Middlebie Parish Church
Lockerbie Dumfries and Galloway

Welcome to the Hoddom, Kirtle-Eaglesfield and Middlebie Church of Scotland.

We are always delighted to welcome visitors to the church and newcomers to the parish. Please consider this an open invitation to join us on a Sunday morning, or to come along to any of our other activities. You are also very welcome to contact the Minister or Session Clerk at any time.

 

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Middlebie Church

It is impossible to know how many churches have stood on the present site, since perhaps the 7th century till now. A date stone from 1692 has been incorporated into the facade of the current building, to the right of the main door. It was presumably this church which was demolished in 1821 to build a new church. This new church was built from Dumfriesshire red sandstone from the quarry at Meinside. The church was a simple rectangle shape according to the Reformed style of the time, with the pews arranged around a central pulpit and communion table, and a balcony on three sides. This was designed was to highlight the centrality of the Word of God as preached from the pulpit, and to create a sense the congregation sitting around the table, all equal before God.

By 1928, society had changed, and so had church architecture. The Scoto-Catholic movement of the late Victorian era had inspired a fashion for long aisles and a ‘high altar’ arrangement, with the pulpit to one side. The church at Middlebie, not much more than a century old, must have seemed very old fashioned. Moreover, the nation had recently suffered through World War I, and Middlebie Parish had lost many of its sons. Middlebie’s longest-serving minister, the Reverend Ernest H. Duke, led his parish in the dismantling of the old church and the building of a new and beautiful church in its place. This new church would also serve as the parish’s war memorial.

The new (and current) church is a cruciform shape, built in a late Gothic style. The transept is constructed on the foundations of the old rectangular church, while the nave stretches 40 feet westwards on new foundations. At the end of the nave and above the foyer is a small gallery which can seat around 40 people and used to house the organ. The chancel houses the Communion Table, and is the memorial to those men from the congregation who died in the war.

Middlebie was a wealthy parish, and no expense was spared on this new church. The architect, J. McLintock Bowie, modelled his design closely on that of Crathie Kirk, the parish church for Balmoral. Crathie Kirk was built 30 years before Middlebie, but there are distinct similarities in the shape of the windows and the upturned boat-like structure of the transept and chancel ceilings. One suspects the opinion that, if it was good enough for the King, it was good enough for Middlebie!

The stone from the old church was reused, giving the church the apprearance of being much older than it is. This stone was augmented by new stone from the original Meinside quarry, gifted by its owner, Edward Smith. Meanwhile, fine red sandstone from Corsehill quarry was used for the doorways and windows, and contrasting yellow stone from Linbridgeford was also incorporated, this latter gifted by the owner Mr Chalmers. The font is made of stone, and curiously has a Star of David on the side facing the wall, for no reason that anyone can fathom. Timbers for the roofs of the nave and transept are of Oregon Pine, while those in the chancel ceiling are oak. The handsome pews are made of Port Orford Cedar. The current church bell came from the old church of 1821. It was made by the founder Abbots, and is still rung before every service.

The windows of the church are mostly clear (though tinted) glass, through which are visible the surrounding trees. There is stained glass in the chancel only, as part of its function as a war memorial. It is a very simple design, but the almost-clear glass has a rainbow tint, which filters a very soft light into the church. In the centre window is a cross with the crown of thorns hanging on it, which also suggests a victory wreath. On one side of the cross is a flaming heart with the word 'Love'; on the other side is a cup saying ‘Sacrifice’. The left side window in the chancel has a Saltire at the centre and to either side are emblems of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy (but no army!). The right side window has a St George’s cross at the centre, and is flanked by a plough and a sheaf of corn with a sickle, representing seedtime and harvest. One might assume that the intention was to honour both the battle front and the home front in this farming parish, although the ‘seedtime and harvest’ symbolism might also refer to the harvest of souls at the end of time.

Another feature of the war memorial is the brass plaque under the main window, bearing the names of the 31 sons of the parish who died in World War 1. There is also a smaller brass plaque to the side. There is no equivalent memorial to those who died in World War II, but the dates of this second war have been inscribed in the chancel steps.

The building was dedicated on 25th October 1929.

