Baile na Cille Church 2011-09-01...Introduction 1 Whilst some accounts have a church or chapel at Baile na Cille for a 1000 years the ... seems that a Duncan McCaig was intended to

Baile na Cille Church

Timsgarry, Uig, Isle of Lewis

CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days

10th & 13th September 2011

Prepared by Brian Gayton

August 2011

Baile na Cille Church, CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days, 10th & 13

th September 2011

Information & pictures compiled for the purposes of providing this booklet for the Doors Open Days

10th & 13

th September 2011 Page 2 of 28

Contents

Introduction .......................................................................................................... 3

Pre 1824 .............................................................................................................. 3

1824 - 1843 ......................................................................................................... 5

1843 - 1875 ......................................................................................................... 8

1875 - 1928 ......................................................................................................... 9

1928 onwards .................................................................................................... 10

References ........................................................................................................ 13

Photographs by Paul Williams, Fotologic, June 2011 ....................................... 14

Development Plans 2011 - Existing .................................................................. 16

Development Plans 2011 - Proposed ............................................................... 21

Cover photograph: used for CEUIG news & Stornoway Gazette press release


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Introduction

1

Whilst some accounts have a church or chapel at Baile na Cille for a 1000 years the records from the 1700s are more detailed and tell an interesting and intriguing story. But the story of the present church building starts in 1824 with the arrival of Rev. Alexander Macleod.

2

The purpose of this booklet is therefore to simply bring together the events, the comings and goings, and other happenings that have affected Baile na Cille. And, as this leaflet is still very much a work in progress, apologies are given if information is inaccurate or any conclusions appear ill-informed.

Pre 1824

‘Baile na Cille’ means3 farm, settlement or

village of the church. Other spellings include;

Scottish Balnakeilly Perth

Balnakilly Perth

Balnakeil Sutherland

1 From John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p14 2 From John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p14 3 See Ian Armit’s ‘The Archaeology of Skye and the Western Isles’ p211 for the evolution of the ‘baile’ as farming settlements of the 18th century.

Balnakil

Balnakeel

Irish Ballynakilla http://places.galwaylibrary.ie/asp/fullresult.asp?id=36815

Ballinakilla

Ballinakille

The RCAHMS website tells us 4;

“An old churchyard, beside the highest point of which stood a church built in 1724. The site was occupied by the earlier church. 'Capail Mor' - Big Chapel' - the foundations of which are said to be traceable in the spring. To the south of it is the site of Capail Beag - 'Little Chapel' - possibly a still earlier church. 'Capail Mor' was a sanctuary. (One of these, probably 'Capail Mor'), is presumably the pre-Reformation 'St Christopher's Chapel in Uge' noted by Martin).”

Old churchyard, Baile na Cille cemetery photograph from John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p4;

5

4 RCAHMS 1928, visited 1914; M Martin 1934. http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/4056/details/lewis+baile+na+cille+capail+mor+and+capail+beac/ 5 http://hsewsf.sedsh.gov.uk/eschedule/show?id=5363&OK=Y


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Rev Ronald Anguson 1572-

Rev John Macleod 1726-1741

Rev Norman Morrison 1742-1777

1749 – Rev Morrison writes giving an account of the parish at that time.

6

Rev Hugh Munro 1778-1823

7

Whilst this presentation was 15 April 1777, some 2 months after his predecessor’s passing, Rev Munro does not appear to have reached Uig until the following year.

1796 – Rev Munro provides an account of the parish.

8

In the words of John Macleod (of Carishader) about Rev Munro;

“The overall impression is that of a kindly

generous worthy gentlemen liked and respected by his Parishioners; of upright conduct and character, whose preaching was orthodox, in tune with MODERATE standard of his day and time, but lacking the evangelical zeal so abundantly evident in his successor.”

In Rev Munro’s time the thatched church was located adjacent to the old cemetery near Baile na Cille manse;

9

6 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/parish-of-uig-1749 7 ‘The North British Intelligencer or Constitutional Miscellany’, Volume V, Wednesday, April 23.1777 (page 127). 8 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/old-statistical-report-1796

1823 – Following the passing of Rev Munro it seems that a Duncan McCaig was intended to be the next minister at Uig, however, this did not happen.

