Welcome to the Website for the Town Kirk of Stranraer
Church of Scotland in Stranraer
The Town Kirk of Stranraer, a Grade B listed building, is one of three Church of Scotland churches in the town of Stranraer, situated in South West Scotland.
Origin of the Town Kirk
The Town Kirk of Stranraer was created by the union of Stranraer Old Parish Church and St Andrew's Parish Church on the closure of the former in 2005. The new church uses the premises of the former St Andrew's Parish Church.
In June 1926, Ivy Place United Free Church united with St Marks United Free Church to form St Andrew's United Free Church. Then in 1929, after the union of that year, the church changed its name once again to St Andrew's Church of Scotland.
As the name implies, the Town Kirk has taken over the civic duties previously undertaken by the Old Parish Church. The Minister now has a much increased burden of duties as he is also the minister of linked charge of Inch Parish Church, a couple of miles outside the town and on the outskirts of the village of Castle Kennedy. Inch was previously united with the former Lochryan and Glenapp Church, in Cairnryan, when that church closed in the spring of 1985.
History
A history of the churches in Stranraer can be found in the booklet "Ane Kirk" -- usually available from Stranraer Museum. It details the history of the Old Parish Church as well as the other churches in the town. A more comprehensive history of St Andrew's Church can be found in a book that is, at the time writing, out of print, as it is currently being revised and brought up to date to include the formation of the Town Kirk of Stranraer. A booklet "Memorial Inscription in Stranraer 1 - Old Kirkyards" published by the Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society, lists the inscriptions (in 2000) on the memorials in the graveyard behind the church. Again, copies are available in Stranraer Museum.
The Minister
The minister of Inch linked with the Town Kirk of Stranraer is Rev John H Burns BSc BD, a native of Dingwall who graduated from St Andrews University. He was an assistant in London before his ordination and induction to Inch and Stranraer St Andrew’s Churches in 1988.
Location
The Town Kirk of Stranraer is on the South side of London Road, near its junction with Hanover Street. On the opposite side of the road is Morrisons supermarket. There is parking for a small number of cars beside the church but we are able to use the car park opposite (for a maximum of 3 hours) during events held in the church, as well as for Sunday services, weddings and funerals.
Access
Both the church and hall can be accessed by those in wheelchairs using the back door. A car can be brought up to the back door which is on the same level as the car park. The are spaces specially allocated for wheel chairs users and their carers. There is now a new toilet suitable for wheel chair users.
The speaker system has been upgraded and as a result the reception has been greatly improved.
A raised bookboard to support hymnbooks is available, particularly for those with sight problems who use a device to magnify the print. A large number of large print hymnbooks are available.
Unless there are other events taking place e.g. a coffee morning, a funeral or a wedding, it is intended that the church be open to the public on Saturday mornings during the summer months and at other times by arrangement.