Ardwell Community Kirk

Galloway Advertiser and Wigtownshire Gazette

Impressive Opening Ceremony
Ordination Of Rev A M Barr

The beautiful new church within the grounds of Ardwell Estate which has been gifted to the Church of Scotland by Mrs McTaggart and Sir Mark J McTaggart, Bart., M.P. and Lady Stewart, together with a suitable endowment, was formally opened for public worship on Thursday last, when various ceremonies of an impressive and interesting character took place. The church, which is from plans by Mr P Macgregor Chalmers, architect, Edinburgh, is constructed of freestone and beautifully finished in every respect. Our illustration gives an idea of the exterior, and the same artistic taste is evident in the internal arrangements. The object of the donors was to provide a convenient edifice for worship in the southern section of the parish of Stoneykirk, and arrangements are in progress for separating the district as the quoad sacra parish of Ardwell. The weather on Thursday was unfortunately very inclement and many were prevented from being present. Still, when the proceedings commenced the seating capacity of the church was fully occupied by a congregation who evinced the deepest interest in all that took place. The presbytery of Stranraer was largely represented, and among the others present were the Rev. Andrew Muirhead Barr, formerly assistant in St Vincent Parish, Glasgow, who has been appointed minister of the new church, several ministers of other denominations, and the Home Missions Committee of the Church of Scotland, who had accepted an invitation to conduct the dedicatory service. Sir Mark and Lady Stewart were accompanied by three of their daughters, and Miss Stewart presided at the organ throughout the services.

Laying Memorial Stone

The first ceremony was that of laying the foundation or memorial stone by Lady Stewart. A cavity had been left in front of the altar opening into the foundations, and in a hollowed stone therein was placed a sealed bottle containing a record of the proceedings leading up to the erection of the church, a selection of coins of the currency,some bearing Queen Victoria's head and some that of King Edward - an appropriate indication that the church was commenced in the former and completed in the latter reign, - copies of the Church of Scotland magazine, Life and Work and of that days Scotsman and Free Press. Lady Stewart then laid the stone covering in the cavity, using a mallet and silver trowel, and thereafter Sir Mark announced that in the name of the Holy Trinity the foundation stone of the church had been well and truly laid. The congregation remained standing during the ceremony.

Dedicatory Service

Rev Dr Marshall then proceeded with the dedicatory service. After prayer, he chose as his text the opening words of the 127th Psalm - "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that builld it," from which he preached an eloquent sermon. At the close he referred to the association of that part of Scotland with the labours of St Ninian in the cause of Christianity. These early, self sacrificing labours, he said, might have seemed to end in failure, but that they had been crowned with undoubted success, the religious history of our country showed. Within sight, he thought, of the place in which they were met, that earliest Christian missionary of whom they knew preached the everlasting gospel. St. Ninan, round whose name the most ancient religious associations of our land clustered, was the apostle of that part of the country. There he preached and worshipped in caves, and there he laid the foundations of what was afterwards to be the Church of Scotland. In what would be the new Parish of Ardwell there were the most ancient remains of Christianity in Scotland - many thought in the United Kingdom. Most of them no doubt remembered the well-known words of Dean Stanley -"Nowhere in Great Britain is there a Christian record so ancient as the great weather-beaten column that now serves as a gatepost of the Churchyard of Kirkmadryne." (see "The lost stone of Kirkmadrine").

The monumental incised crosses which were found in this part of the country told the story of the preaching of the Gospel and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, more ancient that in any other part of these realms. And yet after all the labour and sacrifice of that earliest Christian missionary, after apparent success there came apparent failure. The whole country seemed to fall back again into heathenism. The old idols were worshipped again; the cruel heathen rites were again celebrated. To the eye of man it must have seemed that St. Ninian's work and mission were in vain. But the seed was sown; some of it brought forth fruit at once and men's hearts rejoiced. That passed away, and no trace was found; but the seed remained. A generation or two passed away, and only one or two here and there were found who remembered the message St. Ninian had brought.

