The 'Auld Kirk' in Beith was looking good today. The main part of the building dates from 1593 and the tower and clock was added in 1800. An important historical building which also had a rather important minister back in the 18th century. The Rev John Witherspoon was a Church of Scotland minister who, in 1745, led the men of the town to Glasgow in support of George III and against the Young Pretender. He ignored orders to return to Beith and was eventually captured at the Battle of Falkirk. After a period of captivity he emigrated to America where he became heavily involved in the politics of the day.
He is a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence as well as being the sixth President of Princeton University.
A direct descendant is the actor Reese Witherspoon.