Building did not begin until 1756, but by this time Lord Torphichen and John Gillon of Wallhouse, or to give its correct name - Wellhouse, were arguing over the occupation of the Laird's loft. It should be understood that the Preceptor?s Mansion was connected to the west end of the former nave. It was a large three-storey building running northwards through where the farmhouse now stands. There was a connecting door between the grand hall, which was located on the first floor, and the gallery of the nave. This gave the Lord Torphichen unrestricted access to the gallery without having to mingle with the rest of the congregation. The former nave was a total of 30 feet in width, including the south aisle, which measured 10 feet in width. This aisle was separated from the main part of the nave by a row of five large pillars. The new church was planned as it now stands, apart from the fact that there was a centre aisle opposite the pulpit leading to a central door. There were no pews fitted until 1867. The lofts or galleries were the cause of a delay to the building work, however the main work was completed by 1757.

The long running legal battle between Lord Torphichen and John Gillon continued for some time, but John Gillon did provide the sum of £500 to cover the cost of the new building. It will be seen, by the coats of arms displayed on each gallery, that Lord Torphichen was to occupy the centre gallery where his family were warmed by a coal fire. The Gillon family were to occupy the west gallery. As the Hope family of Bridgecastle were next in line as Heritors, they occupied the east gallery. It was 1774 when the other Heritors were allocated their spaces, each having to provide his own seats, the rest of the congregation were also required to bring their own seats or just remain standing. This situation continued for nearly one hundred years.

James Paton, Minister 1760 - 1796.