THE CHURCH
By Donald MacKechnie
Designed by Robert Mylne in 1792, the Church was practically completed by 1802, to
house two congregations - the English or Lowland and the Gaelic or Highland. A solid
wall separated the two. Externally the two ends are identical. A photocopy of Myne's
plan is on display in the vestibule.
In each gable is a circular opening - a feature which Mylne used in many of the
buildings at Inveraray and elsewhere. In one is the Church Clock and in the other the
Church Bell. The porticoes now railed in, originally gave access to the galleries.
Much of the stone for the building came from Arran but there is a persistent story that
some was quarried at Creag nan Caorach (the Craigs is a headland south of the town). If true, it confirms a 16th century
prophecy that Inveraray would never be a town worth the name, till the bells rang on Creag nan Caorach.
In 1957 the Gaelic End was converted into a Church Hall and its gallery was enclosed to form the Paul Fraser Memorial
Chapel; Rev Doctor Paul Fraser author of the statistical Accounts of 1793, was Minister here when the Church was built. The
dividing wall was pierced by a door.
Originally a tall slender spire rose from the centre of the church. Said to be unsafe, it was demolished in 1941. A fund for its
replacement has been set up but costs continue to outstrip donations. Lacking the spire, the Church is now squat and
unimpressive, though still the centre of the town.
In 1898 at the instance of Duchess Ina, the third wife of the Eighth Duke, the English End was remodelled. The centre of the
ceiling was opened to house an imitation clerestory. The side ceilings were divided into panels, each decorated with Celtic
trumpet pattern in brilliant red, blue and gold. Side galleries were added to the Duke's and Magistrates' loft.
The old pulpit, the precentor's box, the heating stove, the box-seats and the Communion table were all discarded. Heating by
hot water pipes was installed. An American organ replaced the precentor and incidentally introduced the 1897 Hymnal.
Ornate brass gasaliers were suspended from the ceiling. An attractive terrazzo platform carried the new pulpit, an eagle lectern
and a new Communion table all backed by an artistic screen, made by Charles MacLaren and his son Edward. The gallery was
faced with crimson silk.
Heart of a New Beginning - A History of the Parish Church of Glenaray and Inveraray
Church with Spire
THE PULPIT
The lofty hexagonal pulpit is a simplified copy of one in the
Baptistry at Pisa. It was made of yellow pine by Charles
MacLaren and his son Edward, both Estate joiners.
The seven legs were turned on a lathe specially set up in
the old mill at Carloonan.
Carved Figures - Mounted on the pulpit are three stucco
figures and one wooden figure of a Roman soldier.
THE COMMUNION TABLE
Communion Table
This too is of yellow pine and was made by the MacLarens. It stands on twenty legs, one
of which is of a different from the others.
The story is that two specimen legs of different patterns were made for the Duchess's
consideration. Further legs of the approved pattern were duly prepared.
However, on assembling the table, the men were horrified to find that only nineteen of the
approved design had been made. As time was short, the leg of the rejected pattern was
substituted. It was never replaced. Few notice the stranger.
THE BELL
The bell in the south gable is the survivor of the two which hung in the steeple of the church in the old
town of Inveraray. In the 1720's they had become cracked and useless.
By the generosity of James Campbell of Stonefield, Sheriff-Depute of Argyll, they were taken to
Edinburgh and recast.
The bell bears the Burgh Coat of Arms - five herrings in a net - and the motto, 'Halec
semper tibi pendeat', 'may the herring always stick to you.' The maker too is not forgotten - Robert Maxwell
me fecit Edinburgh MDCCXXVIII - Robert Maxwell made me at Edinburgh 1728. Robert is remembered as a
man who liked ' a guid dram'.
The second bell was found unsuitable for a clock which the Town Council placed in the steeple in 1868. It was
taken back to Glasgow and exchanged for a smaller bell.
THE ELM CHAIRS
In the Magistates' Loft is a fine set of elm chairs. These were presents to the Church in 1805 by Provost Neil McGibbon.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
LADY VICTORIA CAMPBELL
A brass plaque commemorates Lady Victoria Campbell, third daughter of the Eighth Duke of Argyll.
At the age of five she was attacked by Polio which left her for the rest of her life barely able to walk.
The box seat in the Church was for her wheel-chair. She was not deterred by her infirmity. She was
a fiery Evangelist. She employed a Mrs Grant, 'the Bible woman', to go round the villages of Argyll
to read the Bible to the old and sick. She was one of the founders of the Scottish YMCA. For the
local branch she built the Victoria Hall. In a letter she replies, 'don't be deceived by my so-called
patience; often I have fits of wild rebellion. I am trying to make plans for usefulness'. In Tiree and
the Ross of Mull in the 1880's, a time of starvation and unrest, (The Land League), she set up soup
kitchens and a milk in Schools Scheme. This was at a time when the House of Argyll was heartily
hated by the people of Tiree.
The brass was made by Alexander Ritchie and his wife, Euphemia. Alexander, a marine engineer, had to give up his
trade because of illness. Lady Victoria sent him to Glasgow to learn the trade of Silversmith. He returned to Iona and set
up the Iona Celtic Art Shop. He made silver and brass items and Celtic patterns which he and his wife copied from old
stones in Iona.
The letters at the foot of the brass, AER are their initials.
LORD WALTER CAMPBELL
In the Duke's loft is another memorial plaque - to Lord Walter Campbell. He was born in 1848 and
died at Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1889.
THE 1914-1918 MEMORIAL
This war memorial was unveiled by the late Elspeth Campbell on 7th September 1924. It bears
65 names, a sad loss to a small community.
Rev Gillespie Campbell, Minister of the Gaelic congregation, compsed the Gaelic inscription:-
Mairidh an ainm agus an cliu gu suthainn
Clach air carn cuimhne nan laogh.
(Their name and their fame will last forever;
a stone on the cairn of memory of the heroes).
The Memorial bears also the Burning Bush, the Campbell motto 'Ne Obliviscaris' (Do not forget),
the Galley of Lorn and on a small lectern a book containing on vellum, the names of all who
served in the War. (There are 216 names)
The cost of the memorial was paid for by the Woman's Guild.
THE 1939-1945 MEMORIAL
This War Memorial was unveiled on 10th January 1971 by Mr.John Campbell, MM (Drummer
Campbell), a vetern of world War 1.
It bears 11 names.
Colynn C.F.Gillespie,
George Johnston,
James H.Mouat,
William K.Ross,
John F.Thursby.
Duncan A Blair,
William R.Buntain,
Donald B.Campbell,
Philip J.Devine,
Neil Douglas,
Alastair F.Gillespie,
THE COMMUNION SILVER
There are four pairs of silver cups. Each cup is inscribed.
1. 'The gift of James McNeilage, miller at Carlundon, to the Kirk Session of Inveraray'. In 1743 James McNeilage
bequeathed money to the Highland Kirk Session for the purchase of Communion Cups. In 1766 the Kirk Session bought
the cups for £15.
2. 'This Cup is bequeathed to the Lowland Congregation of Inveraray by Giles Campbell, daughter to Colin Campbell of
Bragleenmore, Anno 1771.'
3. 'Presented to the English Congregation of the Parish of Inveraray by Miss Janet Campbell of Ederline, MDCCXXXV.'
4. 'Presented to the Free Church Congregation, Inveraray, by Walter Malcolm, 26th December 1896, in memory of his
wife Mary Smith who died 26th December 1895.'
Two Silver patens with Celtic decoration, were given by the Woman's Guild in 1908, in memory of George Douglas
Campbell (1823-1900), Eighth Duke of Argyll.
A silver Flagon was presented by the Congregation in 1899, to commemorate the restoration of the Church.
THEIR WORK LIVES ON
(by MARY McNAUGHTON)
One of my most precious books is small and faded and called `The Hive and its Wonders'. On the flyleaf of this book is
an inscription -1st Prize - Donald McVicar, for Snr. Grammar, Bridge of Douglas School, 30th. March, 1859.'
This boy was my uncle, and he always had a kindly word and pleasant smile for a very shy girl.
He learned to be a stonemason and became foreman mason to the Duke of Argyll. Living in Inveraray, he devoted much
of his time to church and public service. The high regard in which he was held by his fellow townsmen was shown when
they elected him Provost of the town. During his term of office he presented the Freedom of the Burgh to one of
Inveraray's most distinguished sons, the late Neil Munro, author of `Para Handy' and many other Highland stories.
