Historical Notes about our Churches and the Parish they Serve
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The earliest evidence of a Christian presence in Colvend is a c. 1220 reference to 'Ricardo persona de Culewen' - 'Richard, parson of Colvend'. The medieval building was most likely to have been next to the present church. The next named vicar of Colvend we know of is Peter Milligan who was ordained in 1513. John Logane is named 'vicar of Coquhen' in 1529. It was then passed to his nephew Ninian Logan. A William Logan was vicar in 1562. The Church of Scotland was established in 1560 but in many rural parishes Catholic clergy continued in position for several years. The Presbytery of Dumfries was established in 1581 and it was then that the parishes of Colvend and Southwick joined the Church of Scotland.
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The first 'reformed reader' was John Logan who held the position from 1567 - 1569. At this time the church building will probably have been of typical medieval construction being low roofed, boulder stone walls and an earthen floor. It was located near the front of the present church. A new church was built in 1771 by the Rev. James Finnan. It stood in front of the present building. The 'date stone' from this building has been built into the stone dyke at the back door of the present church. The present building was built during Rev. James Chalmers' ministry and opened in 1911. Masonry from the previous building was used in the new.
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The original church was the present ruin in Southwick graveyard. The small dimensions, thickness of the walls, and plain stone construction suggest it may be the original 13th century building repaired and strengthened over several centuries. The rectory of Southwick is mentioned in the Bagimond'sRoll of 1275 where its tax value was £5. 6s. 8d. Edward 1 is recorded as visiting a religious site at Southwick dedicated to Our Lady the Virgin Mary in 1300. Southayk is mentioned several times during the 15th century as a religious living looked after by unnamed vicars.
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A George Olizier is described as 'exhorter' and reader in 1573 followed by Thomas Buchanan, 1573 - 1585 and Archibald Sinclair, 1585 - 1612 after which James 1 united Souhtwick parish with Colvend. The last Session records date from the 1740's when the old church was abandoned. The New Church in Southwick was built in 1891 on land gifted by the owner of the Southwick Estate. Initially it acted as a sort of 'chapel of ease' for the parishioners at the eastern end of the united parishes, with services being conducted by the Colvend minister's assistant. Three years later in 1894 Southwick once again became an independent parish; with the new church acting as a focal point. Many of the people in the Mainsriddle area, who had once used the United Presbyterian Chapel, helped to swell the congregation. The newly built church was designed in an old Norman style of architecture, with architects Kinnear & Peddie involved from the outset. Local craftsmen were used and the granite sourced locally. The Romanesque apse and solid tower are very distinctive features. Stained glass windows were added at a later date.
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For further information you might like to search the following:
Historic Environment Scotland at https://www.historicenvironment.scot The Church of Scotland at churchofscotland.org.uk Further details about the present churches may be found at Sacred Scotland. War graves information at War Graves.
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