West United Free Church (Box Church)Built in 1831 on the site of an earlier 1775 Church – Cumnock’s “Box Church” proper name Cumnock Associate Church (Burgher) cost £876 11s. It held approx. 850 people. Tradesmen included Andrew MURDOCH and J. NIMMO, masons, David KIER, slater, William BLACK and William MACLETCHIE, wrights, Hugh MAITLEN, plasterer and William THOMSON, plumber.
The first minister (in the 1775 Church) was Rev. James HALL who was ordained at the age of 20. He was followed by Rev. David WILSON and Rev. Robert BROWN (who died in 1847). In 1847 it became United Prebyterian, with Matthew DICKIE as minister. In 1900 - due to churches amalgamating - it became the Cumnock West United Free Church. Cumnock had another United Free Church in the Crichton Church. Both United Free Churches became Parish Churches in 1929 and Cumnock West United Free Church now houses a café after lying derelict for some time. It is the oldest church building left in Cumnock
|
|
