History of the Church



Kilbirnie West Church
Before 1825 worship took place in houses, fields or barns, otherwise a long trip to Kilmacolm was required. William Orr of Kilbirnie Place was the driving force behind the proposal for a congregation led from Kilbirnie with their own building and minister. The original building was opened on 20th April 1825, with the first minister appointed being the Rev. James Ferguson.

On 7th July 1889 a new Church building replaced the original and became known locally as The Red Kirk.

Kilbirnie East Church
This Church, known locally as The White Kirk, was built directly opposite The West Church. It was built in 1843 then reconstructed and enlarged in 1903. Over the years the two Churches co-existed opposite each other. They survived all the historical upheavals which took place within the organisation of Churches that ultimately became the Church of Scotland as we know it today.

St. Columba's Church
On 12th January 1964 the former West Church and the former East Church united to form St. Columba's Parish Church. The East Church building (The White Kirk) became the Church used for worship while the West Church was converted by voluntary efforts of members into a hall for use by the congregation. In the 1980's this building was renovated, again with dedicated congregational support, to create both upper and lower halls as well as to upgrade kitchen and toilet facilities. The Church building was completely refurbished in 1996 which can be seen in the photo above.

In St. Columba's Church there are two main aisles and each fulfill a specific purpose (see the website Photo Gallery page for their location). The aisle to the right of the pulpit, as you look at it, is The Memorial Aisle, with access to the Church vestry. In this aisle, the Communion table and chairs from the former West Church have been housed. On the wall above is the War Memorial panel, dedicated to those members of the Parish who served and died in both World Wars. There is also a Memorial Plate to the late Mr. Wm. Martin (1857 - 1928), a Sunday School Superintendent for 50 years in the former West Church. He must have been a great man in his day to be remembered thus. Members of his family are still active in the Church today as were others until their deaths. Another plaque is dedicated to the late Rev. David Broster, Minister of St. Columba's from 1983 until his death in service in 2003. Lastly, a further plaque, gifted by Mr & Mrs W. Smith outlines the Ministers who have served in St. Columba's from 1964 until the present day. Mr W. Smith was formerly a Session Clerk of St. Columba's.

To the left of the pulpit is the Henderson Aisle, named after the late Mr & Mrs James Henderson, who were faithful and hard working members of the former East Church of St. Columba's in its early days. They bequeathed a memorial table to the Church and this was deemed an appropriate place to situate it. Also in this area are the Cradle Roll certificates and our three books of memories which have been compiled over the past 20 years approximately. They give a very personal recollection of members and others who have passed on but are fondly remembered by their families and friends. Pages are added from time to time and in this area they provide a quiet focus for reflection. This area also provides access to the East Hall at the rear of the Church and acts as a fire escape, linking up with the vestry from the other side.