Baile na Cille Church , Uig,

CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days 10 th & 13 th September 2011

Prepared by Brian Gayton August 2011

Baile na Cille Church, CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days, 10 th & 13 th September 2011

Contents Introduction ...... 3 Pre 1824 ...... 3 1824 - 1843 ...... 5 1843 - 1875 ...... 8 1875 - 1928 ...... 9 1928 onwards ...... 10 References ...... 13 Photographs by Paul Williams, Fotologic, June 2011 ...... 14 Development Plans 2011 - Existing ...... 16 Development Plans 2011 - Proposed ...... 21

Cover photograph: used for CEUIG news & Gazette press release

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Introduction Balnakil Balnakeel Irish Ballynakilla http://places.galwaylibrary.ie/as Ballinakilla p/fullresult.asp?id=36815 Ballinakille

The RCAHMS website tells us 4;

“An old churchyard, beside the highest point of which stood a church built in 1724. The site was occupied by the earlier church. 'Capail Mor' - Big Chapel' - the foundations of which are said to be traceable in the spring. To the south of it is the site of Capail Beag - 'Little 1 Chapel' - possibly a still earlier church. 'Capail Mor' was a sanctuary. (One of these, probably Whilst some accounts have a church or 'Capail Mor'), is presumably the pre- chapel at Baile na Cille for a 1000 years the Reformation 'St Christopher's Chapel in Uge' records from the 1700s are more detailed noted by Martin).” and tell an interesting and intriguing story. Old churchyard, Baile na Cille cemetery But the story of the present church building photograph from John Macleod’s A Brief starts in 1824 with the arrival of Rev. Record of the Church in Uig p4; Alexander Macleod.

2

The purpose of this booklet is therefore to simply bring together the events, the comings and goings, and other happenings that have affected Baile na Cille. And, as this leaflet is still very much a work in progress, apologies are given if information is inaccurate or any conclusions appear ill-informed.

Pre 1824

‘Baile na Cille’ means 3 farm, settlement or village of the church. Other spellings include;

Scottish Balnakeilly Perth Balnakilly Perth 5 Balnakeil Sutherland

1 From John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p14 4 RCAHMS 1928, visited 1914; M Martin 1934. 2 From John Macleod’s A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p14 http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/4056/details/lewis+baile+na+cille+c 3 See Ian Armit’s ‘The Archaeology of Skye and the Western Isles’ p211 apail+mor+and+capail+beac/ for the evolution of the ‘baile’ as farming settlements of the 18th century. 5 http://hsewsf.sedsh.gov.uk/eschedule/show?id=5363&OK=Y

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Rev Ronald Anguson 1572- 1823 – Following the passing of Rev Munro it seems that a Duncan McCaig was intended Rev John Macleod 1726-1741 to be the next minister at Uig, however, this did not happen. Rev Norman Morrison 1742-1777

10 1749 – Rev Morrison writes giving an account From CEUIG ; of the parish at that time. 6 ‘The following notice appeared in the Rev Hugh Munro 1778-1823 Edinburgh Gazette on 2 July 1823:

“The King has been pleased to present the Reverend Duncan M’Caig to the church and parish of Uig, in the presbytery of Long Island and the county of Ross, void by the death of Reverend Hugh Munro.”

Rev McCaig didn’t take up the post, for 7 reasons unknown ...’

Whilst this presentation was 15 April 1777, The writer’s research found the following; some 2 months after his predecessor’s • A reference to a book called “Trial of the passing, Rev Munro does not appear to have Rev. Duncan McCaig, minister of the reached Uig until the following year. Gaelic Chapel, Edinburgh” 1796 – Rev Munro provides an account of the parish.8 • “Duncan McCAIG a convict on the Circassian VDL 16 Feb 1833...... He In the words of John Macleod (of Carishader) was a Presbyterian Minister sentenced in about Rev Munro; June 1831 in Edinburgh to fourteen years transportation for stealing books from “The overall impression is that of a kindly several shops. He was thirty-seven years generous worthy gentlemen liked and old and unmarried, of good character and respected by his Parishioners; of upright respectable connections. As an educated conduct and character, whose preaching was convict, he was sent to Port Arthur. On orthodox, in tune with MODERATE standard of his day and time, but lacking the 16 September 1833, Booth evangelical zeal so abundantly evident in his recommended him for the position of successor.” schoolmaster, mentioning a favourable report from Rev. J. A. Manton, and In Rev Munro’s time the thatched church was McCaig's "quiet and submissive conduct located adjacent to the old cemetery near while here" (CSO 1/659/14786) In May Baile na Cille manse; 1835, as a Police writer, McCaig was found guilty of having a part of one or more bed ticks in his possession and again sent to Port Arthur. He received a ticket of leave in 1839 and a conditional pardon in 1841”11

