People are being offered the chance to travel through time as they explore the history of one of East Dunbartonshire’s most iconic buildings.
The Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch is hosting a free exhibition until 8 August 2024 – marking the 380th anniversary of the building itself.
The structure has Category A-listed status, which is given to buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are outstanding examples of a particular period, style or type.
It began life as St Mary’s Parish Church in 1644 – designed to resemble the shape of a Greek cross, with traditional Scottish crow-stepped gables. The 1644 date stone is still visible on the exterior south gable wall.
A growing congregation led to a new St Mary’s being built at its current location on Cowgate, near the Forth and Clyde Canal. It was completed in 1914.
The Auld Kirk building continued to be used for many years as a Sunday school, passing into the care of the Town Council and then opening as a museum in 1961 – following refurbishment by John Laird & Son.
Since 2011, the museum – which has a four-star Visit Scotland rating – has been managed by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust. It attracts thousands of visitors every year – from across the area and beyond.
The Auld Kirk Museum has hosted many wonderful exhibitions and events over the years so it’s only right that – on its 380th anniversary – we focus on the building itself
“Times have changed massively since it became an iconic fixture locally, but it has survived and thrived. I hope as many people as possible take the chance to visit the free exhibition and explore its fascinating history.
“As well as photographs and information from the past you can also see some of the objects that have been in the museum's collection the longest.”
The Auld Kirk has a permanent display on the history of Kirkintilloch – including one of the iconic red telephone boxes created by the Lion Foundry – and a changing exhibition space which regularly showcases work by a range of local, national and international artists.
The 380th Anniversary Exhibition is on until 8 August 2024.
The Auld Kirk Museum – Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN – is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.
For more venue information, call 0141 777 3013 or visit the Auld Kirk webpage
* When the Auld Kirk at the Cross was first opened in 1644, it was as the Parish Church of 'Lenzie', an old parish that embraced the districts of Kirkintilloch and Cumbernauld. However, the parishioners of Cumbernauld were not pleased that the parish church was situated so far from their village and so just five years later, in 1649, the Commissioners for Plantation of Kirks decreed that the parish of Lenzie should be divided with a new Parish Church of Easter Lenzie for Cumbernauld and the one in Kirkintilloch renamed Wester Lenzie.
The ecclesiastical parishes of 'Easter Lenzie' and 'Wester Lenzie' prevailed for some considerable time, but eventually the eastern parish church became the Parish Church of Cumbernauld and the western parish the Parish of Kirkintilloch. These names became established by the 19th century.
Thanks to the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries for additional information.