The Font
When the Duchess of Argyll decided to renovate the Parish Church, my uncle was instructed
to make a baptismal font out of beautiful white quartz, to be found in the surrounding district.
His first attempt was beginning to take shape when the brittle quartz disintegrated.
With infinite patience he carefully tried again and succeeded in getting it half finished before it
split in two.
When he said he was unable to make the font from quartz, he was instructed to use
bluestone, quarried at St Catherine's on the opposite side of Loch Fyne. This bluestone font
is still much admired by the present day worshippers in the Parish Church.
Charles and Edward McLaren, father and son, joiners who were natives of Inveraray, made
the pulpit and communion table. All the woodwork, excepting the heads of the apostles, was
carved and fitted by them. Those quiet men were artists who enjoyed the perfection of
workmanship. Forgotten by succeeding generations, their work lives on, a sermon of service,
giving of their best in wood and stone.
Dedicated by the Authors -
Mrs Mary McNaughton, Ardchuple Bungalow, Colintraive
and Mr. Alasdair N. MacDonald, Glasgow.
To three devoted servants in whose hands the Lord's gift
of timeless craftsmanship was vested. Their works
wrought here, inspiring all who would serve Him in this
place.
Donald McVivar, 1848 - 1920.
Foreman mason to the Duke of Argyll and Provost of the
Royal Burgh of Inveraray, 1908 - 1911.
Charles McLaren, 1845 - 1924.
Edward McLaren, 1874 - 1953.
Carpenters and Electricians to the Duke of Argyll.
YOUR WORK LIVES ON
Distinguished Donald, Mason Famed,
So skilled your hand
In full command
Its master you the stone proclaimed.
Great craftsmen, Charles, Edward son,
Full trained in wood,
As joiners should
The carver's crown you both have won.
Your work of art in stone and wood,
Remaining still,
Remain it will
Memorial meet, no better could.
In Inveraray's Kirk o' Scot
The font of stone
Is not Don's own
The masterpiece for God you wrought.
The pulpit there of woodwork fine
You Charles made
With Edward's aid
For heralds of the Word Divine.
So treasured there your work lives on
Remembered you
As tradesmen true
Artificers, though long time gone.
ALASDAIR N. MACDONALD
MINISTERS
FREE CHURCH
Robert Rose (1847-1889)
Donald C. Stewart (1889-1929)
The Free Church united with the U.P. Church in 1900 to form the United Free Church. The union of the U.F. Church and the
Church of Scotland followed in 1929.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
James Hay (1838-1843)
Gilbert Meikle (1849-1895)
William Stirling (1895-1898)
HIGHLAND CHURCH
Patrick Campbell (1657)
Alexander Campbell (1701)
Alexander Campbell (1734)
Patrick Campbell (1745)
Archibald Campbell (1774)
James MacGibbon (1807)
Dr. Colin Smith (1831)
Neil McPherson (1867)
Peter Neil McKichan (1897)
Gillespie Campbell (1912)
John MacLachlan (1923-1927)
(The Lowland and Highland Congregations united in 1930)
LOWLAND CHURCH
Alexander Gordon (1650)
John Lindsay (Curate) (1661)
Donald Mclvory (Minister of united Congregation) (1688)
Alexander Gordon (1689-1699)
Daniel MacKay (1699)
James Getty (1711)
Alex Campbell (1745)
John MacAulay (1765)
Alex. MacTavish (1775)
Dr Paul Fraser (1788)
Angus MacLaine (1852)
Colin Smith (1828)
Duncan Campbell (1832)
Dugald C. MacTaggart (1848)
Niel McPherson (1865)
Donald Carmichael (1869)
Peter Neil McKichan (1877)
D.A. Cameron Reid (1897)
John Finlay Dawson (1904-1930)
Angus Gray (1930)
Donald W. McKenzie (1948)
David Kellas (1966)
Alexander G. Somerville (1973-1982)
John Ernest McQuilken (1983-1992)
Brian Wilkinson (1993-2007)
Louis C. Bezuidenhout (2009-Present)
THE PARISH CHURCH OF GLENARAY AND INVERARAY
This story is taken from a booklet
which was first published in April
1984 to provide an insight into the
Church here in Inveraray and
enhance the pleasure of those who
visit the town and the church.