• The ‘Edinburgh magazine and literary miscellany, Volume 92’, October 1823, page 504 which lists the following;

“- The Re, Duncan McCaig, Minister of the Gaelic Chapel, Edinburgh, having 9 declined accepting the Crown

6 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/parish-of-uig-1749 9 ‘Overgrown footing of Rev Hugh Munro’s church’ from John Macleod’s 7 ‘The North British Intelligencer or Constitutional Miscellany’, Volume V, A Brief Record of the Church in Uig p2 Wednesday, April 23.1777 (page 127). 10 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/1158 8 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/old-statistical-report- 11 http://newsarch.rootsweb.com/th/read/AUS-CONVICTS/2001- 1796 11/1006467771

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presentation, some time ago issued in his favour, to the Church and Parish of Uig, in the Island of Lewis, this Majesty has been since pleased (on the recommendation of Seaforth) to appoint the Rev. Alex. McLeod, Minster of the Gaelic Chapel at Cromarty, to the vacancy.”

There is as yet no conclusive evidence linking the McCain references.

1824 - 1843

Rev Alexander Macleod 1824-1843 14 1824 - In 1824 the Reverend Alexander James Alexander Stewart-Mackenzie (1784 – 1843) MacLeod, was appointed at the bequest of Within a short time of Macleod’s arrival he Lady Stewart Mackenzie and he was wrote to Lady Stewart Mackenzie requesting admitted to Uig 21 st April 1824. a larger church.

Extracts from the letter 15 ;

“Manse of Uig 30th November 1824;

Honourable and Dear Madam,

………….. The repairs and additions to the Manse and Offices are still going on and I trust that one our present inconveniences will be over we will comfortably situated. My greatest 12 regret and inconvenience now is the want of a church; the attendance at divine services is so Rev Alexander Macleod 1786-1869 (Uig, 1824-1843) regular and the population to great that up to this date I have not preached within doors but once since my settlement in the Parish; and though I was apprehensive

e that preaching in the open air might prove injurious to my health being not in the habit of it. Yet blessed the God I feed no bad effects from it. I am convinced that I would be disposed to put up with inconveniences to oblige you so far as possible but with many more from the consideration of being made the honoured instrument gaining souls to Christ, yea to go through any difficulty in the strength of divine Grace for the sake of preaching the Everlasting Gospel successfully to immortal souls; and for attending the Dominion of Immanuel’s Realm and sure I am to say the least of it, that no place in this kingdom stood in most need of hearing the Gospel trumpet than this corner. 13 Now on the subject of a new church, I think it quite unnecessary for me to say anything as I Mary Elizabeth Frederica Stewart-Mackenzie (1783–1862) firmly believe that you and Seaforth are

12 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/171 14 Photograph of painting by Sibad, see; 13 Photograph of painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/sibadd/4254393439/ http://www.thefullwiki.org/Mary_Elizabeth_Frederica_Mackenzie 15 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/233