From CEUIG10;

‘The following notice appeared in the Edinburgh Gazette on 2 July 1823:

“The King has been pleased to present the Reverend Duncan M’Caig to the church and parish of Uig, in the presbytery of Long Island and the county of Ross, void by the death of Reverend Hugh Munro.”

Rev McCaig didn’t take up the post, for reasons unknown ...’

The writer’s research found the following;

• A reference to a book called “Trial of the Rev. Duncan McCaig, minister of the Gaelic Chapel, Edinburgh”

• “Duncan McCAIG a convict on the Circassian VDL 16 Feb 1833. ....... He was a Presbyterian Minister sentenced in June 1831 in Edinburgh to fourteen years transportation for stealing books from several shops. He was thirty-seven years old and unmarried, of good character and respectable connections. As an educated convict, he was sent to Port Arthur. On 16 September 1833, Booth recommended him for the position of schoolmaster, mentioning a favourable report from Rev. J. A. Manton, and McCaig's "quiet and submissive conduct while here" (CSO 1/659/14786) In May 1835, as a Police writer, McCaig was found guilty of having a part of one or more bed ticks in his possession and again sent to Port Arthur. He received a

ticket of leave in 1839 and a conditional pardon in 1841”11

• The ‘Edinburgh magazine and literary miscellany, Volume 92’, October 1823, page 504 which lists the following;

“- The Re, Duncan McCaig, Minister of the Gaelic Chapel, Edinburgh, having declined accepting the Crown

9 ‘Overgrown footing of Rev Hugh Munro’s church’ from John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p2 10 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/1158 11 http://newsarch.rootsweb.com/th/read/AUS-CONVICTS/2001-11/1006467771


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presentation, some time ago issued in his favour, to the Church and Parish of Uig, in the Island of Lewis, this Majesty has been since pleased (on the recommendation of Seaforth) to appoint the Rev. Alex. McLeod, Minster of the Gaelic Chapel at Cromarty, to the vacancy.”

There is as yet no conclusive evidence linking the McCain references.

1824 - 1843

Rev Alexander Macleod 1824-1843

1824 - In 1824 the Reverend Alexander MacLeod, was appointed at the bequest of Lady Stewart Mackenzie and he was admitted to Uig 21

st April 1824.

12

Rev Alexander Macleod 1786-1869 (Uig, 1824-1843)

13

Mary Elizabeth Frederica Stewart-Mackenzie (1783–1862)

12 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/171 13 Photograph of painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence, see http://www.thefullwiki.org/Mary_Elizabeth_Frederica_Mackenzie

James Alexander Stewart-Mackenzie (1784 – 1843) 14

Within a short time of Macleod’s arrival he wrote to Lady Stewart Mackenzie requesting a larger church.

Extracts from the letter 15;

“Manse of Uig 30th November 1824;

Honourable and Dear Madam,

………….. The repairs and additions to the Manse and Offices are still going on and I trust that one our present inconveniences will be over we will comfortably situated. My greatest regret and inconvenience now is the want of a church; the attendance at divine services is so regular and the population to great that up to this date I have not preached within doors but once since my settlement in the Parish; and though I was apprehensive

e that preaching in the open air might prove injurious to my health being not in the habit of it. Yet blessed the God I feed no bad effects from it. I am convinced that I would be disposed to put up with inconveniences to oblige you so far as possible but with many more from the consideration of being made the honoured instrument gaining souls to Christ, yea to go through any difficulty in the strength of divine Grace for the sake of preaching the Everlasting Gospel successfully to immortal souls; and for attending the Dominion of Immanuel’s Realm and sure I am to say the least of it, that no place in this kingdom stood in most need of hearing the Gospel trumpet than this corner.

