Kirtle-Eaglesfield
Kirtlebridge village is a very small community. It has no school and the village hall has ceased to function making the church’s existence as the only public building more important than ever, not just as a sign of a Christian presence, but as a focal point for community identity.
Kirtle Church was built and dedicated in 1840 as a chapel of ease from Annan (now Annan Old) Parish Church. As built, it was a plain rectangular building with a small vestry and entrance porch, as shown in old photographs on the vestry walls.
The Irving family of Bonshaw Tower have been closely associated with the church from the first. The family pew, modest perhaps compared with some, is on the right hand side of the church, and is still used by members of the Irving family. An Irving daughter married one of the ministers, the Rev. R. W. Malseed, some time ago and the most recent Irving wedding took place in it as recently as 2005. Irvings from all over the world appear from time to time to look at the foundation stone (inside, on the rear wall of the nave) which was laid by the Rev. John Irving, an Episcopalian clergyman and one of the Bonshaw family.
Historically, Kirtle church was erected to a separate parish in 1878 in response to local pressure and accompanied by bitter and prolonged controversy. In fact the ministers of the neighbouring parishes took the matter to the Court of Session (a course of action now impossible) in order to prevent endowments being dedicated to the new parish.
Later, the building was enlarged with the addition of the chancel and tower, commemorated by a stone built in above the front door. These alterations were the local expression of the national revival in chapel architecture prevalent in the 19th century and do not lend themselves readily to Presbyterian worship, though they are at least reasonably flexible.
There have been some other improvements and changes. An early report notes that the floor is of “beaten earth” and recommends that it be replaced by a wooden one. It was! Major repairs to the tower were undertaken in 1987 when it was found to be unsafe and it was once again possible to ring the bell to summon the faithful to worship on Sundays.
Kirtle Church is still today used as a means of promoting the Gospel and Christian work in its community.
Eaglesfield village is a long narrow development with most dwellings along its main street. There has been some new building in the past few years and several older properties have been renovated and enlarged. It is the largest village in Middlebie parish. It used to be the longest village in Scotland until the motorway came and changed the route in. It has a thriving primary school which celebrated its 100th anniversary in the present building in 2008. The village has a playing field with swings and slides. The Community Council hold an annual schools football competition here for surrounding schools. There is a bowling green and a village hall where many activities and functions are held. An annual gardens competition (which covers Kirtlebridge too) shows that many residents work hard to have a friendly, welcoming village.
Eaglesfield Church. In October 1937 a proposal was made to Annandale Presbytery “That they consider the situation in Eaglesfield and the desirability of providing a Place of Worship there.” Naturally a committee was appointed and the question of funding reared its ugly head. The idea had apparently been raised in 1934 by a Presbyterial Superintendence Committee, but no action had ensued. In June 1937 though, the Presbytery gave its approval. It was agreed that the building should be near the centre of the village. 285 people had expressed support for a church building. The population at that time was about 800. Curiously an application in 1843 for building a church on the same plot of land had come from the laird of Blacket House. This was turned down because it was for a Free Church.
In October 1939 the decision to build was rescinded by Presbytery (partly due to the war). The local committee met to discuss the situation and it was even suggested that in view of the fact that the Church of Scotland had now also withdrawn its backing that they should join with another more hospitable church body! After the war in 1946 things got going again. Early estimates of costs for the new church had been £2,400. There was much fundraising done and donations towards the costs came from all over Britain and as far away as Canada and Australia. The final bill after the intervening years was £4624 5s 6d (26p now). The opening and dedication took place on 11th April 1953, amid great rejoicing. The gateway entrance and bell tower were added in the late 1950’s and the stained glass window was dedicated in 1962. More recently in August 1996 after a lot of hard work and obtaining funds and grants, saw the addition of a meeting hall, kitchen and lavatories to the rear of the church. These rooms have a separate management committee. They enable members of the church to have fellowship and refreshments together after services and also are available for hire by other groups, thus bringing the community closer together.
The active Guild meets here and draws from other surrounding villages. It raises considerable sums for the Church, both the local one and further afield. Annually it sends 85 - 90 boxes to the Shoebox Appeal.
The joint choir drawn from the five churches meets in Eaglesfield Church for practices.
Kirtle - Eaglesfield. This is a cheerful union which took place about 50 years ago and retained both church buildings. They serve complimentary purposes. Kirtle is generously sized and handsome and Eaglesfield light, bright and comparatively modern. Both are a focal point in their respective villages. The roll is 85. Although in a quiet, rural location the villages are not cut off, there is a main transport artery running through the heart of them to facilitate commuting to larger towns and cities.
Our aim is
* A church that has the members who provide the ‘community’ with the opportunity to join together through activities for all ages in and so doing develop a positive community spirit and also provide fundraising opportunities.
* The opportunity to develop and encourage a youth programme.
* A church community that is excited about change and enthusiastic about a new future with the chance to offer the community more from its church facilities.
* To share the Gospel.