History

The Kirk at the center of the parish

A Brief History of Glass Kirk

The original Glass Kirk was built after the Reformation around 1574 and was dedicated to St Andrew whose name was also perpetuated in St Andrew’s Fair (later called Glass Market) which was held annually, at the end of July, on Glass Market Hill.

 

1574 Glass Kirk built, Mr Alexander Leslie the minister with Botarie (Cairnie) and Elchies

1585 Glass Kirk becomes a separate charge

1588 United with Rhynie, Essie and Botriphnie

1618 United with Wallakirk

1727 Church declared to be in very good order

1735 Kirk Session Records begin

1767 Church described as a building 56 x 18 feet with a steeple but in an unsatisfactory state through general deterioration on account of the floor being below the level of the churchyard and thus admitting water when it rained … the loft doors made the church extremely cold. Exterior repairs were ordered but seemingly never carried out.

1770 It was decided to build a new church of the same length but 10 feet wider than the original.

1782 New church built ‘contains good accommodation for 550 sitters.’

1841 At the time of the Disruption around 30 dissenters left to form the United Free Church.

1883/4 Church renovated by A&W Reid, Elgin.

1903 Church re-built to its present form with a large extension (£2000).

Architect J. Robertson, Inverness

Mason J. Mitchell, Huntly

Carpenter R. Maclennan, Fortrose

Slater J. Cameron, Glass

Plumber J. Wilson, Huntly

Painter & Glazier A. Robertson, Huntly

Plasterer Hume Brothers, Dufftown

Heating C. Richie & Co, Edinburgh

A bazaar was held in the Stewart’s Hall, Huntly to raise funds.Patrons included HRH Princess Louise, the Duke of Fife and the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon. It was opened by the Right Honourable J. Lloyd Wharton Mp a frequent visitor to Deveronside during the residence of Sir A.L. Smith, Master of the Rolls, at Beldorney.

1904 The church was reopened.

1933 United with Glass South/United Free

1965 United with Cairnie

1994 United with Huntly

2007 Closed

2010 Taken into private ownership

2013 Large areas of the roof repaired and replaced using materials donated by Malcolm Hay of Edinglassie

Slater D. Williams, Dufftown

2020 Charitable status granted SC050645 as St. Andrew’s Kirk, Glass