pulpit. The full pipe organ was controlled electrically.

The militia flags displayed are those of local regiments (Ayrshire Yeomanry, Royal Scots Fusiliers).

Communion table

Dedicated at the Kirk's Tercentenary (300 hundred years in 1954) contains panels from (old) Church of St John .

Front of Pulpit and facing doorway

On immediate left is a tablet for 7th centenary of Ayr Academy in 1933; Glass case containing Deed of Gift letter(see below) from Colonel Alured; Fastl plaque (memorial to Rev Gillieson) (which lists all ministers of Auld Kirk (Second Charge and First).

THE DEED OF GIFT (as written - note spelling) "I do hereby testify that Major General Deane did promise unto ye Burrough of Ayre the soume of one thousand markes sterlinge money towards ye buildinge of a church in that Towne, by reason that theire former church was employed for ye publique, and did give me order to pay 200 lib upon laying the foundacon one foote above ground, and 200 lib when it was halfe built, and the remaynder when it was finished. In testimony whereof I have here unto sett my hand this first day of August 1654".

MATTHEW ALURED "I have perused the promise and doe know and agrea to accept of ye same to be true". (Commanding Officer at the Cromwell Citadel, Ayr).

Pulpit

Has canopy, which acts as sounding-board (necessary before microphones), and lower pulpit for Reader (was rescued from contractor's yard). The pulpit was restored in 1952 and became the church's Second World War Memorial.

Pulpit Wall

'Obiit' Board - records bequests to help poor of the town; "Amamanite" Memorial (weeping over lost ashes of husband); cross above pulpit donated by Women's Guild.

Merchant's Loft to North

The door half-way up stairs to the loft contained a 'sneck-man' who was appointed to prevent children rattling it during services and throwing stones into doorway; John Welch statue (on loan) - minister 1600-02; merchants sat here on Sundays and met here on Mondays as Town Council. Front pew is still reserved for Council for their annual Kirkin' and on Remembrance Sunday.

Sailor's Loft to East

A model of ship Arethusa (42-gun ship, 21 ports on each side) suspended from ceiling is successor to a model of a barque given by French sailors in 1662 in thanks for help the folk's of Ayr gave after they were shipwrecked in Ayr bay. Visiting sailors used to sit in this loft. One window of modern glass showing Christ on Waves, another (Garallan window) of stain (not painted) glass.

Trades' Loft to West

Access from outside only. Various trades of town life sat here. Chairman of Trades Council sat in centre. Shields at lower edge of the loft's front panels represent trades, eg: fleshmen, bakers, carpenters, etc.

Under Trades' loft

The Boys Brigade window (2nd Ayr Company) was given at their centenary.

Memorial tablet to Ayr Doctor Eric D Gairdner, military surgeon, holder of Croix de Guerre and Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

Modern Flaming Window (Burning Bush is symbol of Church of Scotland) - Dittany plant (see Exodus 3 v3) - note also motto (Latin) 'nec tamen consumebatur' : 'burning but not consumed' - cross incorporates pillar of window.

Cairns Duncan window - memorial to previous minister (1886-1926) who set up Clog fund for barefoot children and went round pubs collecting - includes Auld Kirk at bottom left, Christ as child, St Cecilia, Arran hills, New Jerusalem and Burning Bush; also memorial to Lt Col William Smith and others.

Box pews, once occupied by Session Clerk.

Robert Burns pew and Burns statue (replica of one in Burns Statue Sq.).

John Welch Window

To the East of pulpit - for Welch (son-in-law of John Knox). Ayr in 1600-1604 was wild town, he often separated warring factions on streets, provided meal and restored peace.

Within the church and a common feature of the post-Reformation period, but with many now sadly destroyed, is the black and gold Benefaction Board, renewed circa 1792 recording the gift in 1708 of the poor of the parish from an Alderman Smithe of Londonderry.

Gravesites

^{[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]}

Notable persons buried in the (new) Auld Kirk Graveyard:

The Seven Martyrs of the Covenant

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard

These men were captured at the Battle of Rullion Green in 1666 are memorialized in a single headstone. They were James Smith, Alex McMillan, James McMillan, John Short, George McKertney, Graham Muirhead, John Muirhead. There actually was supposed to be an eighth man as well but as the story goes, the execution was to be held in Ayr but the hang man (William Sutherland) got drunk and refused to perform is job and fled before the event. The accused were asked if one of them would perform the task as hangman with the promise of release. One man, Cornelius Anderson took on the job and hung his fellow mates. He was set free, and left for Ireland where he died in a house fire.

