This was the beginning of an interesting chapter in the life of Torphichen Kirk and Parish. The first important work which was ahead of the new Minister was to heal the wounds which were caused by the induction of James Watson and to return the numbers of the Congregation to something like what they were in the Rev. Bonar?s day. At this time, there was a great interest in antiquarian and historical matters. This involved the Minister and the Dominie, who were holders of information which was made available to all enquirers. Mr. Paton wrote the first statistical account of the Parish for Sir John Sinclair, M.P. He also corresponded with General Hutton who left notes and letters on antiquarian matters, which now occupy 15 volumes in the National Library. It is very likely that Mr. Paton would have met Richard Gough, the English Antiquarian who left his drawings of our Kirk to the Bodleian Library. It was during the early part of his ministry that Mr. Paton was given a new manse - the present Glebe House - which was much larger, and much more splendid than that which he occupied in the Kirk Gate.

This was the time when Lord Torphichen and John Gillon were engaged in battle at the Court of Session over the occupancy of the Laird?s Loft, which ended with Lord Torphichen winning his case in 1774. It was also during Mr. Paton?s ministry that most of the stones from the damaged parts of the Preceptory buildings, including the Choir, were carted away to build farm dykes and houses, including Cathlaw House.

This also was the time when the interior of the Kirk was divided between each Heritor, each of whom was allocated his space. He was responsible for providing his own seats. It was not an ideal arrangement as some people would sit in what was meant to be a passage and others, including Heritors, would encroach on other people?s spaces. We can still see some of the spaces which were occupied by Heritors. As you enter the near door, immediately in front is the Woodside pew. Opposite the pulpit, to this side and to the rear of the centre pews, is the Minister?s family pew. In Mr. Paton?s day, there was a central aisle with a door and at the far side of this door was the Loch Cote pew. At the far door was the Cathlaw pew. It should be noted that fixed pews were not installed until later.

At this time, Sunday Worship began around 11 am, with the bell ringing at 10 am for 15 minutes, and again at 10:30 am until most of the Members had gathered. The offering was collected at each door on plates as each Member arrived for Worship. A Psalm was sung as the Members gathered and the Presentor took charge of Worship until the Minister arrived. The Members sat during singing and stood for prayer. The Service lasted until lunch time and a second Service began at 2 pm and lasted for a further two hours.

The Rev. James Paton died on the 31st October 1796, in his 82nd year, thus ending a memorable Ministry.

Rev. William Meek, Minister 1797 - 1821