Church Overview

Completed in 1831 to a design by William McCandlish to replace a ruinous building of 1771; probably the third church to occupy the site. Early records are scarce, but a dilapidated church, existed in 1427. T-plan church with a square tower and Gothic flourishes: pinnacles at the corners and gables. The porch was created in 1976. Traditional interior, plainly furnished. Pulpit with carved wooden canopy. Galleries on three sides. Chamber organ. The church stands near the Water of Ken with wide views of the Rhinns of Kells. Avenue of lime trees. Interesting old kirkyard with the Gordon Aisle, 1546, burial place of the Gordons of Lochinvar, memorial stone of Covenanter Alexander Gordon and several interesting 18th century headstones. Robert Burns fashioned his poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ on a local tale.

Services

10.00 am
1st Sunday Balmaclellan
2nd and 4th Sundays Dalry
3rd Sunday Kells
If 5th Sunday in the month, service is in one of the other Churches in the Glenkens by rotation.

Opening Arrangements

Open by arrangement

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.