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Torphichen
Kirk has a history which goes back to the time of St Ninian, in the early 5th
century. The first church building which was of timber construction, was
located at the east end of the present Kirk yard. There have been many
different buildings over the years but we cannot tell what they were like
until the 12th century when the Hospitallers or the Order of St
John arrived during the latter part of the reign of King Malcolm IV. Although the Hospitallers arrived in
Scotland between 1134 and 1153, during the reign of David I, we do not know
when they arrived in Torphichen. It
is not until 1168, during the reign of William I, that we find a document
which gives us proof of their being here.
The document is a Charter granted by King William which states:
"The Chapel of Torphichen was granted the rights
and privileges of a Parish Church".
This
Chapel was connected to the Preceptory as is the present Kirk and in later
years it was heightened and extended. On the west side, the building was
connected with the Preceptor's quarters which ran in line with the present
boundary wall. The present Kirk was built on the foundations of the Chapel
which was demolished in 1756 in order to replace it completely. The cost of
the new building was £3,300, and was paid by Mr John Gillon of Wallhouse.
The
present Kirk building is an excellent example of 18th century
architecture. The stone work and
grey slates, familiar building materials of the district, are plain
Presbyterian style. The steep external stairs which give access to the
"Lairds Loft" present an interesting feature. The windows are round-headed and there
are scrolled skewpotts. There is also an interesting birdcage beflcote from
which is seen the bell rope which runs through the vestry roof.
On
entering the Kirk you see that the galleries occupy all three jambs. The
pews and the east and west galleries date from 1803. The pulpit with its
sounding board and twisted balusters is very likely to be much
earlier. The beautifully embroidered
pulpit fall depicts the Cross of St Ninian, reminding us of the first church
to be built here.
The
communion table which is the centre piece of all Presbyterian churches,
stands immediately below the pulpit.
This table was gifted in memory of the Rev. George Beal, minister
here from 1898 until 1931. Other furnishing which are seen on the platform
have been gifted by parishioners in memory of others who have worked for
this parish.
It
will be seen that the three galleries bear the arms of the three Lairds who
once sponsored them. In the centre, the Arms of Lord Torphichen, the east,
The Hopes of Bridgecastle and the west, John Gillon of Wallhouse. These Arms were painted by Charles J
Burnett K StJ, Ross Herald and Librarian to the
Priory of the Order of St John in Scotland.
This work was carried out when the interior of the Kirk was
redecorated in 1977. The old colours
of the Order are hung on the north wall.
The eight pointed cross of The order of St. John can be seen on a
number of items of furnishings.
At
the east and west doors can be seen box pews which were used by families
which were of some standing in the parish. These pews allowed the families
to enter the Kirk without having to pass through the congregation. Similar
pews can be seen under the central gallery. There was once a south door
here with box pews on either side. When the door was closed up, the Laird
of Loch Cote who had the pew on the far side, with the Kirk Session's
permission, had another door made where the present east window is sited.
This was carried out at his own expense. When the family left the parish,
that door was closed. It will be seen that the centre pews were once used
as communion tables as the backs turn down. At the time of their use, the
congregation came to the tables to receive communion. The front pews bear
the ranks of the Priory members of the order of St John.
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