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warmly disposed to promote Zion’s interest in much inconvenience. That there are lands this place and as this request of building a situated near the manse of Uig which the church with the least possible delay is so Petitioner conceives may be designed for a reasonable it being indispensably necessary Glebe for him, and his successors, ministers and through confidence in your Christian zeal of Uig. May it therefore please the Reverend and humility, I would humbly suggest that I Presbytery to fix a date for holding a conceived, and do believe that you will deem it Presbytery Visitation in the Parish of Uig in your honoured duty to meet the Lord’s work order to design such portion of land near the and people in this place by giving the manse of Uig as may be sufficient for a legal accommodation so much and proper Glebe for the minister of Uig in all needed. ……………………… time coming, and your Petitioner shall ever pray ...“ I am Honoured Dear Madam with much affection and esteem your unworthy Such a visitation was agreed by Presbytery correspondent and it took place over two days, 1st and 2nd March 1826. The ministers were Messrs Alexander Macleod” Simson (Lochs) MacRae () Cameron 1826, January to March; Taken from John (Stornoway) MacLeod (Uig). Mr James Macleod’s ‘A Brief Record of the Church in Adam, Chamberlain, was present Uig’, pages 10 to 12; representing Seaforth. He made certain proposals regarding enlarging the church, but Church Presbytery decided that they needed a report from two craftsmen, John Loban and John ‘A pro re nata meeting of Presbytery was MacLeod, before coming to a decision. They called to consider two Petitions as follows: reported that they found the church to be 55 feet 3 inches in length, and 16 feet 3 inches “January 18th, 1826. Unto the Reverend the in breadth giving accommodation for 205 Presbytery of Lewis, the Petition of the Rev Alexander MacLeod minister of Uig. Humbly persons. The walls were not sufficient to be showeth that the Petitioner was inducted and built upon, being parted owing to not having settled as minister of the Parish of Uig about proper bands. In view of the insufficiency of two years ago, and that hitherto, he and his the walls and the inadequacy of the Parishioners had laboured under the greatest accommodation of the existing church, Mr inconveniences for want of church Adam agreed that a new church be built on accommodations whereby it became the site of the old one, of the same length unavoidable on the part of your Petitioner to preach in the open air during the summer and and double the width of the old one with a winter Sabbaths of the said period to the gallery. The Presbytery declared their danger of his own health and that of his satisfaction with this proposal. people. That there are no sacramental accommodations in said Parish, by which The Chamberlain said that the new building means your Petitioner and his people are would be begun with all speed. Rev MacLeod deprived of the benefit of partaking of the stated that he and Mr Adam would manage Lord’s Supper these two years past, and that all the details connected with the new church it cannot be dispensed among them till these between them. The Presbytery in view of this accommodations are provided in the Parish. That the number of examinable persons cordial state of affairs left them to it. presently in the Parish amounts of 2,100. May it therefore please the Reverend Presbytery of The church was indeed built to accommodate Lewis to fix an early day for holding a 1,000 persons, but not on the site of the old Presbytery Visitation at Uig in order to take church. The church occupied in 1829 and still proper steps for providing said in use occupies a commanding position at the accommodations for your Petitioner and his top of the rise above Timsgeary.’ people’s mutual comfort and edification, and your Petitioner shall ever pray ...“ Glebe “January 18th, 1826. Unto the Reverend the Presbytery of Lewis, the Petition of the Rev ‘The Presbytery went on to consider the Alexander MacLeod minister of Uig. Humbly question of a Glebe. Mr Adam, on behalf of showeth that the Petitioner was inducted and Seaforth placed proposals before the settled as minister of the Parish of Uig about Presbytery. After mature deliberation the two years ago, and that hitherto, he had no Presbytery rejected his proposals, and Glebe designed to him whereby he suffers determined to design a Glebe with the aid of

