The Church, dedicated to St. Cuthbert, was founded in the 13th Century by Duncan, Earl of Carrick, who granted its patronage to Paisley Abbey; later it was transferred to Crossraguel Abbey, founded in 1244; after the Reformation the patronage was vested in the Crown till 1874 when patronage was abolished by Act of Parliament.
The Church Buildings - The present Church, which is A-listed, consists of a pseudo-Norman Tower with a Memorial Bell and Vestry accommodation; the 18th Century main building; and the South Transept of an earlier Church.
The South Transept - contains the well-preserved tomb, still bearing traces of the original colouring of the period, of John Kennedy of Blairquhan with his crest. He adapted the South Transept as his chantry chapel in 1475 and died in 1501.
Entering by the Priest's door on the west wall, on the right is the stoup for holy water; on the east wall is the piscina, with the credence table further to the right; between the two alcoves would have been the High Altar where Mass was sung; still to the right and two-thirds up the wall is the pedestal where, probably, a statue of the Blessed Virgin stood; on the left of the south wall is the aumbry for the sacred vessels and the Reserved Host; above the tomb is a fine Gothic window.
Along the entire length of the west wall is a stone seat, providing accommodation for the elderly and infirm worshippers - normally worshippers stood during Mass.
After the Reformation (1560) - the chapel was sealed off from the church and continued to be used as a burial place by the lairds of Blairquhan until 1870, when a private cemetery was consecrated in the grounds of Blairquhan estate.
Chapel Re-opened (1758) - A roof was thrown over the lower part; a gallery or “laird's laft” and a retiring room were built and were entered from an outside stone stair; the gallery was lit by two windows created in the east wall.
Chapel Restored (1901) - The gallery, retiring room and stone staircase were removed; the windows in the east wall and the external door in the west wall were built up and the Priest's door brought back into use; two rows of homegrown oak were mounted on wooden platforms and separated by a passage-way of stone flags; a Gothic archway leading to the church was built on two old and mutilated pillars.
The Gothic window was transformed by C. E. Kempe, whose beautiful stained-glass design shows Christ triumphant with the four Evangelists and their appropriate symbols, together with the Greek and Latin forms of the sacred monogram to the left and right of the principal Figure.
The window is a memorial to Sir Edward Hunter Blair, 4th Baronet of Blairquhan, and his wife, Elizabeth Wauchope.
The Church Buildings - The present Church, which is A-listed, consists of a pseudo-Norman Tower with a Memorial Bell and Vestry accommodation; the 18th Century main building; and the South Transept of an earlier Church.
The South Transept - contains the well-preserved tomb, still bearing traces of the original colouring of the period, of John Kennedy of Blairquhan with his crest. He adapted the South Transept as his chantry chapel in 1475 and died in 1501.
Entering by the Priest's door on the west wall, on the right is the stoup for holy water; on the east wall is the piscina, with the credence table further to the right; between the two alcoves would have been the High Altar where Mass was sung; still to the right and two-thirds up the wall is the pedestal where, probably, a statue of the Blessed Virgin stood; on the left of the south wall is the aumbry for the sacred vessels and the Reserved Host; above the tomb is a fine Gothic window.
Along the entire length of the west wall is a stone seat, providing accommodation for the elderly and infirm worshippers - normally worshippers stood during Mass.
After the Reformation (1560) - the chapel was sealed off from the church and continued to be used as a burial place by the lairds of Blairquhan until 1870, when a private cemetery was consecrated in the grounds of Blairquhan estate.
Chapel Re-opened (1758) - A roof was thrown over the lower part; a gallery or “laird's laft” and a retiring room were built and were entered from an outside stone stair; the gallery was lit by two windows created in the east wall.
Chapel Restored (1901) - The gallery, retiring room and stone staircase were removed; the windows in the east wall and the external door in the west wall were built up and the Priest's door brought back into use; two rows of homegrown oak were mounted on wooden platforms and separated by a passage-way of stone flags; a Gothic archway leading to the church was built on two old and mutilated pillars.
The Gothic window was transformed by C. E. Kempe, whose beautiful stained-glass design shows Christ triumphant with the four Evangelists and their appropriate symbols, together with the Greek and Latin forms of the sacred monogram to the left and right of the principal Figure.
The window is a memorial to Sir Edward Hunter Blair, 4th Baronet of Blairquhan, and his wife, Elizabeth Wauchope.
The Stone Octagonal Font - bearing Christian symbols in relief and a copper basin with oak lid, was the gift of Sir James Fergusson, Bart., of Kilkerran. Other memorials are two wrought-iron standard lamps and three Baptistry chairs. Three memorial wall tablets commemorate members of the Hunter Blair family of Blairquhan.
Display Cabinet and Historic Bible - Directly across from the Font stands a cabinet presented by the family of Mrs. Jean Munro, an Elder and former Treasurer of the Church. This cabinet contains a Bible, presented to the Reverend Robert Walker on his admission to the Church, and was actually used at his service of ordination on 14th September 1738. Robert Walker was Minister of Straiton Church until 20th November 1746, when he was called to South Leith in Edinburgh, and it is believed that he took the Bible with him.
