Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock facts for kids
The Laigh Kirk is a special church located in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It's a place where people gather for worship and community events. This church is also known for having a unique sculpture called Homeless Jesus.
Quick facts for kids New Laigh Kirk |
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Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock
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| Location | Kilmarnock, North Ayrshire |
| Country | Scotland |
| Language(s) | English |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Membership | 688 |
| Website | https://www.newlaighkirk.com/ |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Completed | 1802 |
| Administration | |
| Presbytery | South West |
The Story of Laigh Kirk
The church building you see today was built in 1802. It is actually the third church to stand on this very spot. The first church was likely started by a saint named St Marnock. The oldest part of the building that still exists is the base of the tower, which dates back to 1410. This early church was later replaced in 1750.
By the year 1801, the church building had become too small. It could not hold all the people who wanted to attend services. The hallways and stairs were very narrow, making it hard for everyone to move around. People also worried about the building's safety. There was even a local story that the church was going to fall down during a service.
A Day of Panic
On Sunday, October 18, 1801, an unusually large crowd gathered at the Laigh Kirk. Many people came because churches in nearby towns were closed. 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, and panic quickly spread.
Everyone rushed to get outside. People on the upstairs level became tightly stuck together. Many fell, and some were crushed by the crowd. Others were pushed against the doors, which opened inwards, making it even harder to escape. Some desperate people jumped from the balcony or from windows into the graveyard. Sadly, 29 people died in the rush, and another person passed away soon after.
After this terrible event, the old church was quickly taken down. A new, much larger, and safer church was built the very next year. This is the building that stands today.
Laigh Kirk Today
The current minister at Laigh Kirk is Reverend David Cameron. He is also the chair of the Assembly Trustees for the Church of Scotland. Reverend Cameron has been serving as the minister here since 2001. This has been the only church where he has served as a minister.
See also