Information & pictures compiled for the purposes of providing this booklet for the Doors Open Days 10 th & 13 th September 2011 Page 6 of 28 Baile na Cille Church, CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days, 10 th & 13 th September 2011 two honest and discreet men, Malcolm as before in a spot called Bealach-Ghearrie- Nicolson tenant at Capidale and John Mhic-Cor. MacLeod tenant at Valtos, who had been cited to attend the Presbytery. These men Western Boundary - were asked if they knew the extent of a soum of grass. They replied that it was what was From said point or mark last defined proceeding southward along a glen called sufficient to maintain one cow and her calf till it was a year old, during the four quarters of Gleann-Gearrie-Mhic-Cor by similar marks, the year as practised in the Parish of Uig. as nearly as may be in a straight line, till it goes into the head of the bay between They were then asked to perambulate the farm of Baile na Cille and to set apart a Balnakile and Crolasta, which bay is named quantity of ground equal to 16 soums of Traigh-na-Stroupan. grass and also pasture for 2 cows and a Southern Boundary - horse. The bay or arm of the sea denominated The men reported back that they had done Tràigh Mhor Uige. Pasture for 2 cows and a accordingly, whereupon the Presbytery horse - A straight line as nearly as it may be accompanied the discreet men and having commencing at said Tràigh na Stroupan and viewed the ground so set apart declared their proceeding in a South Easterly direction satisfaction with it. So with the assistance through a spot called Trenol, to a large stone and advice of these two discreet men the above the ground on a place called Creag Presbytery proceeded to design a Glebe as Threnol and from thence across a spot called follows: Leôb a Bhraid to the head of a piece of Eastern Boundary - ground called LeOb Mhor where the burn called Allt-nic-Fherguis has been this winter, Commencing at the bay opposite the manse diverted from its original channel. The space called Tràigh Mhor Uige, and proceeding included between the Southern, Eastern, and northward along the burn flowing into or Western Boundaries as above defined and flowing by the spring - well called Tobair Nic- marked and this last described line, forms the Fherguis and which burn hitherto formed the pasture for 2 cows and a horse, over and boundary or march between Balnakile and above the 16 soums. Timsgeary - which burn has been recently In the Glebe as above defined, marked, and diverted to another channel by the Proprietor, and from thence by and along the feal dyke bounded, the site of the manse and offices, which formed the march between the late church and garden is not included. Rev Mr Munro and his tenants, until it comes The Presbytery declaring this to be the Glebe to a point in the said dyke at which an angle did by their Moderator is formed and from which the dyke stretches in a North Easterly direction, pointing towards “Infeft the said Mr Alex MacLeod in his own the farm of Valtos. name and in the name of his successors in office, serving the cure of the Parish of Uig in Northern Boundary - all time coming, in the same, by giving him earth and stone as the symbols of From said angle in a straight line, as nearly possession.” ‘ as the eye can form in a westerly direction, defined by marks formed of stone and feal 1827, Friday 18 May, Inverness Journal - placed in pits in various places and passing Lewis - Contractor wanted to build an addition along the very large stones or rocks on the to the church of Uig in the island of Lewis; surface of the ground, beside which a similar mark of stone and feal in a pit is made, and from said mark and large stones in a line similarly defined between the loch called Loch Stesal, and an eminence or place called Cnoc Stesal, and from thence across a feal dyke called Gàradh Stesal to a point marked

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sufficiently experienced in design to dispense with the need for an architect.

1828 – ‘some 9,000 people are said to have been present at the communion’

1829 – The original bell was bequeathed in 1829;

“Dec 17, 1829 We do not know by what design or architect the church was planned or which builder was Roderick Nicolson Esq residing in Stornoway 16 most respectably expressed his attachment to engaged. However John Loban (the his native Parish by making a present of a Bell Stornoway stone mason who built St valued at twelve pounds stg for the use of the Columba’s Church, Stornoway, in 1794) and new church of Uig, built anno domini 1829.” 17 a John Macleod were attended the 1826 Presbytery Visitation in 1826 (see later See 1878 for note on existing bell. section) to consider Rev. Macleod’s petition 1833 – Rev Macleod writes an account of the of a new church. It therefore possible that 18 further research may clarify who built Baile na parish . Cille. 1843 – From the Diary and Sermons of the What seems clear however is that Baile na Rev. Alexander Macleod; Cille does not have any significant similarities “Rev. Alexander Macleod, at the Disruption in with the 32 Telford parliamentary churches 1843, joined the Free Church, and was that were erected around the highlands followed by his congregation. In the course of around 1820s and 30s. Although, as the time the parish church at Balnekill, which had church was altered in 1878 with a addition of witnessed within its walls days of the a vestry and galleries, it is possible that the Mediator’s power in the outpouring of the Holy impending redevelopment may yet uncover Spirit, was beginning to fall into a state of clues as to its original construction that have disrepair. The doors were locked, the silence of death reigned within, and the grass could remained hidden for 130 years. be seen growing n the aisles and among the pews.” That said, whilst a T shape is a common feature of many churches it is, in fact, the 1843 – ‘The Church of Baile na Cille most economical way to maximise the was declared vacant by the Presbytery on the number of people that can be accommodated 11 th July 1843.’ in a building where there is a single focal point, the pulpit. The solum (the ground below the suspended time floor) gives no 1843 - 1875 indication at present that the church floor was originally earthen or paved stone, a distinct Rev David Watson 1845-1856 difference from the standard Telford church. And the bell housing on the side has more 1845 , February – ‘Mr David Watson, similarities with a school than any church, preacher of the Gospel, attended a meeting contemporary or otherwise. Mary Miers did of the Presbytery as a candidate for Uig and 19 propose the idea that this may have been a was received as a probationer.’ deliberate decision in response to weathering 1845 to 1856 – ‘There was no regular Kirk- that the more common belfry would have suffered. session in Uig in Mr Watson’s time as he had no suitable men who were members of the 20 It is likely that Baile na Cille was built by a Church.’ master builder or stone mason who was

