For Whom the Bell(tower) Tolls

Afternoon all

Off shopping for paint......jobs list for whilst I'm 'off' has grown some what !!!

This is the remains of the Coupar Kirk in Burntisland. It was derelict for some time before being destroyed by fire in 1977. The Bell tower is all that remains of this historical building built in controversy.
In 1843 four hundred and seventy, four ministers broke away from the Church of Scotland and took roughly one third of the Church?s congregation with them, in an event known as the Disruption. Initially the Free Church in Burntisland met in a building in Lothian Street. However, the congregation soon constructed a purpose built church, in a prominent position directly opposite the Parish Church. The building only functioned as a church until 1861 as the congregation decided to construct a larger church on High Street
Above this you can see the tower of the Burntisland Parish church. On 29th July 1587, with the consent of Parliament, the various Grants and Charters in favour of the Burgh of Burntisland were ratified by James VI. The Royal Charter required that a church should be built in Burntisland, and our present church was commenced in 1592 and completed in 1595.

The church is built on a square plan unique in Scotland with people sitting on all four sides of the church, with the pulpit and communion table in the centre of the church. The church buildings was one of the first to be built in Scotland after the reformation. It reflects the reformers belief that the preaching of the bible, baptism and the Lord's Supper were all to be celebrated in the midst of the people of God.

The Church is sometimes known as the Kirk of the bible. The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met here in 1601 and proposed to King James VI that a new English translation of the Bible would make the Scriptures more accessible to the people and this was approved. In time this was published as of the King James or Authorised Version of the Bible.

Inside there are panels depicting the different crafts: joiners, butchers etc, which are very unique. The Church also has a back staircase for seafarers to join and leave in midservice depending on the sailings and berthings of ships.

Have a great day ;0)

TTFN ;0)