Colonsay Parish Church, Scalasaig Explained

Colonsay Parish Church
Coordinates:	56.0678°N -6.1961°W
Location:	Colonsay, Argyll and Bute
Country:	Scotland
Denomination:	Church of Scotland
Heritage Designation:	Category B listed^[1]
Architect:	Michael Carmichael
Style:	Georgian architecture
Groundbreaking:	1801
Completed Date:	1804
Construction Cost:	£441 11s 6d.
Capacity:	400 persons

Colonsay Parish Church is a Category B listed^[1] Church of Scotland parish church in Scalasaig, Colonsay.^[2]

History

The church was built in 1801–04 at a cost of £441 11s 6d. The architect is said to be Michael Carmichael. Originally there were galleries at both ends reached by external staircases, but these no longer exist, perhaps removed in a re-ordering ca. 1912.

The church was built as a chapel in the parish of Jura, but became independent in 1861 when James MacKenzie was appointed the first minister.

In 2016 the church merged with the Baptist congregation and is completely ecumencial. In 2023 it was proposed to merge the parish with that at Netherlorn.

Ministers

• James Bannatyne MacKenzie 1861-1872 (afterwards minister in Kenmore)
• Donald MacLean 1873-1880^[3] (formerly minister in North Uist, afterwards minister on Harris)
• Dugald Carmichael 1881-1915^[4] (formerly assistant minister at Kilcalmonell and Kilberry)
• Kenneth MacLeod 1917-1923^[5] (afterwards minister at Gigha Parish Church)
• Angus MacFadyen 1925-1930^[6]
• Iain Bryce MacCalman 1930-1938 (afterwards minister at Tayside and Kirk o’ the Muir)
• Duncan MacNeill 1939-1943
• John Y. Clark 1943-1952^[7] (formerly minister at Braemar)
• Samuel Lipp 1954–1956 (formerly minister at Longformacus, afterwards minister at Eassie, Glamis)
• Alisdair R. E Maclnnes 1958-1963^[8]
• Frederick R. Hurst 1965-1971
• Ronald L. Crawford 1974-1988

Notes and References

1. Web site: Colonsay and Oronsay Parish Church Scalasaig . Historic Scotland . 2023-09-12.
2. Book: Walker, Frank Arneil . 2005 . The Buildings of Scotland. Argyll and Bute . Yale University Press . 505 . 9780300096705.
3. News: . Harris . Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser . Scotland . 30 October 1880 . 12 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .
4. News: . Colonsay . Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser . Scotland . 27 November 1915 . 12 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .
5. News: . Colonsay vacancy filled . Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser . Scotland . 15 August 1925 . 12 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .
6. News: . Colonsay Churches . Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser . Scotland . 19 July 1930 . 12 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .
7. News: . The Late Rev J.Y. Clark, Colonsay . Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser . Scotland . 13 December 1952 . 12 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .
8. News: . Rev. A.R.E. MacInnes . The Scotsman . Scotland . 14 December 1963 . 14 September 2023 . British Newspaper Archive . subscription .