EARLSTON
The church of Earlston dates from the beginning of the twelfth century and was initially a chapel dependent on Ederham (Edrom). In the reign of David I. (1124–1153), Walter de Lindsay granted the "Church of Ersildun" to the monks of Kelso, who, in 1171, exchanged it with the monks of Coldingham for the church of Gordon.*
It seems that in early times a hospital existed here, but only slight references to it are found in old records, from which it can be inferred that it was not of much importance. It is doubtful whether it survived until the Reformation.
The ancient church was demolished, and another was erected close to its site around the year 1736. This latter building, in turn, was replaced by the present handsome church, erected in 1890. Built into its south wall is an old stone inscribed as follows:
"AULD: RYMRS:
RACE:
LYEES: IN: THIS:
PLACE:"
Tradition states that this stone was transferred from the old church (i.e., the structure that existed prior to 1736). In 1782, the ancient inscription was defaced by some senseless fellow in a drunken frolic. However, the clergyman compelled him to restore it with the original wording. The original characters were very ancient, while the current ones are modern.*
Near the Rhymer’s stone is another large, elaborately carved stone with several initials and inscriptions, as follows:
Below these are carvings of crossbones, a death's head, and two hourglasses, followed by:
**"IB WB MH
Hic etiam jacet David Brown de Park, qui obiit 5 Decem aetatis 60.
Hic quoq jacet Annabella Areskina, uxor Da. BR. de Park, annos 36.
Obiit April 6 anno 1681 aetatis 70.
Here lyes the body of David Brown of Park, who died September 25th, 1754, aged 63,
in vita dilectus, morteque deploratus.
Also, John Brown of Park, his son, who died Feby. 3, 1813, aged 85."**
Near the above stone is another, inscribed:
"Here lyes Master William Brown, minister at Nenthorn,
who deceased the 17th day of November 1692, his age 49.
Omnem crede diem tibi deluxisse supremum."
The church, which occupies a commanding position, was erected on the site of the former church in 1891–1892. It is designed in the early Gothic style, featuring a fine tower and seating for approximately 700. The open timber-ceiled roof is very effective, and the entire interior creates a singularly pleasing impression of reposeful harmony and beauty.
Mr. Tait – Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, 1866.
There are several seventeenth-century stones in the churchyard.
The following quaint inscription appears on a small stone:
"W B M E 1682
"Although my body in the dust
A little season do remain,
Even Christ will raise it up again."**
On another small stone:
**"Here lys James Aderston in Fans, who died March 5, 1668,
aged 86 years.
"Also Betty and William Brak, children to Thomas Brak,
weaver in Fans."**
On a similar stone:
"Here lyes Thomas Hardie, tenant in Hespisshaw, who died
June 6, 1719, aged 64 years."
On an old red stone, whose date is illegible, are the words:
"Time, how short,
Eternity, how long."
On a stone with the date 1782:
"My Saviour did the grave perfume,
In which my dust shall rest.
In hope, till I my form resume
And be completely blest."
The following lines appear on a small stone:
"Time’s glass, with rapid course, doth run,
And makes no stop nor stay.
All mortal men prepare should then
Death’s summons to obey."
A small stone is inscribed:
"Heir lys Johne Broun in Fans Alies Golid [?],
who died 4 Sapril 1681, his age 74."
The communion plate consists of four silver cups. Two bear the inscription:
"For the church of..."
Additional Inscriptions and Notes
I am indebted to the Rev. W. S. Crockett of Tweedsmuir for most of the inscriptions on stones in Earlston churchyard, some of which are now quite illegible. The following additional inscriptions and notes are also kindly supplied by him:
Within the grounds of Carolside, the beautiful seat of Lord and Lady Reay, is a large flat stone with this inscription:
"This stone is placed by the directions of Alexander Mitchell, Esq. of Stow,
to mark the spot which was the ancient burial place of the Lauder family."
Some have thought (continues Mr. Crockett) that this idea of Mr. Mitchell’s was merely one of his vagaries. However, I understand he had good reason to believe that where the stone was placed had indeed been a burial place and, in all likelihood, that of the family referred to.
At Mellerstain, in this parish, the burial place of the Baillie family, the following is inscribed on the tomb of Lady Murray of Stanhope:
**"Here are deposited the remains of Grisell Baillie of Jerviswood, Lady Murray,
whose beauty was adorned with every amiable accomplishment,
and whose soul was enriched with all those valuable qualities
which are seldom united in one character.
"In her, an uncommon justness of understanding and firmness of mind,
that supported her under the most severe trials,
were joined to a constant cheerfulness and sweetness of temper.
And whilst the strictest principles of religion, honour, and virtue
governed her own actions, they taught her to look with tenderness
upon the failings of others.
"Ever zealous in the service of her friends,
dutiful and affectionate to her parents,
and bestowing the care of a mother upon the children of her sister,
whom she tenderly loved and who now,
unable sufficiently to express what her heart feels,
pays this small sorrowful tribute to her memory.
"She died on the 6th of June, 1759, in the sixty-seventh year of her age."**
The following is a list of the ministers who have served in Earlston since 1586:
James Daes: 1586 to 1633
James Daes, M.A.: 1633 to 1659
Henry Cokburn, M.A.: 1659 to 1660
James Daes, M.A. (reinstated): 1661 to 1673
John Hepburne, M.A.: 1673 to 1687
John Anderson, M.A.: 1687 to 1691
George Johnston, M.A.: 1694 to 1702
John Gowdie, M.A.: 1704 to 1730
John Gowdie: 1730 to 1777
Laurence Johnston, M.A.: 1778 to 1813
William Shiels, M.A.: 1813 to 1824
David William Gordon: 1824 to 1868
William Mair, M.A., D.D. (present incumbent): 1869
There is a United Presbyterian Church in Earlston. The building is plain externally but neat and comfortable inside. The current minister is Henry Brown, M.A., who has served since 1891.
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel