CHIRNSIDE
The early history and foundation date of the original church of Chirnside are largely unknown. Beyond the fact that it is very ancient, little evidence remains. Some have asserted, though with insufficient proof, that a temple or place of worship existed here prior to the eleventh century and was used by the aboriginal inhabitants. What is certain is that a church and place of defense were erected at Chirnside at a very early period. The church and its associated lands were granted by the Scottish Edgar (1074–1107) to the monks of Coldingham, confirming the existence of a church at that time.
A local tradition claims that the western door, which is part of the original structure, dates back to the Saxon heptarchy. Unfortunately, there is no substantial evidence to support this theory.
By the thirteenth century, the church was recognized as a rectory within the deanery of the Merse. The first recorded clergyman is Symon, parsona de Chirnesyde, who served between 1248 and 1249. The patronage of the rectory of Chirnside historically belonged to the Earls of Dunbar. When Earl Patrick founded the collegiate church of Dunbar during the reign of David II, he annexed the advowson and property of the Chirnside church to form part of the collegiate prepends. William de Blida (or Blythe), who succeeded Symon, swore fealty to Edward I in August 1296, resulting in the restoration of his forfeited property.
In earlier times, the church had a western tower, which was removed around 1750. According to the Old Statistical Account of the parish, the tower may have been vaulted in stone. The existing south wall and portions of other walls are of significant thickness and likely part of the original structure. However, these have undergone substantial refacing during various repairs and restorations, the most recent of which occurred in 1876. Thankfully, this restoration was carried out in a manner that was, on the whole, both tasteful and appropriate.
One of the most interesting features that remain is the doorway, believed to be part of the original structure. It is a recessed, semi-circular archway consisting of two square-edged orders rising from cylindrical shafts with scalloped capitals and square abaci. The lower edges of the abaci are beveled. The actual entrance to the building, or "daylight," is square-headed, framed by a flat-edged roll around the jambs and lintel. The tympanum, measuring 18 inches to the soffit of the inner arch, is plain. The outer face of the inner order is decorated with a chevron pattern, while the external order features two quarter-rolls placed side by side. The entire doorway is surmounted by a weather molding or hood with a sloping upper side and a square lower edge.
Unfortunately, most of the moldings, except for the chevron, have been severely worn and damaged. While the two outer pillars have been restored, only the capitals and abaci of the originals remain. Additionally, the bases of the inner pillars have been replaced. It is regrettable that the restored shafts were made as disengaged monoliths, whereas the original shafts were cut from the jambs. The doorway is set within a broad, shallow quasi-porch near the west end of the south wall, projecting about ten inches from the wall face.*
Near the old doorway, a fragment remains of a once-common disciplinary instrument found in church edifices — the jougs. Only a few links of this relic survive, a stark reminder of a barbarous custom. This instrument served as a type of pillory, used for public punishment of certain offenses, such as scolding, brawling, fighting, swearing, and drunkenness.
At the southwest corner of the church stands an old sundial inscribed with the motto:
"Hog age dam lumen adest, 1816."
It is worth noting that while the dial itself is older than the lettering, the inscribed date is likely inaccurate. The church dates from the Norman period, and some remnants from that era remain. However, the building has undergone numerous transformations and repairs over the centuries. A stone on the north gable bears the inscription "Repaired 1705," which is considered a more likely date for the sundial than 1816. Dr. Stuart of Chirnside notes that several old sundials in the village were crafted by a man named Dunbar, who was renowned for this work.*
The church building itself is a long, low structure with no pretensions to grandeur or architectural sophistication. Originally rebuilt in 1572, it has seen several alterations and repairs since that time. The interior is neat and, following significant renovations in 1876, is exceptionally comfortable.
Inserted into the wall to the right of the pulpit is a stone bearing a rustic inscription:
"HelpethePvr 1573 V E."
According to the Old Statistical Account, this stone was originally part of the east aisle or old choir, which was rebuilt at an unknown date.
