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 £3300, 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.
St.J., 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.