Upon the uniting of Hoddom, Kirtle-Eaglesfield and Middlebie Parishes, the small pipe organ from Kirtle Church was transported to Middlebie and installed in the left transept. A number of pews were removed to make room for this. Then in 2017, Middlebie Church underwent a major refurbishment. The interior was not greatly changed, but new heating and lighting was installed, while four pews in the middle of the church were shortened to create space for wheelchairs. Disabled access was created at the side door, an accessible toilet was installed, and the small kitchen off the foyer was updated, so that teas and coffees could be provided after services.

The Ancient Parish of Middlebie

Around 80AD, the Romans built a fort at Birrens in the parish of Middlebie, just half a mile from the modern village. Excavation has revealed a number of altars and dedications: one to the goddess Fortuna; one, to “Jupiter Best and Greatest”; one to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom; and one to Brigantia, a goddess native to the Iron Age tribes in this part of the British Isles. Might some of the soldiers have been Christians? It’s possible.

Christianity is more definitely established in the area by the 7th century. St Mungo (died 614AD) reportedly had his episcopal palace in nearby Hoddom parish. Half a century later, St Cuthbert, elected Prior of the monastery of Melrose in 661AD, is thought to have come to Middlebie in the course of his travels. Perhaps he found a congregation already gathering on the rocky outcrop above Middlebie Burn, or perhaps he established one. Certainly the site is very ancient, and if you walk around the church and look down the steep slope to the burn, it is easy to see why it was chosen as a holy place.

After the Scottish Reformation (1560AD), the story of Middlebie Church is better documented. The General Assembly of 1581 proposed the creation of the Presbytery of Middlebie, which gives us a sense of the former importance of what is now a very quiet hamlet. For more than 100 years, ministers and elders from the surrounding parishes attended Presbytery meetings at Middlebie. Then in 1743, the Presbytery was divided into the Presbytery of Annan and the Presbytery of Langholm. Nowadays, it is at the centre of the Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale.

In 1609, the bounds of Middlebie Parish were enlarged when it was united with the parishes of Carruthers and Pennersax (or Pennersaugh). You can still visit the graveyards of these former parishes, and the one at Carruthers is still in use - and the subject of a famous poem by Hugh McDiarmid, called Crowdieknowe. In those days, just like today, the Church of Scotland was troubled by shortages of money and ministers. The first minister of the united parish whose name is recorded was Thomas Bell, MA, appointed in 1615. His name, and the name of his successors up to the present day, can be seen inscribed on the Roll of Ministers which hangs in the church foyer. One of them, James Currie (1763-73) was the father of Dr James Currie, the biographer of Robert Burns and the first editor of his poetic works.

In 1790, a small number of parishioners left the Established Church to form the Relief Church congregation at Waterbeck. The church that they built there was the forerunner of the present one, which in 1847 became part of the United Presbyterian Church. Meanwhile, the Union with Carruthers and Pennersax had made Middlebie Parish the biggest parish in Scotland at the time. By 1883, the southern part of the parish had become so populous that it was separated from Middlebie to form the new parish of Kirtle. Kirtle Parish consisted of the villages of Kirtlebridge and Eaglesfield, with the church and manse in Kirtlebridge.

In 1905, a daughter church to Middlebie was built in the old Carruthers Parish at Laurie’s Close, to cater for those church members who lived beyond reasonable walking distance to Middlebie. However, after car ownership became common, the little church had outlived its usefulness, especially once nearby Waterbeck Church rejoined the Church of Scotland in the 'Great Union' of 1929. The church at Laurie’s Close was eventually sold, and has been converted into a private dwelling house.

After the Great Union, Eaglesfield and Kirtle became separate parishes. At that time, Eaglesfield was served by the former Kirkpatrick Fleming United Free Church at Pincod, just outside the village to the south east. Since there was already a Kirkpatrick Fleming Church of Scotland in the village of that name, the Pincod church was renamed Eaglesfield Church. Fundraising to build a new church in the village began before the war, but the building was not completed until 1952. Money for this was raised by subscription - no small achievement in a village known locally as 'Poverty Row'. The pulpit, pews, and some panelling from the old church were incorporated into the new building, and the the Pincod church was demolished.