The (as printed) inscription on the stone reads:

"Here lie seven Martyrs for our Covenants,

A sacred number of triumphant Saints,

Pontius McAdam the unjust Sentence past,

What is his own the world will know at last,

And Herod Drummond caus'd their Heads affix,

Heav'n keeps a record of the sixty-six.

Boots, thumbkins, gibbets were in fashion then,

LORD, let us never see such Days again".

William Adair (1591-1684) Minister

Born: Kilhilt Tower, Old Luce, Wigtownshire, Scotland

Died: Ayr, Scotland

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard

Bio Summary: Reverend William Adair was the first minister of the (new) Auld Kirk, and the last minister of the (old) Burgh Kirk. He was Ayr’s minister from 1639 until 1682, during which time many alleged witches were brought to trial. Most notable was local witch Maggie Osborne.

Adair was a major covenanting figure who fought at the battles of Mauchline Moor and Dunbar.

Parents: William Adair (1565-1626) and Rosina Reilly McClellan (1565-1626)

Siblings: Robert Beatty Adair (1583-1655), Marianne Adair (1591-1684), John Adair (1598-1675), Anna Adair (1599-1670)

Spouse: Isabel Montgomery (c1598-) Married 1612 .

Issue: Unknown

Robert Aiken (1739-1807) patron of Robert Burns, Writer, Lawyer

Born: Ayr, Scotland

Died: Ay,r Scotland

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard

Bio Summary: He became a writer and lawyer in Ayr and was referred to by Robert Burns as "Orator Bob" in his poem "The Kirk's Alarm".

Parents: John Aiken (1714-1752) and Sally Dalrymple (1718-1765)

Siblings: Unknown: Andrew Aiken (1743-XXXX), Charles Aiken (1749-XXXX), Robert Aiken Jr. (1751-1807)

Spouse: janet Hunter (1738-1815) Married 1771

Issue: Andrew Hunter Aiken (XXXX-XXXX), Grizel Grace Aiken (1777-XXXX)

David Cathcart aka Lord Alloway (1763-1845) Lawyer, Judge, Land Owner

Born: Ayr, Scotland

Died: Family Home 'Abbotsford', near River Tweed

Resting Place: Alloway Kirk, Alloway, Scotland

Bio Summary: Educated Ayr Burgh School, and Edinburgh University

1784 - Advocate at Scottish Bar

1813 - Lord of Sessions

1826 - Lord of Judiciary (Second Division)

Parents: Elias Cathcart (1703-1776) and Agnew Fergusson (1725-1816) Married 1762

Siblings: james Hugh Cathcart (1765-1820), Jean Cathcart (1766-XXXX), Helen Cathcart (1768-1837), Margaret Cathcart (1770-XXXX)

Spouse: Mary Mure (Muir) (1764-1802) Married 1793

Issue: Elias Cathcart (XXXX-XXXX) and five others (Names Unknown)

William Dalrymple (1723-1814) Minister

Born: Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland

Died: Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard

Bio Summary: Reverend Doctor William Dalrymple was a lifetime resident of Ayr and in 1756 was the Minister of the Gospel of the (new) Auld Kirk of Ayr. He baptised Poet Robert Burns in 1759. Burns later wrote a simple poem to honor the Doctor called 'The Kirk's Alarm'

Educated at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 1740 with an MA degree, and received his doctorate of Doctor of Divinity from the University of St Andrews in 1779.

Parents: James Dalrymple (1682-1729) and Margaret Ramsay (1684-XXXX) Married 1719

Siblings: Anna Dalrymple (1714-XXXX), Elisabeth Dalrymple (1716-1781), Sarah Dalrymple (1718-1765), Margaret Dalrymple (1719-1785), Marion Dalrymple (1725-1803), Charles Dalrymple (1721-1781), Catherine Dalrymple (1728-1786)

Spouse: Susannah Ramsay (1725-1809) Married 1749

Children: Elizabeth Dalrymple (1750-1751), Ramsay Dalrymple (1752-1762), James Dalrymple (1754-1773), Susannah Dalrymple (1756-1817), Susan Dalrymple (1758-1825), Macrae Dalrymple (1758-1759), Margaret Dalrymple (1760-1834), Charlotte Dalrymple (1761-1765), Wilhelmina Dalrymple (1765-1853), Sarah Dalrymple (1766-1842).