The present Church Building was
provided by the Fifth Duke of Argyll,
as Heritor, and was designed by
Robert Mylne.
When the church was placed at the
heart of the new town of Inveraray, it
was intended as a perpetual symbol
and reminder of new beginnings - of
re-creation - to those who live here,
or come to visit this lovely part of
our land.
Our thanks are due to the original
authors, Donald Mackechnie, OBE.,
JP., MA., and Mrs Mary
McNaughton, Colintraive, and to all
who contributed in any way towards
it's publication.
The History of our Church
Church with Spire
THE PULPIT
The lofty hexagonal pulpit is a simplified copy of one in the
Baptistry at Pisa. It was made of yellow pine by Charles
MacLaren and his son Edward, both Estate joiners.
The seven legs were turned on a lathe specially set up in
the old mill at Carloonan.
Carved Figures - Mounted on the pulpit are three stucco
figures and one wooden figure of a Roman soldier.
THE COMMUNION TABLE
Communion Table
This too is of yellow pine and was made by the MacLarens. It stands on twenty legs, one
of which is of a different from the others.
The story is that two specimen legs of different patterns were made for the Duchess's
consideration. Further legs of the approved pattern were duly prepared.
However, on assembling the table, the men were horrified to find that only nineteen of the
approved design had been made. As time was short, the leg of the rejected pattern was
substituted. It was never replaced. Few notice the stranger.
THE BELL
The bell in the south gable is the survivor of the two which hung in the steeple of the church in the old
town of Inveraray. In the 1720's they had become cracked and useless.
By the generosity of James Campbell of Stonefield, Sheriff-Depute of Argyll, they were taken to
Edinburgh and recast.
The bell bears the Burgh Coat of Arms - five herrings in a net - and the motto, 'Halec
semper tibi pendeat', 'may the herring always stick to you.' The maker too is not forgotten - Robert Maxwell
me fecit Edinburgh MDCCXXVIII - Robert Maxwell made me at Edinburgh 1728. Robert is remembered as a
man who liked ' a guid dram'.
The second bell was found unsuitable for a clock which the Town Council placed in the steeple in 1868. It was
taken back to Glasgow and exchanged for a smaller bell.
THE ELM CHAIRS
In the Magistates' Loft is a fine set of elm chairs. These were presents to the Church in 1805 by Provost Neil McGibbon.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
LADY VICTORIA CAMPBELL
A brass plaque commemorates Lady Victoria Campbell, third daughter of the Eighth Duke of Argyll.
At the age of five she was attacked by Polio which left her for the rest of her life barely able to walk.
The box seat in the Church was for her wheel-chair. She was not deterred by her infirmity. She was
a fiery Evangelist. She employed a Mrs Grant, 'the Bible woman', to go round the villages of Argyll
to read the Bible to the old and sick. She was one of the founders of the Scottish YMCA. For the
local branch she built the Victoria Hall. In a letter she replies, 'don't be deceived by my so-called
patience; often I have fits of wild rebellion. I am trying to make plans for usefulness'. In Tiree and
the Ross of Mull in the 1880's, a time of starvation and unrest, (The Land League), she set up soup
kitchens and a milk in Schools Scheme. This was at a time when the House of Argyll was heartily
hated by the people of Tiree.
The brass was made by Alexander Ritchie and his wife, Euphemia. Alexander, a marine engineer, had to give up his
trade because of illness. Lady Victoria sent him to Glasgow to learn the trade of Silversmith. He returned to Iona and set
up the Iona Celtic Art Shop. He made silver and brass items and Celtic patterns which he and his wife copied from old
stones in Iona.
The letters at the foot of the brass, AER are their initials.
LORD WALTER CAMPBELL
In the Duke's loft is another memorial plaque - to Lord Walter Campbell. He was born in 1848 and
died at Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1889.
THE 1914-1918 MEMORIAL
This war memorial was unveiled by the late Elspeth Campbell on 7th September 1924. It bears
65 names, a sad loss to a small community.
Rev Gillespie Campbell, Minister of the Gaelic congregation, compsed the Gaelic inscription:-
Mairidh an ainm agus an cliu gu suthainn
Clach air carn cuimhne nan laogh.
(Their name and their fame will last forever;
a stone on the cairn of memory of the heroes).
The Memorial bears also the Burning Bush, the Campbell motto 'Ne Obliviscaris' (Do not forget),
the Galley of Lorn and on a small lectern a book containing on vellum, the names of all who
served in the War. (There are 216 names)
The cost of the memorial was paid for by the Woman's Guild.
THE 1939-1945 MEMORIAL
This War Memorial was unveiled on 10th January 1971 by Mr.John Campbell, MM (Drummer
Campbell), a vetern of world War 1.
It bears 11 names.
Colynn C.F.Gillespie,
George Johnston,
James H.Mouat,
William K.Ross,
John F.Thursby.
Duncan A Blair,
William R.Buntain,
Donald B.Campbell,
Philip J.Devine,
Neil Douglas,
Alastair F.Gillespie,
THE COMMUNION SILVER
There are four pairs of silver cups. Each cup is inscribed.
1. 'The gift of James McNeilage, miller at Carlundon, to the Kirk Session of Inveraray'. In 1743 James McNeilage
bequeathed money to the Highland Kirk Session for the purchase of Communion Cups. In 1766 the Kirk Session bought
the cups for £15.
2. 'This Cup is bequeathed to the Lowland Congregation of Inveraray by Giles Campbell, daughter to Colin Campbell of
Bragleenmore, Anno 1771.'
3. 'Presented to the English Congregation of the Parish of Inveraray by Miss Janet Campbell of Ederline, MDCCXXXV.'
4. 'Presented to the Free Church Congregation, Inveraray, by Walter Malcolm, 26th December 1896, in memory of his
wife Mary Smith who died 26th December 1895.'
Two Silver patens with Celtic decoration, were given by the Woman's Guild in 1908, in memory of George Douglas
Campbell (1823-1900), Eighth Duke of Argyll.
A silver Flagon was presented by the Congregation in 1899, to commemorate the restoration of the Church.
THEIR WORK LIVES ON
(by MARY McNAUGHTON)
One of my most precious books is small and faded and called `The Hive and its Wonders'. On the flyleaf of this book is
an inscription -1st Prize - Donald McVicar, for Snr. Grammar, Bridge of Douglas School, 30th. March, 1859.'
This boy was my uncle, and he always had a kindly word and pleasant smile for a very shy girl.
He learned to be a stonemason and became foreman mason to the Duke of Argyll. Living in Inveraray, he devoted much
of his time to church and public service. The high regard in which he was held by his fellow townsmen was shown when
they elected him Provost of the town. During his term of office he presented the Freedom of the Burgh to one of
Inveraray's most distinguished sons, the late Neil Munro, author of `Para Handy' and many other Highland stories.
The Font
When the Duchess of Argyll decided to renovate the Parish Church, my uncle was instructed
to make a baptismal font out of beautiful white quartz, to be found in the surrounding district.
His first attempt was beginning to take shape when the brittle quartz disintegrated.
With infinite patience he carefully tried again and succeeded in getting it half finished before it
split in two.
When he said he was unable to make the font from quartz, he was instructed to use
bluestone, quarried at St Catherine's on the opposite side of Loch Fyne. This bluestone font
is still much admired by the present day worshippers in the Parish Church.
Charles and Edward McLaren, father and son, joiners who were natives of Inveraray, made
the pulpit and communion table. All the woodwork, excepting the heads of the apostles, was
carved and fitted by them. Those quiet men were artists who enjoyed the perfection of
workmanship. Forgotten by succeeding generations, their work lives on, a sermon of service,
giving of their best in wood and stone.
Dedicated by the Authors -
Mrs Mary McNaughton, Ardchuple Bungalow, Colintraive
and Mr. Alasdair N. MacDonald, Glasgow.
To three devoted servants in whose hands the Lord's gift
of timeless craftsmanship was vested. Their works
wrought here, inspiring all who would serve Him in this
place.
Donald McVivar, 1848 - 1920.
Foreman mason to the Duke of Argyll and Provost of the
Royal Burgh of Inveraray, 1908 - 1911.
Charles McLaren, 1845 - 1924.
Edward McLaren, 1874 - 1953.
Carpenters and Electricians to the Duke of Argyll.
