This is one of the two "working" Churches left in Kilbarchan,

I fondly remember as a child being "shepherded" down to the church at Easter and Christmas to celebrate the festivities.

The West Church was built in 1899-1901 of red Dumfrieshire sandstone to a design of: William H Howie at a cost of £7,128.
The fine window in the vestry door was donated by Sir Robert Milliken-Napier (9th Baronet) in 1858

 

The church also has particularly fine stained glass windows which are dedicated to members of the Cunninghame of Craigends, Anderson, and Glen families, also the Rev. Dr. Robert D MacKenzie (minister 1895 – 1934 who published ‘Kilbarchan: a Parish History’ in 1902) and the Rev. Dr. Robert Graham (minister 1847 –1895).

 It has a magnificent church organ built in 1904 by William Hill and Sons, which is considered to be one of the finest in Scotland.

This organ is instantly seen when you walk through the entrance, gracing it's place at the end of the church between a magnificent stained glass window, and is absolutely fantastic to listen to, a must for anyone who enjoys music.

This is the graveyard of the Old Kirk and in it you will find the gravestone of Kilbarchan's famous left handed piper, Habbie Simpson, marked by the symbols of his craft, that of a Butcher.

The Old Kirk itself dates from 1724 and exhibits an external stone staircase leading to the Laird's Loft.

The obelisk you can see in the picture was erected in memory of the Reverend Robert Graham, D.D.
He died on 11th November 1895 aged 76, he was the minister at the Old Parish Church for a total of 49 years!.

A few years ago Archaeologists excavated 18th and 19th century skeletons within the burial ground as one of the boundary walls had collapsed. Our own time team I guess.

You can contact the Church

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If you have any comments or interested in any of the above contact me at:
Kilbarchan@johnbutler.org

Last update  Nov 2008 Web Page Design © John Butler