16 Credited with design of Cuithir House, Barra, 1814 -16 (‘Loban was 17 Church records, http://www.ceuig.com/archives/55 brought to Barra for "estimating manse" and the design is probably his.’) 18 http://www.ceuig.com/history/census-and-reports/new-statistical- and its twin Scarista Hs, Harris, 1827, linked to Manse report-1833 http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk & 19 A Brief Record of the Church in Uig, p18 http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-5899-cuier-former-manse-barra 20 A Brief Record of the Church in Uig, p18

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1856 , 11 May – ‘a prayer meeting at Bonn na which has recently rescinded the Patronage Lonaig, Crowlista, led by the Free Church Act. 22 & 23 minister John Campbell, was interrupted by the news that Mr Watson had hanged himself in an outhouse at the manse. Mr Campbell and some of the men made off across Traigh 1875 - 1928 na Sruban towards Baile na Cille; the body had been discovered by a maid. Mr Watson Rev Angus Maciver 1876-1889 was buried in the cemetery at Baile na 1878 - The architect William Mackintosh Cille.’ 21 Senior (practised in Inverness from c.1870 1856 , Tuesday 27 th May, Inverness until 1913) was responsible for the 1878 Advertiser – Watson, Reverend David of Uig, alterations which added pews and the vestry. in the Hebrides, Established Church minister, [A reference in Inverness Courier, 24 January hangs himself. 1878]

Rev James Gunn 1857-1858 1878 – The existing bell appears to be been installed during the alternations of 1878. 1857, Friday 17 th April, John O'Groat Journal – Church of Uig – Lewis. The inclusion of the Rev. James Gunn

London Gazette;

Rev Roderick Fraser 1859-1875

1858 , Tuesday 19 th October, Inverness Advertiser – Fraser, Reverend R - Parish 24

Church, Uig, appointment by Queen From photographs taken a partial inscription 1859 , 3rd February – Roderick Fraser on the bell reads ‘…C. WILSON &Co translated and admitted to Uig FOUNDERS GLASGOW ……’. London Gazette; The only bell-founder who fits this inscription was John C. Wilson & Co. “ of Gorbals Brass foundry, Glasgow, who first began to cast bells in 1838, when the foundry belonged to David Burges ”25 . “ In 1854 Burgess retired and John C. Wilson took over the foundry. He cast bells under his own name until about 1874. In that year the firm became John C. 1873 , Friday 27 June, Inverness Advertiser – Wilson and Co. and in 1896 became a limited Fraser, Reverend R - Parish Church, Uig, suspended for 1 year owing to drunkenness. 22 Diary and Sermons of the Rev. Alexander Macleod, Appendix 1 23 ‘The Act was highly opposed by the Church of Scotland because of st its intrusion into church elections and was considered lay investiture. The 1875, 31 May – Roderick Fraser departed. General Assembly of 1712, inserted a clause in the instructions to its Commissioners to protest to Parliament and this instruction was 1875 – A thousand-plus returned to Baile na repeated annually until 1784. However, due to the strength of the aristocracy, the Act remained in force for a considerable length of time. It Cille and the Established Church of Scotland was finally repealed by section 3 of the Church Patronage (Scotland) Act 1874 (c.82)’ From; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Patronage_(Scotland)_Act_1711 24 By Brian Gayton 21 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/618 25 The Church and other Bells of Kincardineshire, Eeles, 1897

