History

ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

Church Gate Moffat

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History

The Traveller who comes to Moffat from the north passes the awesome cavern of the Beef Tub with its swirling mists and sees in the distance the little town of Moffat snugly set below the hills on the long strath, the Mai-fad. The traveller from the south can escape the M74 motorway traffic by turning off into Moffat and find welcome relaxation in the broad tree-lined High Street, with its shops and hotels.

Of the town of Moffat it can be said that its brightest jewel is the Parish Church, dedicated to St. Andrew and set in its own spacious grounds. Although close to the heart of the town and surrounded by houses, shops and hotels, it nevertheless, rises serenely 'abune them a'.

In early Christian times there was a chapel at Auldton, the original Moffat. When the present Moffat came into existence the Parish Church, surrounded by a graveyard, was situated at the south-east of what is now the High Street. Little is known of this ancient church except that in1177 it was transferred by Robert de Bruce to the Bishop of Glasgow, and was afterwards constituted, one of the prebends of the see. In the 'Killing times' it was put to the dolorous use as an overnight prison for Covenanters on their way to execution.

In 1790 the ground opposite the Black Bull was gifted by James, Earl of Hopetoun, and a new parish church was built with seating for 1,000 persons. It had a spire at the top of which was affixed the Earl's crest of the Flying Spur and, hence, was nicknamed the 'Flying Spur Kirk'. There is a picture of this church on the rear wall under the gallery.