Now on the subject of a new church, I think it quite unnecessary for me to say anything as I firmly believe that you and Seaforth are

14 Photograph of painting by Sibad, see; http://www.flickr.com/photos/sibadd/4254393439/ 15 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/233


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warmly disposed to promote Zion’s interest in this place and as this request of building a church with the least possible delay is so reasonable it being indispensably necessary and through confidence in your Christian zeal and humility, I would humbly suggest that I conceived, and do believe that you will deem it your honoured duty to meet the Lord’s work and people in this place by giving the accommodation so much needed. ………………………

I am Honoured Dear Madam with much affection and esteem your unworthy correspondent

Alexander Macleod”

1826, January to March; Taken from John Macleod’s ‘A Brief Record of the Church in Uig’, pages 10 to 12;

Church

‘A pro re nata meeting of Presbytery was called to consider two Petitions as follows:

“January 18th, 1826. Unto the Reverend the Presbytery of Lewis, the Petition of the Rev Alexander MacLeod minister of Uig. Humbly showeth that the Petitioner was inducted and settled as minister of the Parish of Uig about two years ago, and that hitherto, he and his Parishioners had laboured under the greatest inconveniences for want of church accommodations whereby it became unavoidable on the part of your Petitioner to preach in the open air during the summer and winter Sabbaths of the said period to the danger of his own health and that of his people. That there are no sacramental accommodations in said Parish, by which means your Petitioner and his people are deprived of the benefit of partaking of the Lord’s Supper these two years past, and that it cannot be dispensed among them till these accommodations are provided in the Parish. That the number of examinable persons presently in the Parish amounts of 2,100. May it therefore please the Reverend Presbytery of Lewis to fix an early day for holding a Presbytery Visitation at Uig in order to take proper steps for providing said accommodations for your Petitioner and his people’s mutual comfort and edification, and your Petitioner shall ever pray ...“

“January 18th, 1826. Unto the Reverend the Presbytery of Lewis, the Petition of the Rev Alexander MacLeod minister of Uig. Humbly showeth that the Petitioner was inducted and settled as minister of the Parish of Uig about two years ago, and that hitherto, he had no Glebe designed to him whereby he suffers

much inconvenience. That there are lands situated near the manse of Uig which the Petitioner conceives may be designed for a Glebe for him, and his successors, ministers of Uig. May it therefore please the Reverend Presbytery to fix a date for holding a Presbytery Visitation in the Parish of Uig in order to design such portion of land near the manse of Uig as may be sufficient for a legal and proper Glebe for the minister of Uig in all time coming, and your Petitioner shall ever pray ...“

Such a visitation was agreed by Presbytery and it took place over two days, 1st and 2nd March 1826. The ministers were Messrs Simson (Lochs) MacRae (Barvas) Cameron (Stornoway) MacLeod (Uig). Mr James Adam, Chamberlain, was present representing Seaforth. He made certain proposals regarding enlarging the church, but Presbytery decided that they needed a report from two craftsmen, John Loban and John MacLeod, before coming to a decision. They reported that they found the church to be 55 feet 3 inches in length, and 16 feet 3 inches in breadth giving accommodation for 205 persons. The walls were not sufficient to be built upon, being parted owing to not having proper bands. In view of the insufficiency of the walls and the inadequacy of the accommodation of the existing church, Mr Adam agreed that a new church be built on the site of the old one, of the same length and double the width of the old one with a gallery. The Presbytery declared their satisfaction with this proposal.

The Chamberlain said that the new building would be begun with all speed. Rev MacLeod stated that he and Mr Adam would manage all the details connected with the new church between them. The Presbytery in view of this cordial state of affairs left them to it.

The church was indeed built to accommodate 1,000 persons, but not on the site of the old church. The church occupied in 1829 and still in use occupies a commanding position at the top of the rise above Timsgeary.’

Glebe

‘The Presbytery went on to consider the question of a Glebe. Mr Adam, on behalf of Seaforth placed proposals before the Presbytery. After mature deliberation the Presbytery rejected his proposals, and determined to design a Glebe with the aid of


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two honest and discreet men, Malcolm Nicolson tenant at Capidale and John MacLeod tenant at Valtos, who had been cited to attend the Presbytery. These men were asked if they knew the extent of a soum of grass. They replied that it was what was sufficient to maintain one cow and her calf till it was a year old, during the four quarters of the year as practised in the Parish of Uig. They were then asked to perambulate the farm of Baile na Cille and to set apart a quantity of ground equal to 16 soums of grass and also pasture for 2 cows and a horse.