Information & pictures compiled for the purposes of providing this booklet for the Doors Open Days 10 th & 13 th September 2011 Page 9 of 28 Baile na Cille Church, CEUIG & SCT Doors Open Days, 10 th & 13 th September 2011 company. ”26 This is confirmed in another Nothing within the RCAHMS website or other source that says “ John C. Wilson alone is sources explains the plan’s origin however found from 1854 till about 1873. From then till the plan is unlikely to be from the 1820s as about 1895 the firm was called John C. the 1878 alterations (pews and vestry) are Wilson & Co., and from then till 1928 it was a included (although it is unclear why either is limited company. ”27 & 28 the bell bequeathed in 1829, or the replacement bell of c.1878 is not drawn). As the inscription runs around the back of the bell the photographs did not capture a date If the plan was from the 1870s this might but its seems likely that the existing bell was represent the proposals for the alterations cast around 1878 and installed as part of the undertaken in 1878. That said, this does not alteration works undertaken at that time. align with the manuscript style, there is no explanation for the different stair case See 1829 for note on original bell. constructions or the fact that the actual

th entrance from the vestry is directly behind the 1883 , 11 May, Rev Angus MacIver’s pulpit rather than to the left hand side. statement to the Napier commission .29 Followed on 4th June, by his testimony to the Instead the plan’s manuscript style suggests commission . 30 a likely date of 1920s. And to speculate further, as there is no historical reference for Rev John Macphail 1890-1905 any alterations around the 1920s the plan may be the work of an apprentice in the 1890 - Rev John MacPhail ...’was admitted nd 1920s or perhaps the Church of Scotland had minister of the Parish on 22 April 1890’ commissioned a survey of its properties. rd 1890 , Thursday 3 April, Scottish Highlander – Uig, Skye [sic] - Reverend John MacPhail, Benbecula, has been appointed minister of 1928 onwards Uig Parish. Rev Roderick Macinnes 1928-1930 Rev Allan Mackenzie 1906-1919 Rev Norman Morrison 1931-1950 Rev Murdo Macleod 1922-1927 Rev Angus MacFarlane 1951-1979 1920s – The plan below appears in the 31 RCAHMS website ; 1955 – rare photographs 32 of the inside of Baile na Cille;

26 The Ringing World, August 4, 2000 (p763) 27 The Church Bells of Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire, Clouston, Proceedings of The Society, 1947-48 (p152) 28 Michael Foulds’ 2011 publication ‘The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry’ http://www.whitingsociety.org.uk provides a detailed history of the foundry where the current bell was made but sadly some of the records covering the 1878 period have been lost and no record of the bell on Baile na Cille has yet been found. 29 http://napier-outerhebrides.blogspot.com/2010/08/appendix-xxxiv.html 30 http://napier-outerhebrides.blogspot.com/2010/07/meavaig-lewis-4- june-1883-rev-angus.html 31 http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/171465/details/lewis+uig+parish+c hurch+and+war+memorial/ 32 http://www.ceuig.com/archives/1120

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WHO SERVED AS THE MINISTER OF THIS PARISH FROM 1807 TO 1823 AND WILL REMEMBERED FOR HIS MANY VIRTUES. THE RENOVATION WAS CARRIED OUT THROUGH THE GOOD OFFICES OF HIS GREAT GREAT GRANDSON JOHN HUGH MUNRO MACKENZIE OF MORNISH, M.A. F.R.S.A. F.B.I.M. AND FAMILY OF SCALISCRO LODGE, UIG, LEWIS”

It is believed that this is when the coat of external render was applied finished with Skye marble. However it is not clear if the original stone finish existed up to this point or whether as was found throughout the 1971 - 25 March, Church listed; Highlands that unless the walls are waterproof rain gets in. “HB Number 19272 1978 – John MacLennan & Family present Item Number 16 clock to church; UIG, UIG PARISH CHURCH AT BAILE NA CILLE INCLUDING BOUNDARY WALLS

