An interesting edifice

“St Madoes Kirk, whose congregation worship today in the adjoining Maddoch Centre, built on the former glebe, is an interesting edifice, being a fine example of

a Scottish Presbyterian church of its era,” writes Donald Abbott of Invergowrie.

“The now-empty church building dates from the last decade of the 18th Century, although previous buildings had stood here since the early days of Christianity in these parts. For many years, there stood before its front door the St Madoes Cross slab of ancient lineage which now stands with an explanation of it in the foyer of Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

“Several prominent ministers served here and a couple of early ministers were the Rev David Balvaird, serving in 1569, with the Rev William Edmonton, minister at Kinfauns, ministering also at St Madoes in 1571-72. Another well-known minister was the Rev Archibald Main from 1904-12.

“He later served as chaplain to the King, was Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Glasgow and, in 1939, was Moderator of the Church of Scotland.

“Another minister of personal interest is the Rev James Noble who performed the marriage of my three times greatgrandmother Margaret Gray to Alexander Pirie. She was a descendant of Andrew Gray of Bullion, the sixth son of Patrick, 5th Lord Gray. Andrew died circa 1603-04.

“The Rev Noble was an amateur geologist

who discovered at least one geological specimen at Clashbennie quarry.

“Mr Noble wrote the New Statistical Account of St Madoes Parish.”