There are surviving written records indicating that there was a church on this site around 1190, but it is believed that this beautiful spot above the River Nith has been used for Christian worship for over 1300 years. There have been at least three churches here since the 12th century and the internal pillars of the 16th century building have been incorporated into the present church, which dates to 1740-46.

Built primarily with local red sandstone, with ashlar dressings and margins, the church’s striking four stage tower was constructed 1740-42 by Alexander Fleck and Thomas Twaddel, The main body of the building was built 1744-46, when James Harley joined original builders Fleck and Twaddel, after works were interrupted by the Jacobite Rebellion when lead intended for the roof was used instead for the production of musket shot. The present door was was probably created around 1827, porches were added in 1869 and the vestry enlarged in 1881. The interior was also significantly reordered during these late 19th century works.

The impressive carved wooden pulpit was installed in 1746, at a cost £15 10s, and constructed to represent a Communion Cup. In front of this is the splendidly carved Communion Table, minister’s and elders’ chairs dating from 1903. The seating on the galleries along either side was originally allocated to members of the town’s Incorporated Trade Guilds, who paid for their initial installation and early upkeep. This beautiful church also possesses a wonderful collection of significant stained glass windows, some dating back to 1800, by Wailes and Strang, Hardman & Co, Alf Webster, Ballantine & Gardiner and others. The Archangel St Michael overlooks the congregation from the front of the impressive 1890 Henry Willis & Sons organ, one of only a few such instruments still in use in Scotland. The 1451 bell was recast in 1818 and then again in 1839 by Thomas Mear of London.

A church steeped in history, with connections to the Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 20th century Norwegian Army, who used the building as their garrison church during World War Two, but it is the building’s close connection to Robert Burns that attracts many a visitor. Scotland’s national bard worshipped here until his untimely death in 1796 when he was initially buried in the kirkyard outside. His wife Jean Armour continued to worship at St Michael’s for a further 38 years, during which time the reputation of the poet only continued to grow. An impressive mausoleum was raised 1815-17, to rehouse the mortal remains of Burns and eventually his widow and their family, all paid for by public subscription. This impressive monument today also attracts many thousands of visitors to the A-listed graveyard outside St Michael’s, which also contains many other interesting historic monuments.

Services

Sundays at 11.15am

Opening Arrangements

10.30 am – 3.30 pm Mon – Fri. (Mid Apr – Mid Sept). Other times 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.