Category: B

Date of Listing 25th March 1971

Description: Built 1829 on a new site, as parish church. T-plan, harled, painted ingoes, variety of glazing patterns on multi-paned tall and flat-lintelled windows to jamb, round- arched glazing to long south wall (centre gabled vestry perhaps an addition), domestic- scale sash and case windows on gables, with 4-pane glazing pattern. Bell hangs in east gable-head, below a gable canopy (like those 33 seen at some Lewis schools, eg Marvig), doubtless a concession to the climate. Skews, Rev William Macleod 1979-2006 run horizontally over skewputts; slated roofs. 1979 - The Ceann Langabhat church became Interior is well-preserved; pulpit with Church of Scotland when the United Free precentor's box, canopy supported on pair moulded slender timber shafts, box pew either Church joined the Church of Scotland. side; walls and ceiling all have timber V-lining; gallery in each of the 3 arms, with splayed In 1979 the two Uig congregations of the links at the angles and supported on columns Church of Scotland united on the retirement of cast-iron or of timber. Enclosed by rubble of Rev Angus Macfarlane from Baile na Cille. wall, plain iron gate. Rev William Macleod became minister of the united charge. 34 References: Groome, GAZETTEER, vol VI, p465; Hay, ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTTISH 1998 – October: Scottish Civic Trust POST=REFORMATION CHURCHES, 1957, p273. understands that the church remains in use every other Sunday, although external Notes: Ecclesiastical building in use as such.” inspection reveals it to be in need of repairs. 35 1974 - Within the church a plaque tells us that a renovation took place in 1974; 2002 – Baile na Cille is no longer in use. 36

“1974 THE EXTERIOR OF THE CHURCH WAS RENOVATED TO COMMEMORATE THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY 33 By Brian Gayton OF THE APPOINTMENT TO THE MINISTRY OF THE 34 1979, 5th September; Uig formed by the union of Uig Baile na Cille CHURCH OF SCOTLAND OF THE REVEREND HUGH and Uig Uigen (Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae: The Succession of Ministers MUNRO in the Church of Scotland from the Reformation, date 2000, page 380) 35 See http://www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk 36 John Macleod’s ‘Banner in the west’ (2008)

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2004, Friday 27 th February, Stornoway “Some people might say that you have got to Gazette, by Donnie Macinnes, ‘Giving thanks move with the times, but we don’t move from for 40 years of preaching in Uig’ 37 ; the solid rock of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Mr Macleod.

“To commemorate his 40 years of preaching Regarding his Uig congregation, Mr Macleod in Uig, Lewis, a special thanksgiving service said: “There are lovely people in this parish. was held at the weekend for Church of There is the saying ‘duine uasal Uig’ — and Scotland minister Revd William Macleod. that is what they are, ‘the noble people of Uig’. They are God-fearing people who know their Mr Macleod (77) was converted in 1949 Bible well.” during the ‘spiritual awakening’ of the time and within a short period felt the call to the Mr Macleod went on: “The hand of the Lord ministry. was there for us to come to Uig and I did not have much trouble in saying ‘yes’ to the Married with a family of three, William and his congregation. I have felt no inclination to live wife Margaret Ann are originally from Barvas, anywhere else.” but have enjoyed their many years in Uig. Mrs Macleod, a former teacher, is heavily involved The community send best wishes to Mr and with other helpers, in the Sunday School and Mrs Macleod and their family — Kenneth, Campaigners. Murray and Rhona — at this special time.”

Mr Macleod studied in Glasgow before taking his theological course at Aberdeen University, completing it in 1956.

In early 1957, Mr Macleod was ordained and inducted in Benbecula and spent seven happy years there.

He received a call from the congregation in Uig and took up ministry there in 1964.

The two Church of Scotlands in Uig — at Uigen and Baile-na-Cille — united in 1979 to become the Uig Church of Scotland.