The men reported back that they had done accordingly, whereupon the Presbytery accompanied the discreet men and having viewed the ground so set apart declared their satisfaction with it. So with the assistance and advice of these two discreet men the Presbytery proceeded to design a Glebe as follows:

Eastern Boundary -

Commencing at the bay opposite the manse called Tràigh Mhor Uige, and proceeding northward along the burn flowing into or flowing by the spring - well called Tobair Nic-Fherguis and which burn hitherto formed the boundary or march between Balnakile and Timsgeary - which burn has been recently diverted to another channel by the Proprietor, and from thence by and along the feal dyke which formed the march between the late Rev Mr Munro and his tenants, until it comes to a point in the said dyke at which an angle is formed and from which the dyke stretches in a North Easterly direction, pointing towards the farm of Valtos.

Northern Boundary -

From said angle in a straight line, as nearly as the eye can form in a westerly direction, defined by marks formed of stone and feal placed in pits in various places and passing along the very large stones or rocks on the surface of the ground, beside which a similar mark of stone and feal in a pit is made, and from said mark and large stones in a line similarly defined between the loch called Loch Stesal, and an eminence or place called Cnoc Stesal, and from thence across a feal dyke called Gàradh Stesal to a point marked

as before in a spot called Bealach-Ghearrie-Mhic-Cor.

Western Boundary -

From said point or mark last defined proceeding southward along a glen called Gleann-Gearrie-Mhic-Cor by similar marks, as nearly as may be in a straight line, till it goes into the head of the bay between Balnakile and Crolasta, which bay is named Traigh-na-Stroupan.

Southern Boundary -

The bay or arm of the sea denominated Tràigh Mhor Uige. Pasture for 2 cows and a horse - A straight line as nearly as it may be commencing at said Tràigh na Stroupan and proceeding in a South Easterly direction through a spot called Trenol, to a large stone above the ground on a place called Creag Threnol and from thence across a spot called Leôb a Bhraid to the head of a piece of ground called LeOb Mhor where the burn called Allt-nic-Fherguis has been this winter, diverted from its original channel. The space included between the Southern, Eastern, and Western Boundaries as above defined and marked and this last described line, forms the pasture for 2 cows and a horse, over and above the 16 soums.

In the Glebe as above defined, marked, and bounded, the site of the manse and offices, church and garden is not included.

The Presbytery declaring this to be the Glebe did by their Moderator

“Infeft the said Mr Alex MacLeod in his own name and in the name of his successors in office, serving the cure of the Parish of Uig in all time coming, in the same, by giving him earth and stone as the symbols of

possession.” ‘

1827, Friday 18 May, Inverness Journal - Lewis - Contractor wanted to build an addition to the church of Uig in the island of Lewis;


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We do not know by what design or architect the church was planned or which builder was engaged. However John Loban

16 (the

Stornoway stone mason who built St Columba’s Church, Stornoway, in 1794) and a John Macleod were attended the 1826 Presbytery Visitation in 1826 (see later section) to consider Rev. Macleod’s petition of a new church. It therefore possible that further research may clarify who built Baile na Cille.

What seems clear however is that Baile na Cille does not have any significant similarities with the 32 Telford parliamentary churches that were erected around the highlands around 1820s and 30s. Although, as the church was altered in 1878 with a addition of a vestry and galleries, it is possible that the impending redevelopment may yet uncover clues as to its original construction that have remained hidden for 130 years.

That said, whilst a T shape is a common feature of many churches it is, in fact, the most economical way to maximise the number of people that can be accommodated in a building where there is a single focal point, the pulpit. The solum (the ground below the suspended time floor) gives no indication at present that the church floor was originally earthen or paved stone, a distinct difference from the standard Telford church. And the bell housing on the side has more similarities with a school than any church, contemporary or otherwise. Mary Miers did propose the idea that this may have been a deliberate decision in response to weathering that the more common belfry would have suffered.

