|
Admin
history |
The parishes of Bonkyl (Bunkle) and Preston were united by the Presbytery, and also by the direction of Parliament, in 1621 to form the session of Bunkle and Preston. Both churches formerly belonged to the Bishopric of Dunkeld. After the union, public worship continued to be performed alternately in both buildings, until the 1660s, when the church of Bonkle was considered to have fallen into such a state of disrepair that the Synod of Dunkeld ordered that services only be held at Preston. This decision was later ratified by the Commissioner of Teinds on the 10th February 1669. Following this order however the people of Bunkle refused to attend service at Preston and by 1688 the minister of the united session was again preaching alternately at the two locations. Bunkle church later underwent extensive repairs and in 1718 it became recognised as the parish church of the united session of Bunkle and Preston. Preston church, which is thought to have been built in the 13th century, was left to fall into ruin after 1718 and the parish church was later rebuilt in 1820. Bunkle and Preston Kirk Session, which sits within the Presbytery of Duns, was reduced in status in 1954, and in 1958 a link was established with the charge of Reston. This arrangement however was terminated in 1973 in favour of a linking with Chirnside, under the ministry of Rev W.P. Graham, minister at Chirnside, and a further link followed in 1978 with Edrom Allanton. |