More than 50 years later, in the summer of 1818, following the ordination of the Reverend John Paul in Straiton on 1st May 1817, the Bible was rediscovered by a friend of his - John McFarlane of Kirkton, a well-known Advocate in Edinburgh. When he accidentally picked up the copy of this Bible, and on seeing the signature of Robert Walker and knowing him to having been a former minister of Straiton, he immediately purchased the Bible and arranged for it to be sent to the Reverend Paul, for him to retain in memory of Reverend Walker.
The signature on the front of the Bible and handwritten notations have been verified to be that of Robert Walker and so its authenticity was confirmed. The Reverend John Paul left it with his successor the Reverend Robert Paton who added his signature and thereafter it has been signed by every minister on their admission to the Parish.
More than 50 years later, in the summer of 1818, following the ordination of the Reverend John Paul in Straiton on 1st May 1817, the Bible was rediscovered by a friend of his - John McFarlane of Kirkton, a well-known Advocate in Edinburgh. When he accidentally picked up the copy of this Bible, and on seeing the signature of Robert Walker and knowing him to having been a former minister of Straiton, he immediately purchased the Bible and arranged for it to be sent to the Reverend Paul, for him to retain in memory of Reverend Walker.
The signature on the front of the Bible and handwritten notations have been verified to be that of Robert Walker and so its authenticity was confirmed. The Reverend John Paul left it with his successor the Reverend Robert Paton who added his signature and thereafter it has been signed by every minister on their admission to the Parish.
In 1964 - the walls of the Chapel were cleaned and re-plastered; the Priest's door was German-pointed to give the effect of dressed stone and the pillars supporting the Gothic arch were painted to hide defects in the stone.
The Main Building - prior to 1901 was severely plain, and in that year, in addition to the restoration work carried out on the Chantry Chapel, a Porch, Belfry and Tower were added to the designs of John Kinross, an eminent Edinburgh architect. In that year also a new yellow pine collar-beam roof took the place of the old plastered ceiling; a new marble chancel was built and furnished with a beautifully carved oak pulpit of Dutch design, carved oak Elders' stalls and a carved oak Communion Table with three chairs; these and the Elders’ chairs, formed into the woodwork surrounding the chancel, are now adorned with hand embroidered cushions, beautifully crafted by a group of ladies from our congregation, based on the original artwork of Miss Mary Jack.
To the right of the communion table stands a memorial Lectern to Jack Henry, an Elder in this Church, gifted by his family and friends; other furnishings in the chancel consist of an electric Organ, a Table lectern and two oak offertory ladles, while the two Praise Boards on either side of the Pulpit are the gift of the Grant twins in memory of their mother Betty Grant
There are two beautiful stained-glass windows installed on the north elevation on each side of the Pulpit and Chancel
The Main Building - prior to 1901 was severely plain, and in that year, in addition to the restoration work carried out on the Chantry Chapel, a Porch, Belfry and Tower were added to the designs of John Kinross, an eminent Edinburgh architect. In that year also a new yellow pine collar-beam roof took the place of the old plastered ceiling; a new marble chancel was built and furnished with a beautifully carved oak pulpit of Dutch design, carved oak Elders' stalls and a carved oak Communion Table with three chairs; these and the Elders’ chairs, formed into the woodwork surrounding the chancel, are now adorned with hand embroidered cushions, beautifully crafted by a group of ladies from our congregation, based on the original artwork of Miss Mary Jack.
To the right of the communion table stands a memorial Lectern to Jack Henry, an Elder in this Church, gifted by his family and friends; other furnishings in the chancel consist of an electric Organ, a Table lectern and two oak offertory ladles, while the two Praise Boards on either side of the Pulpit are the gift of the Grant twins in memory of their mother Betty Grant
There are two beautiful stained-glass windows installed on the north elevation on each side of the Pulpit and Chancel
The Landale Window
In memory of the late Reverend Wellwood Maxwell Landale, MA (1899-1928) and the gift of his widow: its theme is: "The Good Shepherd" with a lamb and staff in his hands; over his head, the Dove, the Cross and the Crown; at his feet lambs drinking at the Water of Life; below St. Martin dividing his cloak with the beggar; on either side an angel, one holding a flame, the other Spring flowers, symbolising Faith and Hope; at the foot the Tree of Life; round the window, scenes from the Life and Teachings of Christ - Washing Peter's feet; the Sower; Healing the Blind Man and The Shepherd finding his Lost Sheep. Designed by the late Herbert Hendrie in 1939, whose other works can be seen in Liverpool Cathedral.