Then in the fullness of time it bore its fruit. It came in an abundant crop, and the land from North to South became Christianised. He always regarded St. Ninian and contemporaries as having trodden the same path in the Christianising of this country that Wickliffe and his contemporaries trod with regard to the great work of the reformation. They were men before their time, but they put their ideas into men's minds. These were accepted at first with a certain amount of enthusiasm and then died away. The soil was not quite ready; the fullness of time was not yet come. But though they perished and the work seemed to perish with them, it bore fruit afterwards in an abundant harvest. Dr Marshall concluded with an earnest appeal to the congregation to do their part in securing success to the building which had been consecrated and dedicated to the service of Almighty God, as whatever might be its outward success they had it in their power to make that success evident and to make it abundant.

Ordination of Rev. Barr

Rev. W. J. Lowrie, minister of Stoneykirk parish, who had been appointed by the Presbytery to preside at the ordination of the Rev. A. M. Barr, then entered the pulpit, and having read the narrative of proceedings leading up to the ordination, and put the prescribed questions, which were satisfactorily answered, Mr Barr was formally ordained by the laying on of hands.

Rev. Mr Lowrie then delivered the charge to the newly-ordained minister and to the congregation.

In the course of his address to the minister he said:-

"Take heed to the message you are to deliver from Sunday to Sunday to this people. We hear these days many demands for a higher type of preaching. This all of us might very heartily join in, if only we could be sure that it is preaching that is so asked for, the proclamation of the great fact of Christ. But many are trying to play up to the requirements of the age by turning their sermons to philosophical, moral, or aesthetic dissertations. Now, this is manifestly not as it should be. Called and set apart to the work of the ministry, it is ours to preach the Gospel. As students of God's revealed word our teaching ought to be scriptural guarding, of course against a limited presentation of the truth that meets our own individual views or fancies. It is not sufficient that a truth be found in Holy Scriptures; there may be other truths closely related to it in God's revelation without which the truth in question cannot properly be understood.

This we must seek to know, this we must seek to make known to others. Nearly all errors that have desolated the church of God have risen from this want of comprehensiveness. Let Paul's example be yours, endeavouring to communicate your doctrine in a way that is calculated to be understood by those to whom you speak, and in a manner likely to commend it to the hearts and minds of those who wait upon your ministry. But never stoop to methods unbecoming the House of God, and that to all right thinking minds are inconsistent with what ought to be the character and bearing of those who are the representatives and messengers of Jesus Christ. Copy not the ways of some who, while they may succeed in catching the ear of the multitude by the unusual language they employ and the unconventional tricks to which they resort, cannot hope to influence their hearers for the highest good. Such seldom succeed, however largely crowds may wait upon their services in building up a church. The pulpit is not the place for the jester or the actor. It is not from it we ought to listen to the rehearsal of smart and humorous style of preaching that has of late years become so common. All this will make great demands upon you, will require much effort and care and toil.

There may be probably other work, the discharge of which might be more agreeable to the wishes of the majority of your people, which, by reason of the claims so made upon you, you will have to to in a less thorough way than you you would like to do it. Still, do not let such considerations turn you aside from the path of highest duty. There will be much to depress and discourage you. The attacks that are at present being made upon the Bible by Christian scholars of the highest eminence, the indifference that many evince toward the Church, the scanty fruit you may probably be privileged to see from much earnest, patient, prayerful toil, together with the consciousness of your own shortcomings, cannot fail to fill your soul at times with fears, regrets, and misgivings. Still, do not let such things weigh too heavily upon your heart; do not let them take from you all courage and hope. You have faith in God; seek to live and work in the strength He gives, and failing, nobly rise to begin anew with Him, learning the lessons that have so been taught you. Says Browning, in Life and Love-

My life is a fault at last, I fear:
It seems too much like a fate, indeed!
Though I do my best I shall scarce succeed.
But what if I fail of my purpose here?
It is but to keep the nerves at strain,
To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall,
And, baffled, get up and begin again -
So the chase takes up one's life; that's all"

It is ours to labour in faith, to do our duty as we have opportunity and strength, leaving results with God. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the Presbytery. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee."