Brigidier General James George Smith Neill (1810-1857) Military Officer

Born: Craigie, Ayr, Scotland

Died: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, British India

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard; Residency Cemetery, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. (Memorial)

Bio Summary: Educated at Ayr Academy and University of Glasgow he was an army officer in the East India Company. Was dispatched to Madras India in 1827 and saw a 30 year military career in the Second Burmese War, Crimean War, and Indian Rebellion in Lucknow India of 1857 where he died.

Parents: Lt. Colonel William Smith Neill (XXXX-1850), Caroline Spiller (XXXX-XXXX)

Siblings: Colonel John Martin Bladen Neill (XXXX-1859), Captain William Francis Smith Neill (XXXX-1852)

Spouse: Isabella Warde (XXXX-XXXX) Married 1835

Issue: Wiiliam James Neill (1837-XXXX), Charles Bladen Neill (1840-XXXX), George Frazer Neill (1843-XXXX)

See WikiTree Profile Neill-1659

James Smith (1763-1848) Botanist

Born: Ochiltree, Scotland

Died: Unknown

Resting Place: Auld Kirk Graveyard

Bio Summary: 'Father of Scottish Botany'. Created a botanical wonderland at Monkwood Grove in Maybole, Scotland.

Parents: Unknown

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse: Elizabeth Doak (1764-1849)

Issue: John Smith, (1788-1842), Margaret Ballantyne Smith (1791-1878), Mary Smith (1799-1833), Elizabrth Smith (1802-1886)

Notable People

^[21][22][23]

Notable persons not buried at (new) Auld Kirk graveyard:

John Knox (1514-1572) Reformation Leader and Minister

Born: Giffordgate, Haddington, Scotland

Died: Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: St Giles' Cathedral, or the High Kirk of Edinburgh, Scotland

Bio Summary: Knox was not born in Ayr but preached here in St. John's Kirk around 1547.

Educated at University of St Andrews

He chose God over the Queen and was opposed to the marriage of Queen Mary (1561–1564) and Don Carlos of Spain.

He is honoured in the Hall of Heroes of the National Wallace Monument in Stirling with a bust by David Watson Stevenson.

Parents: Rev. William Knox (1486-1513) and Jean Sinclair (1490-1534)

Siblings: William Knox (1504-abt.1550), Uchter Knox (XXXX-XXXX)

Spouse Number 1: Margery Bowes (1539-1560)

Issue: Nathaniel Knox (1557-1580), Eleazar Knox (1558-1591)

Spouse Number 2: Margaret Stewart (1547-1612) Married 1564; She was only 17 and he was 54 at the time of marriage.

Issue: Martha Knox (1565-1592), Margaret Knox (1565-1625), Elizabeth Knox (1567-1625)

Memorials

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Location: Side Wall of North Kirk Door

William Adair (1565-1626) First minister of the (new) Auld Kirk of Ayr

Sources

1. ↑ Corbett, R.Y. Historical Guide to Ayr and Prestwick, no date, Printer: Hugh Henry Ltd, Ayr
2. ↑ Love, Dane, Ayrshire, Discovering a County, 2003, Fort publishing
3. ↑ HES; http://portal.historicenvironment.scot
4. ↑ Corbett, R.Y. Historical Guide to Ayr and Prestwick, no date, Printer: Hugh Henry Ltd, Ayr
5. ↑ Auld Kirk; https://www.auldkirk.org
6. ↑ Love, Dane, Ayrshire, Discovering a County, 2003, Fort publishing
7. ↑ Geni; https://www.geni.com
8. ↑ Family Search; https://www.familysearch.org/
9. ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
10. ↑ Undiscovered Scotland; https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/k/johnknox.html
11. ↑ Luminarium Project; http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/knox.htm
12. ↑ Tudor Times; https://tudortimes.co.uk/guest-articles/john-knox-ladies-man
13. ↑ Oxford Dictionary; https://www.oxforddnb.com
14. ↑ Scotland's People; https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
15. ↑ Dictionary of Indian Biography; https://archive.org
16. ↑ IWM - War Memorials Registry; https://www.iwm.org.uk
17. ↑ People Pill; https://peoplepill.com
18. ↑ Voicemap; https://voicemap.me
19. ↑ Fandom; https://familypedia.fandom.com
20. ↑ Find a Grave; https://www.findagrave.com/
21. ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
22. ↑ Britannica; https://www.britannica.com
23. ↑ Historic UK; https://www.historic-uk.com
24. ↑ Corbett, R.Y. Historical Guide to Ayr and Prestwick, no date, Printer: Hugh Henry Ltd, Ayr