OS1/20/63/19

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
COMMUNION STONES Communion Stones
Communion Stones
Communion Stones
Communion Stones
Communion Stones
William Charters
Alexander Haining
James Welsh
Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] 1845
Ainslies Map 1820
026 [Situation] 1 1/8 Miles E.N.E. [east North East] of Cornlee farm house
A considerable number of large Stones collected together in the form of Seats which is traditionally handed down that during the persecution of the Presbyterians of Scotland that several of the ejected Ministers met their Scattered flocks here and dispensed the Sacrament to them hence the name "Communion Stones". The Stones are so arranged in the form of what may be called 2 communion tables, each having 4 rows of seats. at their head is a small Cairn which was probably used as the table for the elements, or pulpit. and a few yard to the South a large Stone is to be seen with a circular cavity in it, which held, according to tradition the water for baptism.

Continued entries/extra info

Parish of KirKpatrick Irongray -- [Page] 19

Form 136
page 45 - Communion Stones

"On the Southern Side of the "Forest" there is an extensive
" hollow, enclosed on the west by Cornlee and on the east by Skeoch
" Hill with a natural opening from the South. About midway
" up Skeoch Hill, On the inner Side where there is a platform of
"considerable extent Several of the ejected ministers met their Scattered
"flocks and dispensed the Sacrament to them. This lonely and otherwise
"unattractive spot is invested with a deep interest from being the Scene and
" Still retaining the memorials of these events - the "Communion Stones". They
"Consist of what may be called two tables with a passage between them. Each
"table has two rows of Seats in distinct preservation. At the head there is a small
"Cairn which was obviously used as the table for the elements. A few yards to the South
"a Stone of an oval form is to be seen with two separate circular cavities that admit the arm to the elbow which held according to tradition
"the water for baptism. In front of the Stones towards the forest the ground rises gradually forming a Kind of natural gallery where the Congregation "Could hear the Sermons and addresses that were delivered and witness the whole solemnity."&c Stat. Acct. of Kirkt. [Statistical Account of Kirkcudbright] 1845 P. 268

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Chr1smac -Moderator, Jane Shennan, Ruth Currie