1773 John Campbell MA
After William Boyd’s death on 5th February 1772 the Crown presented John Campbell schoolmaster in Dalry and preacher of the gospel to be the next minister of Carsphairn. John Newall Esq of Barskeoch accepted this presentation on the understanding that as patron of Dalry he had equal rights with the Crown (patron of Kells) in the presentation of the minister to Carsphairn, and he would expect to exercise his right at the time of the next vacancy. Mr Campbell went through his trials before the Presbytery and was ordained on 25th March 1773. His ministry was a significant one in the life of the church, for after the years when the congregation had been dispersed there was a new resolve to move forward and strength the life of the parish church.
At the beginning of his ministry the plans made at the end of Mr Boyd’s ministry for providing fixed seating in the church and construction of a central communion table were carried forward to fulfilment. On 3rd September 1775 communion was celebrated in the church for the first time for nearly twenty years. The church accounts for 1772–82 are preserved, and they gave a fascinating insight into the life of the congregation during this period. However, before the end of that period Mr Campbell died on 28th May 1780 and another period of conflict opened up in the life of the congregation. His wife Margaret, emigrated to America, entering the country at Philidelphia.