It is likely that Baile na Cille was built by a master builder or stone mason who was

16 Credited with design of Cuithir House, Barra, 1814 -16 (‘Loban was brought to Barra for "estimating manse" and the design is probably his.’) and its twin Scarista Hs, Harris, 1827, linked to Leurbost Manse http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk & http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-5899-cuier-former-manse-barra

sufficiently experienced in design to dispense with the need for an architect.

1828 – ‘some 9,000 people are said to have been present at the communion’

1829 – The original bell was bequeathed in 1829;

“Dec 17, 1829

Roderick Nicolson Esq residing in Stornoway most respectably expressed his attachment to his native Parish by making a present of a Bell valued at twelve pounds stg for the use of the

new church of Uig, built anno domini 1829.” 17

See 1878 for note on existing bell.

1833 – Rev Macleod writes an account of the parish

18.

1843 – From the Diary and Sermons of the Rev. Alexander Macleod;

“Rev. Alexander Macleod, at the Disruption in 1843, joined the Free Church, and was followed by his congregation. In the course of time the parish church at Balnekill, which had witnessed within its walls days of the Mediator’s power in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was beginning to fall into a state of disrepair. The doors were locked, the silence of death reigned within, and the grass could be seen growing n the aisles and among the pews.”

1843 – ‘The Church of Scotland Baile na Cille was declared vacant by the Presbytery on the 11

th July 1843.’

1843 - 1875

Rev David Watson 1845-1856

1845, February – ‘Mr David Watson, preacher of the Gospel, attended a meeting of the Presbytery as a candidate for Uig and was received as a probationer.’

19

1845 to 1856 – ‘There was no regular Kirk-session in Uig in Mr Watson’s time as he had no suitable men who were members of the Church.’

20

17 Church records, http://www.ceuig.com/archives/55 18 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/new-statistical-report-1833 19 A Brief Record of the Church in Uig, p18 20 A Brief Record of the Church in Uig, p18


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1856, 11 May – ‘a prayer meeting at Bonn na Lonaig, Crowlista, led by the Free Church minister John Campbell, was interrupted by the news that Mr Watson had hanged himself in an outhouse at the manse. Mr Campbell and some of the men made off across Traigh na Sruban towards Baile na Cille; the body had been discovered by a maid. Mr Watson was buried in the cemetery at Baile na Cille.’

21

1856, Tuesday 27th May, Inverness

Advertiser – Watson, Reverend David of Uig, in the Hebrides, Established Church minister, hangs himself.

Rev James Gunn 1857-1858

1857, Friday 17th April, John O'Groat Journal

– Church of Uig – Lewis. The inclusion of the Rev. James Gunn

London Gazette;

Rev Roderick Fraser 1859-1875

1858, Tuesday 19th October, Inverness

Advertiser – Fraser, Reverend R - Parish Church, Uig, appointment by Queen

1859, 3rd February – Roderick Fraser

translated and admitted to Uig

London Gazette;

1873, Friday 27 June, Inverness Advertiser – Fraser, Reverend R - Parish Church, Uig, suspended for 1 year owing to drunkenness.

1875, 31st May – Roderick Fraser departed.

1875 – A thousand-plus returned to Baile na Cille and the Established Church of Scotland

21 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/618

which has recently rescinded the Patronage Act.

22 & 23

1875 - 1928

Rev Angus Maciver 1876-1889

1878 - The architect William Mackintosh Senior (practised in Inverness from c.1870 until 1913) was responsible for the 1878 alterations which added pews and the vestry. [A reference in Inverness Courier, 24 January 1878]

1878 – The existing bell appears to be been installed during the alternations of 1878.

24

From photographs taken a partial inscription on the bell reads ‘…C. WILSON &Co FOUNDERS GLASGOW ……’.