Mr Lowrie's address to the congregation was also both thoughtful and eloquent, and was attentively followed.

Presentation of Robes

At the close of the services Lady Stewart presented the newly-ordained minister with pulpit robes, cassock and bands, subscribed for by the ladies of the congregation, intimating that they were a token of the congregation's welcome to Ardwell and in remembrance of his call to a high and holy office. Lady Stewart then gracefully assisted Mr Barr to don the robes. In acknowledgement Mr Barr said he had to return very sincere and hearty thanks to the ladies of the congregation for the beautiful robes which expressed their kindly welcome to himself. It would be his earnest endeavour at all times to faithfully fulfil the duties of the high office to which he had been called.

A closing hymn having been sung, the benediction was pronounced and the congregation as they retired had an opportunity of shaking hands with their new minister.

The Luncheon

At the invitation of Sir Mark and Lady Stewart luncheon was provided in the commodious coach-house at Ardwell. Preparations were made for 170 guests but owing to the severity of the weather only about 120 ladies and gentlemen were present. The tables were prettily decorated with pot plants and cut hothouse blooms, while the purveying, which was entrusted to Mrs Shaw, Downshire Arms Hotel Stranraer, gave the utmost satisfaction. All the arrangements were under the supervision of Mrs Shaw, who had the assistance of a large and efficient staff. Sir Mark J.M'T Stewart presided, and was supported right and left by Dr Theodore Marshall and Rev Mr Barr. Among the others present were Lady M'T.Stewart and the Misses Stewart, Mrs McDouall of Logan, and Mr Robert Stewart of Culgruff.

After luncheon, the Chairman offered a hearty welcome to all on behalf of Lady Stewart and himself, and also on behalf of Mrs Ommanney M'Taggart, who was unable to be with them in person, but was with them in spirit in all the proceedings of that day. They thought it a very important occasion, and it had been very gratifying to them that in spite of the somewhat severe weather so many friends had turned out. They had to thank especially those comparative strangers who had come from a great distance, many of doubtless at great personal inconvenience and at some peril to their health.

The Chairman then gave the loyal toasts, which were warmly pledged.

The Chairman next proposed the health of the newly-ordained minister, the Rev Mr Barr. They trusted, he said, that they had been guided and directed in their choice of a pastor by something higher than mere sentiment or fancy. They had endeavoured to choose one who, they believed, would be the choice of their people. As they knew, they had asked that day all those who were paying rent on the estate to be present. Of course the bad morning had prevented many from coming, but they wanted to feel on that occasion that they were one family, that they had all interests in common, and that though they did not necessarily worship all at one church, yet they could all show to each other that Christian sympathy and that fellow feeling which made them one, although in other senses they might be somewhat separate. They had been animated by a desire to select one who would be the choice of their friends and neighbours. He thought they would find in Mr Barr one who was really capable. From all the testimonials that he had received, and from all the accounts and private letters which he had got, he was satisfied that they had been guided in their choice, and at all events they had acted to the best of their judgement and discrimination.

He thought that they would find Mr Barr's distinguishing character his conscientious. He believed that he would faithfully discharge his duties, but that, of course, time alone would show. He trusted, however, that Mr Barr would consider that it was not only careful preparation for the pulpit that was necessary - though that in itself was important - to give to the congregation that food most suitable and convenient for them from the highest possible point of view. Mr Barr would remember, he was satisfied, that the mine from which he was digging was a very deep one, and that the deeper he went the richer the ore would become. It afforded food for the simplest capacity as well as the most brilliant, so that none need go empty away from his ministrations. He would suggest that the minister's best work was very often not in his preaching power: not in the address he gave, however valuable these might be; that he must also remember that strength and blessing in Christ's work could only come from a heart united in prayer to Christ. Power to do to help their minister.

The toast was heartily honoured.

Sir Mark concluded by exhorting the congregation to pray for their minister, and impressing upon them how much they had it in their power to do to help their minister.

The toast was heartily honoured.

