Church Overview

A church was first consecrated on this site in the 13th century. The foundations of the current church in Pencaitland may belong to this medieval building, with further fragments of the original masonry reused in its walls. The present building is, however, mainly of the 17th century and consists of a nave, with a gallery at the west end, and two aisles on the north side. The older of these aisles is called the Winton Aisle, and is believed to have been part of the original 13th century building, the other is named the Saltoun Aisle and is believed to date from the late 17th century.

The striking bell tower at the western end dates to 1631 and is square for most its height, before becoming octagonal near the top with a fine cockerel weathervane above. Used historically as both a belfry and as a doocot, the bell is dated is date 1656 and the interior of the third level of the tower is lined with nesting boxes. Look out for the cube finial sundial, with a copper gnomon, on the east end of the building and two simple sundials carved onto the buttresses on its southern elevation.

Lots of lovely details to look out for inside too, including the Jacobean panelling on the gallery; the polygonal 17th oak century pulpit; more 17th century panelling on the front row pews of the Saltoun Aisle; superbly carved Communion table, font and lectern of 1909 (originally from St Margaret’s Church in Dumbiedykes) and the 1889 organ by Peter Connacher & Co of Huddersfield, with its beautifully stencilled pipes. The kirk also possesses fine stained glass windows by Charles E. Kempe, from 1889 depicting “Faith, Hope and Charity”, and by Guthrie & Wells, from the mid-1920s, depicting “motherhood” and “The Sower”.

The kirkyard and external walls are also adorned with many remarkable 17th and 18th century carved stone memorials, depicting the trades of those buried beneath and rich with memento mori symbols. A chain, to which a punishment “joug collar” was once attached, can be seen on the kirk wall, near external stair to loft. There are two small “offering houses” at either entrance to the kirkyard, built around 1759 as shelters for kirk elders during inclement weather. Also to be seen, adjacent to the kirkyard, is the renovated carriage house, stables, harness room and cottage.

A detailed history of the kirk, a record of grave inscriptions and other interesting materials relating to the building can be downloaded from the church’s own website.

Services

Sunday: 10.45 am (tea and coffee in the carriage house afterwards)

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.