In 1948, Middlebie was linked with the Parish of Eaglesfield. In 1959, this arrangement was rethought. Eaglesfield Parish was split again from Middlebie and reunited with Kirtle Parish to create the new parish of Kirtle-Eaglesfield. Meanwhile, Middlebie was linked with Waterbeck. In 1972, the three parishes were linked under one minister, who lived in the Manse at Kirtle.

In 2010, the parishes underwent yet more adjustment. Middlebie and Kirtle-Eaglesfield were united with Hoddom Parish, based in the village of Ecclefechan, to become one parish of five villages and around 3500 inhabitants. The church buildings in Kirtlebridge and Ecclefechan were sold to private buyers, as was the Kirtle Manse, while Waterbeck Church (which was owned by the village) seceded from the Church of Scotland and now operates as an independent church. The churches at Middlebie and Eaglesfield were retained, and the united congregation worships in each on alternate weeks. The Manse is in Ecclefechan.

In 1626 raiders from Scotland stole a pair of bells from St Michael's. They fled back

to their boats, pursued by angry locals, and began to row back across the firth. The pursuers set off after them and were gaining ground. The Scots realised that

the bells were weighing them down so they threw them overboard and made their getaway. The bells were lost forever, but irate villagers decided to retaliate for the theft and

launched their own raid north across the firth and stole bells from churches in Dornock and Middlebie. A tradition arose that each time a new minister takes office, the minister must

petition Bowness for return of the bells. For almost 4 centuries every request has been refused or simply ignored, and here the still bells sit, at the west end of the church.

The following was written with reference to the 'bells' - Author Unknown

THE TENOR BELL MAKES A REQUEST

Relieved from duty here we sit in well earned ease together, Beside the Solway’s ruddy sands secure from wind and weather. With near three hundred years of toil, a trifle thin our tone is, So now at length we take our rest – the stolen Bells of Bowness.

Yes our voice grows thin, we must cease our merry din; We belong to the past, to the old and hoary past. Never more from the shore, O’er the racing Solway tide, o’er the purple Solwayside, Will you hear our voices calling – we are dumb at last.

Expatriated Scots, we still have raised our chimes undaunted These five times fifty years and more since first we were transplanted. My cousin there from Annandale was taken by the Rievers. At Middlebie it was that I assembled the believers.

My friend’s career was near cut short in Dornock’s icy brew. Her iron constitution ‘twas that served to pull her through. But still on Sunday mornings she, with thoughts of Dornock river, When of the “fearful pit” they sing can scarce restrain a shiver.

“Thou shalt not steal”, the preacher said broad was the smile upon us, For there we were for all to see – the stolen Bells of Bowness. Although, a Presbyterian bell, I know not any “canon”. We’ve served Episcopalians well, I and my friend from Annan.

Since our clamour must cease and our voices be at peace. We now yearn to return to our Scottish home of yore. Send us back. Send us home. I am tired of sea and foam. Never more you’ll hear us calling by the Solway shore.

 

Question: Where is Middlebie Parish Church located?
Answer: Middlebie Parish Church is located at Middlebie Church, Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway.

Question: Who is Middlebie Parish Church's pastor?
Answer: Middlebie Parish Church's pastor is Rev. Chris Wallace.

Question: What time is service at Middlebie Parish Church?
Answer: Our Sunday morning services are at 10.30am, and last for approximately 1 hour. We alternate weekly between our two churches, and occasionally worship in the Village Hall at Ecclefechan - so check which Sunday it is before setting out! 1st & 3rd Sunday Middlebie Church 2nd & 4th Sunday Eaglesfield Church 5th Sunday Ecclefechan Village Hall We have no Sunday School at present, but children are welcome at all of these services. They are an important part of our worship, and we have a box of toys to keep them amused during the sermon! Tea, coffee, and biscuits are served after the service at Eaglesfield and Middlebie. At Ecclefechan Hall, Tea and Coffee are served before the service at 10.15 a.m.

Question: What is Middlebie Parish Church's Facebook page?
Answer: https://www.facebook.com/hkemchurch/

Question: What is Middlebie Parish Church's website?
Answer: http://www.spanglefish.com/hkemchurch/index.asp

Question: What denominaiton is Middlebie Parish Church?
Answer: Middlebie Parish Church belongs to Church of Scotland denomination.