We do not know a great deal more about Mr. Meek?s ministry other than some of what took place in connection with Torphichen Kirk. It was about this time that the Heritors decided to erect a house at the entrance to the Kirk yard for the use of the Elders collecting the offering. It was later used as a "Watch House" at the time of the "Resurrectionists" when a proper watch house was constructed in the centre of the Kirk Yard, opposite the south or centre door of the Kirk. At the same time as the gate house was built, the two gate pillars at the Kirkyard Yett, were erected, "making an entrance ten feet wide on which a gate was hung." This would suggest that at this time there was a single leaf gate and not the double leafed gate as at present. The marks on the pillars confirm this.

Until 1803, the Kirk was divided from the remains of the Preceptory only by a timber screen which blocked the arch hole at the east end. Now, this arch was built up and closed with stone. The hood mouldings were chipped away and all the walls within the Kirk were plastered. All the passages of the Kirk were paved with stone from Bogend Quarry, Bathgate.

At this time, The Lord's Supper was observed once per year. It was a "Great Festival" to which many people came from far and wide. It would take place in the summer in June or July. The Communion Festival began on Thursday when communion tokens were handed out. There would be stalls at which travelling merchants would sell their goods. Those people who had no shelter would simply sleep under the trees. Other Ministers would attend and they would preach to groups around the village. On Saturday there would be a great outdoor Service at which all would attend and hear the "preparation sermon". Again tokens would be handed out. The Sunday Service, which was known as "The Great Work", began at an early hour and continued until dark. There would be a large table across the centre of the Kirk. Remember, fixed pews were not yet fitted. The minister would stand at the end of the table to dispense the elements. There would be several services throughout the day as the Kirk would not hold all who wished to take Communion.

The Rev. Meek translated to Hamilton on 6th November, 1821. He was succeeded by the Rev. Andrew Bell, who was inducted on 20th March, 1822. Again, we do not know much of Mr. Bell?s ministry, but he lasted only five years. He translated to Linlithgow on the 20th June, 1827. He was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1853.

He was followed by the Rev. James Scott, who was inducted on the 29th April, 1827. He did not stay long! He translated to Dalmeny on the 16th September, 1829.

The Free Church of Scotland