In memory of the late Reverend Wellwood Maxwell Landale, MA (1899-1928) and the gift of his widow: its theme is: "The Good Shepherd" with a lamb and staff in his hands; over his head, the Dove, the Cross and the Crown; at his feet lambs drinking at the Water of Life; below St. Martin dividing his cloak with the beggar; on either side an angel, one holding a flame, the other Spring flowers, symbolising Faith and Hope; at the foot the Tree of Life; round the window, scenes from the Life and Teachings of Christ - Washing Peter's feet; the Sower; Healing the Blind Man and The Shepherd finding his Lost Sheep. Designed by the late Herbert Hendrie in 1939, whose other works can be seen in Liverpool Cathedral.
The McWhirter Window
The gift of the late Mrs. Davidson, Ayr, formerly Daisy McWhirter of Linfairn and Genoch, "In memory of her many friends”. Its theme "The Light of the World", showing God's creative hands over His Son's head; the Son, with right hand raised in blessing standing upon the earth with its seas, stars
and moon; behind him the flaming Sun, source of Light and life; the Church in the midst, spreading
God's Word; growing corn and vines, elements of Holy Communion, renewing man's faith and granting him new grace. Designed by Sadie McLellan in 1977.
The gift of the late Mrs. Davidson, Ayr, formerly Daisy McWhirter of Linfairn and Genoch, "In memory of her many friends”. Its theme "The Light of the World", showing God's creative hands over His Son's head; the Son, with right hand raised in blessing standing upon the earth with its seas, stars
and moon; behind him the flaming Sun, source of Light and life; the Church in the midst, spreading
God's Word; growing corn and vines, elements of Holy Communion, renewing man's faith and granting him new grace. Designed by Sadie McLellan in 1977.
The Mural Tablet - on the north wall was erected by his fellow officers as a mark of esteem, to the memory of Captain David McAdam, who died at Templemore, 24th February, 1849.
The Mural Tablet - on the north wall was erected by his fellow officers as a mark of esteem, to the memory of Captain David McAdam, who died at Templemore, 24th February, 1849.
The Weathervane - In 1901 the tower was added to the Church, and crowned with an attractive, ornamental weathervane. During the summer of 2018, this weathervane was removed for inspection, when slight but fading traces of gold leaf paint were revealed. Remedial work was also necessary to stabilise the weathervane, given its inaccessibility when in situ. In due course, the weathervane was restored and repainted in gold leaf by Morrell's Forge Blacksmiths, Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire, and reinstated as a prime feature of the pseudo-Norman tower - a feature clearly visible at a considerable distance from
the Church. (See photographs under 'Church Restoration')
Other Furnishings - The War Memorial Scroll, listing the Fallen in the two World Wars; the Letter of Presentation from Queen Victoria to the Rev. John Blair (1844-1898); a framed list of the ministers of the parish since the Reformation; a pencil drawing of the church (1889) by Mr. T. Cassels, an Ayr architect: a framed illuminated scroll listing the craftsmanship of Mr. Hugh Lennox; the (Royal) British Legion Colours – shared with Kirkmichael Church - which hang from each of the galleries in alternate years.
The Millennium Banner, once again embroidered by members of the congregation from the original design of Miss Mary Jack, to mark the Millennium, occupies a prominent position, while a mobile bookcase, also gifted by the Munro family and placed in our wheelchair parking area formed in 2011, contains the CH4 Hymn Books donated to the church by the family of the late Robert Shearlaw, High Garphar, Straiton.
The Churchyard - The Churchyard contains graves which date back to 1612. The oldest stone is now illegible and the Churchyard is also A-listed.
Church records - During the year, many enquiries are received from people engaged in ancestral research. Unfortunately, we do not hold any parish records which would be of assistance to enquirers, but would recommend that contact be made with the Carnegie Library (Reference Department), Main Street, Ayr, where further information is available.
the Church. (See photographs under 'Church Restoration')
Other Furnishings - The War Memorial Scroll, listing the Fallen in the two World Wars; the Letter of Presentation from Queen Victoria to the Rev. John Blair (1844-1898); a framed list of the ministers of the parish since the Reformation; a pencil drawing of the church (1889) by Mr. T. Cassels, an Ayr architect: a framed illuminated scroll listing the craftsmanship of Mr. Hugh Lennox; the (Royal) British Legion Colours – shared with Kirkmichael Church - which hang from each of the galleries in alternate years.
The Millennium Banner, once again embroidered by members of the congregation from the original design of Miss Mary Jack, to mark the Millennium, occupies a prominent position, while a mobile bookcase, also gifted by the Munro family and placed in our wheelchair parking area formed in 2011, contains the CH4 Hymn Books donated to the church by the family of the late Robert Shearlaw, High Garphar, Straiton.
The Churchyard - The Churchyard contains graves which date back to 1612. The oldest stone is now illegible and the Churchyard is also A-listed.
Church records - During the year, many enquiries are received from people engaged in ancestral research. Unfortunately, we do not hold any parish records which would be of assistance to enquirers, but would recommend that contact be made with the Carnegie Library (Reference Department), Main Street, Ayr, where further information is available.
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