Said Mr Macleod: “It is very much a strong Gaelic congregation, but we have an English service on Sunday mornings and a Gaelic service in the evenings. There are normally between 30 and 60 at the services. We also have an outreach service in the evening for the non-churchgoers and this attracts between 15 and 20.”

All are welcome to attend any of the services, says Mr Macleod, adding: “As long as we preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ — that is what is important.”

Regarding changes over the 40 years he has been minister in Uig, Mr Macleod said: “The main change is in the population. The school roll has gone down dramatically. There were three schools when we arrived here in 1964 and now there is only one.”

Although his services are in Gaelic and English on Sundays, both are completely different, as is the choice of praise.

He says that over the years he has been involved in the ministry there has been no change in preaching the Gospel.

37 http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local- headlines/giving_thanks_for_40_years_of_preaching_in_uig_1_115101

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References

Groome , Gazetteer, vol VI, p465.

Hay , George (1857), Architecture of Scottish Post-Reformation Churches, p273.

Gifford , John (1992), Highland and Islands (The Buildings of Scotland), p633

Macleod OBE DL MA, John, of Carishader (2001) ‘A Brief Record of the Church in Uig’

Miers , Mary (2008) ‘The Western Seaboard: an illustrated architectural guide’;

“Baile-na-cille Kirk, 1826-9 A plain version of the T-plan Parliamentary church, with gabletted bell canopy instead of bellcote and round instead of Tudor-arched windows. Inside survives the original pulpit with precentor’s box and a splay-angled gallery on cast-iron columns. Additions of 1878 included the vestry and pews.

Former manse (now Baile-na-Cille), 18th century, repaired and remodelled with addition of lofty wing, 1824 , using stone from the 18th century church. The old graveyard beside Uig Sands marks the site of the medieval parish church, and of its successor of 1724.”

Macleod , John (2008), Banner in the West, 141-161, 208-9, 237-238, 239 (plus many other references to Uig’s ministers)

Lawson , Bill (2008), Lewis, The West Coast, In History and Legend, 211-217

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Photographs by Paul Williams, Fotologic, June 2011

Baile na Cille in its landscape;

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Baile na Cille interior;

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Development Plans 2011 - Existing

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Development Plans 2011 - Proposed

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For more information;

Brian Gayton Doors Open Days

4 Trevelyan Way, Berkhamsted. The aim of the annual Doors Open Days Hertfordshire, HP4 1JG event is to open up for free sites normally closed to public or which charge an Tel: 0771 745 3233 admission fee. More than 250,000 visits are regularly made to over 900 sites across [email protected] Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Isles.

This year marks Doors Open Day’s 21st Comann Eachdraidh Uig birthday as it began in Glasgow and Ayr in 1990 during the European City of Culture Uig Museum celebrations. It is coordinated nationally by Uig Community Centre the Scottish Civic Trust with support from Timsgarry, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9JT Historic Scotland and Event Scotland. The Tel: 01851 672456 event takes place every September, along When closed: 01851 672237 with Scottish Archaeology Month coordinated by Archaeology Scotland, to link in with Chair: John Maciver, European Heritage Days which sees millions Vice Chair: Sheila Henderson, Valtos of visitors in 50 countries explore a wide Secretary: Teen Anne Murray, Valtos range of sites. Treasurer: Sarah Egan, Ardroil http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays/ Visitors to the museum and archive are default.aspx warmly welcomed. The facility, in the community centre in Uig, is open Monday to Saturday, 12-5pm, from May to mid- September, and visits at other times can be Civic societies, local authorities, heritage and arranged on request. Out of opening hours, building preservation trusts act as area please contact Sarah or ring Finlay coordinators, and are supported by many (01851.672224), John (672255) or Teen volunteers numbering over 5,500 at last Anne (672363) and we will gladly open up for count who gave up the equivalent of 18 you. working years without a holiday! The economic impact of the event is similarly http://www.ceuig.com/contact-us impressive with more than £25 million generated for the Scottish economy over the event’s lifetime.

Scottish Civil Trust

Area Coordinator Abigail Daly The Scottish Civic Trust The Tobacco Merchants House 42 Miller Street, Glasgow, G1 1DT Tel: 0141 221 1466 [email protected]

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