The only bell-founder who fits this inscription was John C. Wilson & Co. “of Gorbals Brass foundry, Glasgow, who first began to cast bells in 1838, when the foundry belonged to David Burges”

25. “In 1854 Burgess retired

and John C. Wilson took over the foundry. He cast bells under his own name until about 1874. In that year the firm became John C. Wilson and Co. and in 1896 became a limited

22 Diary and Sermons of the Rev. Alexander Macleod, Appendix 1 23 ‘The Act was highly opposed by the Church of Scotland because of its intrusion into church elections and was considered lay investiture. The General Assembly of 1712, inserted a clause in the instructions to its Commissioners to protest to Parliament and this instruction was repeated annually until 1784. However, due to the strength of the aristocracy, the Act remained in force for a considerable length of time. It was finally repealed by section 3 of the Church Patronage (Scotland) Act 1874 (c.82)’ From; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Patronage_(Scotland)_Act_1711 24 By Brian Gayton 25 The Church and other Bells of Kincardineshire, Eeles, 1897


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company.”26 This is confirmed in another

source that says “John C. Wilson alone is found from 1854 till about 1873. From then till about 1895 the firm was called John C. Wilson & Co., and from then till 1928 it was a limited company.”

27 & 28

As the inscription runs around the back of the bell the photographs did not capture a date but its seems likely that the existing bell was cast around 1878 and installed as part of the alteration works undertaken at that time.

See 1829 for note on original bell.

1883, 11th May, Rev Angus MacIver’s

statement to the Napier commission.29 Followed on 4

th June, by his testimony to the

commission. 30

Rev John Macphail 1890-1905

1890 - Rev John MacPhail ...’was admitted minister of the Parish on 22

nd April 1890’

1890, Thursday 3rd April, Scottish Highlander

– Uig, Skye [sic] - Reverend John MacPhail, Benbecula, has been appointed minister of Uig Parish.

Rev Allan Mackenzie 1906-1919

Rev Murdo Macleod 1922-1927

1920s – The plan below appears in the RCAHMS website

31;

26 The Ringing World, August 4, 2000 (p763) 27 The Church Bells of Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire, Clouston, Proceedings of The Society, 1947-48 (p152) 28 Michael Foulds’ 2011 publication ‘The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry’ http://www.whitingsociety.org.uk provides a detailed history of the foundry where the current bell was made but sadly some of the records covering the 1878 period have been lost and no record of the bell on Baile na Cille has yet been found. 29 http://napier-outerhebrides.blogspot.com/2010/08/appendix-xxxiv.html 30 http://napier-outerhebrides.blogspot.com/2010/07/meavaig-lewis-4-june-1883-rev-angus.html 31 http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/171465/details/lewis+uig+parish+church+and+war+memorial/

Nothing within the RCAHMS website or other sources explains the plan’s origin however the plan is unlikely to be from the 1820s as the 1878 alterations (pews and vestry) are included (although it is unclear why either is the bell bequeathed in 1829, or the replacement bell of c.1878 is not drawn).

If the plan was from the 1870s this might represent the proposals for the alterations undertaken in 1878. That said, this does not align with the manuscript style, there is no explanation for the different stair case constructions or the fact that the actual entrance from the vestry is directly behind the pulpit rather than to the left hand side.

Instead the plan’s manuscript style suggests a likely date of 1920s. And to speculate further, as there is no historical reference for any alterations around the 1920s the plan may be the work of an apprentice in the 1920s or perhaps the Church of Scotland had commissioned a survey of its properties.

1928 onwards

Rev Roderick Macinnes 1928-1930

Rev Norman Morrison 1931-1950

Rev Angus MacFarlane 1951-1979

1955 – rare photographs32 of the inside of

Baile na Cille;

32 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/1120


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1971 - 25 March, Church listed;

“HB Number 19272

Item Number 16

UIG, UIG PARISH CHURCH AT BAILE NA CILLE INCLUDING BOUNDARY WALLS

Category: B

Date of Listing 25th March 1971

Description: Built 1829 on a new site, as parish church. T-plan, harled, painted ingoes, variety of glazing patterns on multi-paned tall and flat-lintelled windows to jamb, round-arched glazing to long south wall (centre gabled vestry perhaps an addition), domestic-scale sash and case windows on gables, with 4-pane glazing pattern. Bell hangs in east gable-head, below a gable canopy (like those seen at some Lewis schools, eg Marvig), doubtless a concession to the climate. Skews, run horizontally over skewputts; slated roofs.

