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history |
The present parish church was built in 1732 in response to the growing population. Known as the Kilmarnock Chapel, the church, was administered by the Town Council with two ministers sharing responsibilities for religious matters.
In 1763 the church became a 'Chapel of Ease' and the Rev James Oliphant was appointed the first permanent minister. A board of Managers was responsible for the property and the Kirk Session of the Parish Church gave spiritual direction. The Town Council retained certain responsibilites for the maintenance of the church and the minister's stipend until 1927. The complicated management of the church led to a major issue between the Rev Aitken and the Town Council in the 1840s.
A small, separate parish was formed in 1811and the High Church was established with its own Kirk Session.
With the Disruption of 1843 a significant proportion of the congregation left the Church and formed the Free High Church. When parts of the Free Church reunited with Established Church in 1929 the High Church became known as the Old High Kirk and the remaining Free Church became known as West High Church.
A series of alterations and additions were made to the building, the most significant being the addition of a steeple in 1740, the building of the session house and library in 1858 and a major renovation of the interior in 1868. The Churchyard has also been extended over time with the purchase of additional land by the church.
A Sunday School was established in 1798 with the aim to teach literacy and the Scriptures to poor children. Rev Hamilton created a library in 1806 to provide reading materials for adults of the parish. The church was also involved in a number of missionary schemes and was home to the 6th Kilmarnock Boys Brigade. |