Rev Mr Barr, in reply, said it was with very considerable diffidence that he rose to speak. After the solemn ceremony that he had gone through he thought they would all understand and sympathise with his diffidence. The young knight, after his long vigil by the arms he was destined to wear, and just risen to his feet at the touch of the royal sword newly lifted from his shoulder, would not be inclined to say much after that solemn service. If he realised all that was involved in that great order of chivalry into which he had been received, his thoughts would be pure and his aspirations high - his thoughts too deep for words and his aspirations too high to be capable of expression in ordinary speech. And so he (Mr Barr) felt himself then to be incapable of expressing all that he would like to say, and he thought the best and wisest thing he could do was to reverently turn over in his mind the wise admonitions that had been given to him both in the church and then from Sir Mark Stewart.

He assured them that what had passed that day had not been received by him in any light or thoughtless spirit, but that he realised all that it had meant, so far as it was possible for him to realise it by the solemn ordination to the holy ministry. He should just like to say this, however. When one was coming into a new sphere there were two thoughts that naturally suggested themselves. What were the kind of people that he was going to labour amongst and what capacities for usefulness the sphere offered. He had laboured as assistant minister in a more popular district that this. He had been for fully a year in Glasgow, and before that in a country town partly industrial and partly residential, not far from Glasgow. Coming down here he naturally came into a different field, yet perhaps his usefulness might in some respects be greater. It was out of districts like this that the energy and the strength of our nation came. He had met a great many Galloway people in Glasgow, men who were making their mark, and he need not tell them that Galloway men were to be found at the forefront throughout the length and breadth of our land, and perhaps throughout the world (Applause)

A minister in a district like this had opportunities for influencing and guiding the young, and far reaching opportunities for usefulness, indeed. Then in regard to the kind of people he was to labour among, and the reception he was likely to meet that day, was an evidence of it, and the fact that at the head of this parish there were two like Sir Mark and Lady McTaggart Stewart, whose lives head been marked by great usefulness, and who had been devoted not merely to the temporal interests of the community, but above all things, to the spiritual interests of the people among whom they lived, was a great strength and encouragement to him. (Applause). He need not dwell upon the cordiality and heartiness of the Galloway people as a whole. It was therefore, with every encouragement that he began his ministry among them, and they might rest assured that with him it would be a praying ministry, and that he would always seek first and foremost that strength which could come alone from the Master of us all, the head of the Church of Christ (Applause).

Mr Robert Stewart, in a racy and humorous speech, proposed The Church of Scotland

Dr Theodore Marshall, in the course of his speech, said this was a day of very great interest to the Church of Scotland. Within the last hour or two there had been added to the Church of Scotland one of the most beautiful of its buildings and they had added to their ministry, one who, judging from what he had heard about him, was likely to be its pride and glory, and a useful asset (Applause). Dr Marshall alluded to the liberality of Mrs Omnanney McTaggart, Sir Mark and Lady McTaggart, in providing the new church. They welcomed such liberality , and as the church was able more and more to make full use and adequate provision for all its sons and daughters, so the Church of Scotland would prosper and grow strong (Applause).

Dr Marshall proposed The Presbytery of Stranraer in an interesting speech, and the Rev W M Johnston, Sheuchan, replied.

Mr James A Whyte, Kirkmabreck, gave Mrs Ommanney McTaggart and Sir Mark and Lady Sir Mark McTaggart Stewart said he could only repeat that Mrs Ommanney McTaggart, though absent in person, was with them in spirit, and only physical inability prevented her meeting her friends that day. No one took a keener interest in the welfare of those connected with the estate, and no one was more pleased to hear of their well doing. It had been a source of great pleasure to him to live to see the erection completed of this beautiful church.

It was a dream he had long entertained because he thought it would conduce to the welfare and to the good of the community in the far end of the parish of Stoneykirk, who were such a distance away from the parish church (Applause).

The Rev F Williamson, Ballantrae, proposed Other Denominations, and the Rev G P Robertson, Sandhead, and the Rev F Guttridge, Logan, replied.

The company then separated.

Before leaving, those who had to travel were entertained to tea at Ardwell House by Lady Stewart.