Prominent among the churchyard's gravestones are those commemorating the famous Erskines. On a small but elegant stone are inscribed these words:
"Young Henry Areskines corps lyes here. O, stone, keep in record his dust with thee. His soul above, we hope, is with the Lord. Departed this life July 9, 1696, of his age 90."
On the reverse side of this stone, an hourglass is carved, along with the now faint words "Memento mori."
Nearby, a large horizontal stone bears a Latin inscription commemorating Henry Erskine as the minister of Chirnside. The inscription includes a eulogy of his character and virtues:
"M S
Mri Hen: Areskini pastoris Chirnsidis qui objit 10 Aug. 1696 cetatis suae 72.
Sanctus Areskinus saxo qui conditur isto est lapis aeterni vious in Aede Dei non astu lapis his technave volubilis ulla quippe fide in petra constabilitus erat."
(Translated: Under this stone lies a stone living with God above. Built on the Rock was such a one whom neither force nor fraud could move.)
A handsome monument has also been erected in his memory and bears the following inscription:
CHIRNSIDE
A monument erected by subscription in 1825 honors Reverend Henry Erskine, a significant figure in the history of Chirnside. The inscription reads:
"In memory of the Reverend Henry Erskine, a descendant of the family of Mar, and some time Minister of this Parish, who was eminently distinguished by his incorruptible integrity in private life, undaunted zeal in the service of his Heavenly Master, and steady attachment to the religious principles of the Church of Scotland, at a time when the profession of these principles often led to imprisonment and exile, both of which he himself endured with exemplary resignation and fortitude. He was born at Dryburgh in 1624, ordained at Cornhill in 1649, ejected in 1662, and persecuted for nonconformity to prelacy. Soon after the Revolution in 1688, he was admitted as Minister of Chirnside, where he faithfully discharged his pastoral duties until his holy and exemplary life ended in a peaceful and triumphant death on 10th August 1696, in the 72nd year of his age and 47th of his ministry. His two younger sons, Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine, were the founders of the Secession Church."
In addition to this grand memorial, the churchyard contains other notable stones, including:
A small stone inscribed:
"Robert Darling. 1690."
A large horizontal stone with bevelled edges featuring the inscription:
"Here lys the corps of Richard Spenc, son to James Spenc of Spenc Smains, who departed this life the 20 of Janu 1685, and his age 19 years.
And James Spenc, Lard of Spenc Smains, their father, who departed this life the 10 of Janu 1699, and his age 66 years.
And Dauid Spenc, son to the deceast James Spenc of Spenc Smains."
Ministers of Chirnside (Since 1578)
Thomas Storie (1578–1585)
Cranstoun (1585–1590)
David Home, M.A. (1593–1606)
Alexander Smyth (1607–1645)
Patrick Smith, M.A. (1645–1649)
William Galbraith, M.A. (1659–1669)
James Lawtie (1669–1689)
Henry Areskine, M.A. (1690–1696)
William Miller, M.A. (1699–1702)
George Home (1704–1755)
Abraham Home (Assistant, 1741–1748)
Walter Anderson, M.A. (1756–1800)
Thomas Logan, M.D. (1801–1838)
James Wilson (1838–1870)
Alexander Forteath Smart (1870–present in 1890s)
Churches in Chirnside
The Free Church: Situated in the center of the village, this plain, barn-like building, originally a Cameronian chapel, holds historical significance as one of the earliest associated with the Cameronian movement. The original chapel, erected in 1783, was primitive, with a low ceiling and a thatched roof. In 1849, the walls were raised, and a slate roof replaced the thatch. Despite renovations, much of the original structure remains. Due to the growing congregation, a new church is being considered. The current minister is John Somerville, B.D., inducted in 1891.
The United Presbyterian Church: Built in 1837, this neat, square structure is notable for its two low square towers at the front corners. The church’s interior is light and comfortable. The current minister is William Rutherford, inducted on 3rd February 1869.
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel