PILGRIMS IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN ROOTS

 

Enthusiastic pilgrims learned about the Christian roots and the growth of the Christian church in recently when they set out on a tour of historic church sites in North Carrick. Led by Fr Stephen McGrattan, of Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s, Maybole, the group was guided by James Brown FSA Scot who spoke with extensive knowledge on the architecture and ruins of the local church building, revealing their purpose and the life of the communities who used them for worship.

 

The tour, in architectural terms, covered the period from the mid-13th century. At the foot of the Kirkwynd in the old cemetery, Mr Brown explained, however, that the first church built at Maybole was founded by Duncan, Earl of Carrick in 1193, and was dedicated to St Cuthbert. The last building to occupy the site was built in 1750 and was described as being “large and mean”. There is no evidence of any church there now other than an old stone marking the spot.

 

Moving to the ruins next to the cemetery, Mr Brown told the group that in church history it is interesting to note that while today “kirk” is seen to be Presbyterian, the Collegiate Church of Maybole was commonly referred to as the College Kirk. In the Testament of John Kennedy of Baltersan who died in 1609, he states that, “… my bodie to be bureyit in the colledge Kirk of Mayboill in my fatheris grave. And I ordane my wyf to build a rowme about the grave querof scho may be bureyit also.”

 

He added that the chapel of St. Mary was founded by John Kennedy of Dunure in 1371 and confirmed in a charter by King Robert II (the first of the Stewart dynasty) at Dundonald Castle. A college was founded in this chapel by Kennedy shortly before 2nd February 1382; by that time the greater part of the building had been completed. The college continued to function for a time after the Reformation, mass being publicly celebrated there at Easter 1563.

 

In the late 17th century, it is described as extant and entire, being used as the burial place of the Earl of Cassillis and other gentlemen who contributed to the putting of a roof on it when it was decayed. The present building dates from the 15th century. The remains include a rich door in a revived First Pointed style, and an Easter Sepulchre (arched tomb in the north wall) which is also an imitation of early work.

 

From there the group travelled to Straiton where the pilgrims were welcomed by Rev Gerald Jones, parish minister, who spoke about the history of his church. Dedicated to St Cuthbert, the existing church was built in 1758 on the site of an earlier medieval church. The southern transept dates from the 16th century and is pre-Reformation.

 

Afterwards, it was time for lunch and the group headed for Souter Johnnie’s in Kirkoswald before making there way to their last stop. Crossraguel Abbey, as Mr Brown said, is undoubtedly the most important historic church site in Carrick.

 

Duncan, Earl of Carrick gave extensive lands to Paisley Abbey prior to 1214-1216 on condition that they establish a daughter house of their Order of Cluny. At first, only a small oratory was set up. Paisley seemed to drag its feet for years and in 1244, a judgement by the Bishop of Glasgow resolved a dispute between the earl and the monks of Paisley. The exact date of the abbey being founded at Crossraguel is uncertain but the first abbot on record is about 1286.

 

“The mission of the Cluniacs was to encourage pilgrimage so it is no surprise to see that Crossraguel is halfway between Paisley and Whithorn,” Mr Brown added. Although it never featured strongly in national politics, Crossraguel is now the most complete medieval abbey in Scotland as substantial traces remain of all the main architectural components of monastic life. Fr McGrattan thanked Mr Brown for his excellent tour and for sharing his extensive knowledge in such an enthusiastic way.

---

Seven young people from across Edinburgh have been selected to take part in the Clipper Round The-World Yacht Race – and one of them is a former Maybole woman. The 18 – 24 year olds will form a relay team with each crew member sailing one of seven legs on board the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital yacht in a race which covers 35,000 miles.

 

Cassie Milligan, 20, lived in Maybole till about six years ago and is a former pupil of Gardenrose Primary and Carrick Academy. Her parents are Margaret Ann McEwan and Peter Milligan and she has two sisters Sophie and Dana.  The crew come from a variety of backgrounds but are all currently unemployed despite actively seeking work. They were chosen by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Access to Employment team in partnership with the Joined up for Jobs network.

 

They are all very excited about the challenges ahead. Cassie said, “At first when I heard it was called Clipper I thought it was something to do with hairdressing but then when I knew more about it and found out I’d been picked I was well chuffed.” At the start potential recruits were told only that there was an exciting opportunity to be involved that would be the challenge of a lifetime. An open day was then held and shortlisted candidates were whisked away for a series of challenges at the Council’s outdoor education centre. These included a mountain hike and night exercise, problem-solving exercises, canoeing, sea-kayaking, climbing and sailing.

 

The successful seven were then chosen based on their teamwork, reaction to sleep deprivation, leadership, stamina and physical fitness. Since selection they have been down to Gosport in the south of England, the home of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to begin their training for the trip. Mum Margaret Ann said, “Cassie has done so well in getting through to actually doing the sail; I am ever so proud of her and wish her well on her travels.”

 

As well as committing to the Clipper Race, Cassie and her colleagues will also be working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and a special challenge to showcase Edinburgh’s rich literary connections to the destinations they visit.

 

Cllr Tom Buchanan, Economic Development Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council and Board Member of Destination Edinburgh Marketing Alliance (DEMA), has been hugely impressed by the team’s dedication and enthusiasm. He said: “It’s unbelievable how well they’ve responded to the challenge. We were looking for participants who showed commitment, initiative and teamwork and have an ability to get on well with others and these seven have exceeded all expectations.

 

“They will be ambassadors not only for Edinburgh but for all of Scotland as they make their way around the world and I am sure they will find hidden abilities within themselves which will help them grow in confidence and self-belief.” All seven sailed with the Council Leader, Cllr Jenny Dawe from Port Edgar last Saturday August 8, into Ocean Terminal harbour where they met the First Minister, Alex Salmond, at the official naming ceremony of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital. The yacht will be one of ten identical, stripped down 68-foot racing yachts taking part in the race which starts on September 13 from Hull.

---

September sees the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War and our old photo shows a more idyllic time in Maybole just before the outbreak of war. The occasion was a drumhead service organised by the Maybole Branch of the British Legion which was held at “War Memorial Park” on Sunday June 25 at 3pm.

 

Led by Maybole Burgh Band, Provost James McCulloch , members of the town council and the British Legion marched to the memorial for the special service. Clergy taking part included Rev G A Johnston, Rev D San and Rev Douglas. Colours were presented by the Marquess of Ailsa and the address was given by Sir Charles Fergusson, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire. There were over 100 names on the memorial in honour of those who had died in the First World War and no one knew that in another six years more names would be added.

 

Maybole Community Council produced a 64 page book as part of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. A whole series of events was organized in 2005 to celebrate with veterans of the war and to remember the efforts of those unsung heroes on the home front. There are a few copies left and anyone who would like a copy should contact any member of the community council.

---

Community councillors in Maybole are trying to become more proactive and recognisable in the town and have highlighted three areas on which to concentrate. Peter Lynn chairs a committee that is dealing with this and said, “As representatives of the people of Maybole, we feel that it is important that people know who their community councillors are and can contact and consult with them.

 

“We want to work in partnership with South Ayrshire Council to improve community consultation. “We feel we need to publicise who the members of the community council are what the role of the community council is in our community. “We also need t engage with members of the community and one idea is to issue a telephone number specifically for the public to contact the community council.”

 

The community council is planning a public meeting and will be delivering a leaflet with details to every house in the town. A list of potential priority topics gas been drawn up and local residents will be asked to rate them in importance. The topics in clued town regeneration, derelict buildings, sports and leisure, bypass, environment, crime, public services, tourism, education, age concern, etc.

---

Maybole Health Forum Restarts! Maybole Men’s Health Forum meets every Thursday evening at Carrick Academy for circuit training which is led by a qualified trainer and everyone works at their own level. On the first Thursday of every month members ‘attempt’ yoga. Membership fees are £2 per session for those in employment and £1 for anyone else.

 

Peter Lynn said, “The Health Forum was delighted to receive additional funds recently from the Community Voluntary Fund, which is aimed at giving support to local community groups. This will allow us to continue operating for the next year. “Following our performances in the Men’s Health Forum 10k last year the ‘Magnificent Seven’ entered again this year and all improved or equalled their times of last year, this equates to an improvement when you consider we are all some years past our prime!, he added. “In May some of us, as part of our training for the 10k, also took part in the Blairquhan Castle  5k  to sharpen up our speed.”

 

He continued, “Summer events were very popular yet again this year. We played golf on a number of occasions, including an evening at Brunston thanks to two of our members:  went on some very enjoyable walks and had an excellent evening tenpin bowling in Ayr which became very competitive. We also went for our first ever Christmas night out, we took a couple of hours off training and went for a Chinese meal in Maybole and then engaged in some social interaction and beverages at a local hostelry. “New members are always welcome, just come along to Carrick Academy any Thursday at 7.30.” The Forum is looking for a new trainer and if anyone can help please phone Peter Lynn at 01655 882857.

---

Maybole Memorial Park Bowling Club would like to thank sponsors Lillian and Tom McMillan of  L & T Décor, The Wallpaper Shop, Dalblair Road, Ayr for once again sponsoring the club’s Open Pairs competition. It was won this year by Chic and Janette Kincaid (MMP) shown being presented with the trophy by the head of the match committee Jim Hutton. The runners up were Julie and David McMaster (MMP).  As well as sponsoring the event, Lillian and Tom also donated a £100 voucher to be used in their shop in Ayr and this was won by William and Carol Wylie of Maybole.

---

Former minister of the West Parish Church, Rev. John Stuart is currently pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. He preached his first sermon in Erin on June 11, 1995, and he was installed as Erin’s pastor on August 27, 1995. John, wife Evelyn and their daughters Lynsey and Lauren became U.S. Citizens on February 5, 2002.

 

Recently John has been spending his free time concentrating on a special project. "I'm trying to create a drawing for each of the 150 Psalms in the Bible,” he says.” As I read each Psalm, I ask God to help me choose the right verse in order to create a symbolic drawing." He began drawing the Psalms in November 2007 thinking it would only take him 150 nights. “I was so wrong," he recalls. "I have completed Psalm 88, and I believe it will take about three years total to complete the project."

 

John starts with black crayon on white paper to draw his outline and then scans the drawing into his computer before he colours it in. "I call it digital glass," he say,. "and I have sold several copies through the church to raise funds for an orphanage in Tanzania." Any church is welcome to use his artwork for bulletin covers by simply contacting him at pastor@erinpresbyterian.org for the files.

 

"This is my hobby, not a business. I want people to enjoy this style of art but I also want to send a message. I give them a verse and an image of that verse. I'm not throwing scripture in their face but giving them something to think about. I hope that those who come across my picture Psalms will be drawn closer to God."

---

---

---