Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock facts for kids
The Laigh Kirk is a church located in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It is known for having a special sculpture called a remake of Homeless Jesus.
History of the Laigh Kirk
The church building you see today is actually the third one built on this spot. It was finished in 1802. The very first church here might have been started by a saint named St. Marnock. The oldest part of the church that still stands is the bottom of its tower, which dates all the way back to 1410! This first church was later replaced in 1750.
In 1801, the church building had become too small for all the people who wanted to attend. The hallways and stairs were very narrow. People also worried that the building wasn't safe and might fall down.
On Sunday, October 18, 1801, an unusually large crowd gathered at the Laigh Kirk. Many people from nearby areas came because their own churches were closed, and they wanted to hear a famous preacher known as "Great McKinlay."
As the minister was about to enter the church, a small piece of plaster fell from the ceiling. Someone shouted that the building was collapsing, which caused everyone to panic. People rushed to get outside. Those who were upstairs got stuck together, and many fell. Sadly, 29 people died in the rush, and another person died soon after.
Because of this tragic event, the old church was quickly taken down. A new, much larger and safer church was built the very next year, in 1802. This is the church building that stands there today.
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