Interior is well-preserved; pulpit with precentor's box, canopy supported on pair moulded slender timber shafts, box pew either side; walls and ceiling all have timber V-lining; gallery in each of the 3 arms, with splayed links at the angles and supported on columns of cast-iron or of timber. Enclosed by rubble wall, plain iron gate.

References: Groome, GAZETTEER, vol VI, p465; Hay, ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTTISH POST=REFORMATION CHURCHES, 1957, p273.

Notes: Ecclesiastical building in use as such.”

1974 - Within the church a plaque tells us that a renovation took place in 1974;

“1974 THE EXTERIOR OF THE CHURCH WAS RENOVATED

TO COMMEMORATE THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPOINTMENT TO THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND OF THE REVEREND HUGH

MUNRO

WHO SERVED AS THE MINISTER OF THIS PARISH FROM

1807 TO 1823 AND WILL REMEMBERED FOR HIS MANY VIRTUES.

THE RENOVATION WAS CARRIED OUT THROUGH THE GOOD OFFICES OF HIS GREAT GREAT GRANDSON JOHN HUGH MUNRO MACKENZIE OF MORNISH, M.A.

F.R.S.A. F.B.I.M. AND FAMILY OF SCALISCRO LODGE, UIG, LEWIS”

It is believed that this is when the coat of external render was applied finished with Skye marble. However it is not clear if the original stone finish existed up to this point or whether as was found throughout the Highlands that unless the walls are waterproof rain gets in.

1978 – John MacLennan & Family present clock to church;

33

Rev William Macleod 1979-2006

1979 - The Ceann Langabhat church became Church of Scotland when the United Free Church joined the Church of Scotland.

In 1979 the two Uig congregations of the Church of Scotland united on the retirement of Rev Angus Macfarlane from Baile na Cille. Rev William Macleod became minister of the united charge.

34

1998 – October: Scottish Civic Trust understands that the church remains in use every other Sunday, although external inspection reveals it to be in need of repairs.

35

2002 – Baile na Cille is no longer in use.36

33 By Brian Gayton 34 1979, 5th September; Uig formed by the union of Uig Baile na Cille and Uig Uigen (Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae: The Succession of Ministers in the Church of Scotland from the Reformation, date 2000, page 380) 35 See http://www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk 36 John Macleod’s ‘Banner in the west’ (2008)


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2004, Friday 27th February, Stornoway

Gazette, by Donnie Macinnes, ‘Giving thanks for 40 years of preaching in Uig’

37;

“To commemorate his 40 years of preaching in Uig, Lewis, a special thanksgiving service was held at the weekend for Church of Scotland minister Revd William Macleod.

Mr Macleod (77) was converted in 1949 during the ‘spiritual awakening’ of the time and within a short period felt the call to the ministry.

Married with a family of three, William and his wife Margaret Ann are originally from Barvas, but have enjoyed their many years in Uig. Mrs Macleod, a former teacher, is heavily involved with other helpers, in the Sunday School and Campaigners.

Mr Macleod studied in Glasgow before taking his theological course at Aberdeen University, completing it in 1956.

In early 1957, Mr Macleod was ordained and inducted in Benbecula and spent seven happy years there.

He received a call from the congregation in Uig and took up ministry there in 1964.

The two Church of Scotlands in Uig — at Uigen and Baile-na-Cille — united in 1979 to become the Uig Church of Scotland.

Said Mr Macleod: “It is very much a strong Gaelic congregation, but we have an English service on Sunday mornings and a Gaelic service in the evenings. There are normally between 30 and 60 at the services. We also have an outreach service in the evening for the non-churchgoers and this attracts between 15 and 20.”

All are welcome to attend any of the services, says Mr Macleod, adding: “As long as we preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ — that is what is important.”

Regarding changes over the 40 years he has been minister in Uig, Mr Macleod said: “The main change is in the population. The school roll has gone down dramatically. There were three schools when we arrived here in 1964 and now there is only one.”

Although his services are in Gaelic and English on Sundays, both are completely different, as is the choice of praise.

He says that over the years he has been involved in the ministry there has been no change in preaching the Gospel.

37 http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/giving_thanks_for_40_years_of_preaching_in_uig_1_115101

“Some people might say that you have got to move with the times, but we don’t move from the solid rock of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Mr Macleod.

Regarding his Uig congregation, Mr Macleod said: “There are lovely people in this parish. There is the saying ‘duine uasal Uig’ — and that is what they are, ‘the noble people of Uig’. They are God-fearing people who know their Bible well.”

Mr Macleod went on: “The hand of the Lord was there for us to come to Uig and I did not have much trouble in saying ‘yes’ to the congregation. I have felt no inclination to live anywhere else.”

The community send best wishes to Mr and Mrs Macleod and their family — Kenneth, Murray and Rhona — at this special time.”


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References

Groome, Gazetteer, vol VI, p465.

Hay, George (1857), Architecture of Scottish Post-Reformation Churches, p273.

Gifford, John (1992), Highland and Islands (The Buildings of Scotland), p633

Macleod OBE DL MA, John, of Carishader (2001) ‘A Brief Record of the Church in Uig’

Miers, Mary (2008) ‘The Western Seaboard: an illustrated architectural guide’;

“Baile-na-cille Kirk, 1826-9 A plain version of the T-plan Parliamentary church, with gabletted bell canopy instead of bellcote and round instead of Tudor-arched windows. Inside survives the original pulpit with precentor’s box and a splay-angled gallery on cast-iron columns. Additions of 1878 included the vestry and pews.

Former manse (now Baile-na-Cille), 18th century, repaired and remodelled with addition of lofty wing, 1824 , using stone from the 18th century church. The old graveyard beside Uig Sands marks the site of the medieval parish church, and of its successor of 1724.”

Macleod, John (2008), Banner in the West, 141-161, 208-9, 237-238, 239 (plus many other references to Uig’s ministers)

Lawson, Bill (2008), Lewis, The West Coast, In History and Legend, 211-217


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Photographs by Paul Williams, Fotologic, June 2011

Baile na Cille in its landscape;


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Baile na Cille interior;


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Development Plans 2011 - Existing


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Development Plans 2011 - Proposed


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For more information;

Brian Gayton 4 Trevelyan Way, Berkhamsted. Hertfordshire, HP4 1JG Tel: 0771 745 3233 [email protected]

Comann Eachdraidh Uig Uig Museum Uig Community Centre Timsgarry, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9JT Tel: 01851 672456 When closed: 01851 672237 Chair: John Maciver, Ardroil Vice Chair: Sheila Henderson, Valtos Secretary: Teen Anne Murray, Valtos Treasurer: Sarah Egan, Ardroil Visitors to the museum and archive are warmly welcomed. The facility, in the community centre in Uig, is open Monday to Saturday, 12-5pm, from May to mid-September, and visits at other times can be arranged on request. Out of opening hours, please contact Sarah or ring Finlay (01851.672224), John (672255) or Teen Anne (672363) and we will gladly open up for you. http://www.ceuig.com/contact-us

Scottish Civil Trust Area Coordinator Abigail Daly The Scottish Civic Trust The Tobacco Merchants House 42 Miller Street, Glasgow, G1 1DT Tel: 0141 221 1466 [email protected]

Doors Open Days The aim of the annual Doors Open Days event is to open up for free sites normally closed to public or which charge an admission fee. More than 250,000 visits are regularly made to over 900 sites across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Isles. This year marks Doors Open Day’s 21st birthday as it began in Glasgow and Ayr in 1990 during the European City of Culture celebrations. It is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust with support from Historic Scotland and Event Scotland. The event takes place every September, along with Scottish Archaeology Month coordinated by Archaeology Scotland, to link in with European Heritage Days which sees millions of visitors in 50 countries explore a wide range of sites. http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays/default.aspx

Civic societies, local authorities, heritage and building preservation trusts act as area coordinators, and are supported by many volunteers numbering over 5,500 at last count who gave up the equivalent of 18 working years without a holiday! The economic impact of the event is similarly impressive with more than £25 million generated for the Scottish economy over the event’s lifetime.

Documents

Baile na Cille Church 2011-09-01...Introduction 1 Whilst some accounts have a church or chapel at Baile na Cille for a 1000 years the ... seems that a Duncan McCaig was intended to