Chirnside Parish Church facts for kids
Chirnside Parish Church is a church of the Church of Scotland. You can find it on the B6355 road between Duns and Eyemouth. It's in an old area called Berwickshire, which is now part of the Scottish Borders. The town of Chirnside is about 6 miles (10 km) east of Duns. It's also about 9 miles (14 km) north-west of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Famous racing driver Jim Clark is buried here.
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History of Chirnside Church
The first records of Chirnside and its church appeared a long time ago, in the early 1100s. This was during the time of King Edgar of Scotland. He gave the land and the church to the monks in Durham. This church from the 1100s was known as Ecclesia de Chirnyside. It was quite valuable back then.
The very first church building in Chirnside was simple. It was a rectangular shape with a roof made of thatch. The floor was just earth. The altar was the most important part, located at the east end. A priest would lead daily services, probably from a special stand near the altar.
Dedication and Early Events
The Ecclesia de Chirnyside was officially dedicated on April 13, 1242. This was done by David de Bernham, who was the Bishop of St Andrews. Many other churches in the area were dedicated by him too. In 1524, a young man named Luke Acheson lived in the village. He was keeping watch from the church tower. Sadly, he was killed by six English freebooters, who were like robbers.
After the Reformation
The old church was badly damaged during the Scottish Reformation. This was a big change in religion in Scotland. The main part of the church was fixed up a lot in 1573. The first minister of the new reformed church started his work that same year. In 1581, during the time of King James VI of Scotland, the church was even mentioned in a national list of church groups called Presbyteries.
Church Renovations and Changes
The church had more big repairs in 1757. A new house, called a manse, was built for the minister. A part of the old western tower was kept during these changes. It had a stone with the words "Helpe the pyr" (Help the poor) and the date 1573 carved into it. An old archway from the 1100s church was also saved.
In 1904, Lady Tweedmouth passed away and was buried at the church. Her husband, Edward Marjoribanks, 2nd Baron Tweedmouth, then completely changed the inside of the church. He added a hall, a new room for the minister (called a vestry), and a new tower. After the Baron died, his son built a special gateway to remember his father.
Church Unions and Legacy
Over time, different church groups joined together. The Free Church and United Free Church, which were already united, joined the Church of Scotland in 1929. The North Church in Chirnside closed in 1973. However, it reopened in 1984 as a place for the community. Another church building, the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, was taken down in 1982. Chirnside Parish Church is now a "category B" listed building. This means it's an important historical building.
World Champion Formula One racing driver Jim Clark (1936–1968) was buried in Chirnside Kirkyard. He died in April 1968 at a race track in Germany.
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