LAUDER
The church of Lauder existed no later than the middle of the twelfth century. During the reign of David I. (1124–1153), the advowson of the church belonged to Hugh Morville, who controlled almost the whole of Lauderdale. Malcolm IV. (1153–1165) confirmed to the monks of Dryburgh terra illa quam kisth, clericus, tenuit de avo meo de ecclesia de Cadisleya and the chapel of St. Leonards. These chapels—Kedslie and St. Leonards—were subordinate to Lauder as the mother church. In 1268, through his wife, Devorgilla, a descendant of the De Morvilles, the church came into the possession of John Baliol, who resigned it to the monks of Dryburgh, where it remained as a vicarage until the Reformation. In 1296, William Fitzaleyn, "le clerc de Laweder," swore fealty to Edward I. at Berwick.*
In this church, in 1482, the Scottish nobility held their famous conference, which resulted in the seizure of James III. and the execution of his favorites, who, as Pitscottie wrote, were hanged "over the bridge of Lauder befoir the king's eyes." Both the bridge and the church have long since been demolished. The church once stood on the north side of the town, facing Lauder Fort, which now forms part of Thirlestane Castle.*
Chapels Subordinate to Lauder
Reference has already been made to two chapels subordinate to Lauder:
Chapel of St. John
This chapel, near Kedslie, stood on the west side of the Leader, five miles south of Lauder. The site, still known as Chapel-on-Leader, existed as early as the reign of Malcolm IV. (1153–1165). No additional details about its history are available.
Chapel of St. Leonards
Located about two miles directly south of Lauder and a mile north of the village of Blainslie, this chapel's churchyard still exists, though only a fragment of a tombstone remains. The design is elegant, and part of the inscription reads:
"1733. As also Thomas Darling his grandson who departed this life the 16 of July 1747 aged 22 years."
The foundations of the chapel, measuring 60 feet long by 40 feet wide, are faintly traceable.
In addition to the chapel, there was also a hospital at St. Leonards. A farmhouse now occupies the site, with part of its structure appearing very old, featuring nearly 4-foot-thick walls. It is highly probable that this was part of the original hospital building. Two stones built into the south wall bear the following inscriptions:
"AM."
"Devs est fons vitae."
"I thirst for the water of life."
The Present Church
The current church, situated in the center of Lauder, was built in 1763 and has undergone several repairs, the latest in 1820. The cruciform structure has arms of equal length, with a dome rising from the center supported by four red freestone arches now covered in plaster. Initially, the church had windows only in the end gables, which are semi-Gothic and harmonize with the central arches. Later additions included square windows in the side walls and beneath the gable windows, giving the structure a mixed architectural appearance. The church can seat 750 people.
The church bell is notably large and is said to hold six bushels. It bears the following inscription:
"Given by Charles Maitland, his Majesty's Treasurer Depute 1681. John Milne Fecit Edinr. Recast by James, Earl of Lauderdale, out of the vacant stipends 1751 and recut again 1834."
Communion Silverware
Two silver communion cups, gifted by the Duchess of Lauderdale, bear the Lauderdale and Murray arms. Two silver flagons, inscribed on their lids, also include the Lauderdale and Murray arms. The inscription reads:
"A GIFT TO THE CHURCH OF LAUDER AUGUST THE 10TH ANNO DOMINI 1677."
An entry in the kirk-session records states:
"Lauder, 1677, Nov. 3. This day there was presented to the Minister two Cuppes with covers and two Flagons, all of silver, with keepers of leather, sent in Guift from my Lady Duchess of Lauderdale for the use of the Church of Lauder."
The churchyard contains numerous handsome and old stones, some of which are particularly interesting.
An old stone, built into the back wall of the churchyard, whose inscription is so weathered as to be almost illegible, bears the date 1671 and the following lines:
"Here lyes interred ane honest man,
Who did this churchyard first lie in;
This monument shall make it known
That he was the first laid in this ground.
Of mason and of masonrie,
He cutted stones right curiously.
To heaven we hope that he is gone,
Where Christ is the chief corner-stone."
LAUDER
Another stone in the churchyard wall is inscribed:
"Here lys the body of Master Thomas Mabone, minister of the Gospel at Gordein, thereafter Schoolmaster of Lauder, who died the 12th day of Febr. Anno Dom. 1711, his age 58.
Here lys also the body of Isabel Home, spouse to the said Mr. Mabone, who died the first of Aprile 1708, age 54.
With Thomas and Grissall Maboris, their children."
On the back of an old stone is another version of the familiar lines:
"Stop, passenger, as you pass bye,
As you are nou so once was I;
As I am nou so you must be,
Prepare, prepare to follow me."
On a small stone:
"N.T. M.H. J.R. I.B.
George Renwick’s burying place, who hath been in Europe, Asia, Africa."
There is elaborate sculptural work on the other side of this stone.
The following is a list of the ministers who have served in Lauder since 1567:
Ninian Borthwick - 1567 to 1574
William Frank - 1574 to 1576
John Knox, M.A.* - 1576 to 1582
Alexander Lauder, M.A. - 1584 to 1613
James Burnet, M.A. - 1615 to 1636
James Guthrie, M.A. - 1642 to 1649
William Johnstone, M.A. - 1652 to 1659
David Forrester, M.A. - 1661 to 1684
John Lumsden, M.A. - 1685 to 1689
William Abercromby, M.A. - 1693 to 1697
Andrew Duncanson, M.A. - 1700 to 1706
George Logan, M.A. - 1707 to 1718
Thomas Pitcairnes - 1720 to 1735
James Lindsay - 1736 to 1746
Robert Fisher - 1747 to 1753
James Ford, M.A. - 1753 to 1810
Peter Cosens - 1811 to 1845
William Smith - 1845 to 1858
Donald Macleod - 1858 to 1862
James Middleton, M.A. - 1862 to 1874
A.B.S. Watson, B.D. - 1875 to 1876
Thomas Martin, M.A. (present incumbent) - 1876
*Knox was the grand-nephew of the great Reformer.
The Free Church was erected in 1843. While externally plain, the interior is one of the most pleasing and comfortable. The present minister is Duncan Turner, settled in 1882.
The United Presbyterian Church, erected in 1841, is a plain structure of moderate size. The present minister is Thomas Keir, M.A., settled in 1885.
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel