The Beadle

In 1910 the Church Beadle was William Reid he would carry the minister’s bible into church. He died in 1913 and was held in high regard by the minister, Reverend McNaughton and the Kirk Session.

The minutes of the Kirk Session instructed the Moderator to record their regret at the loss sustained to them and the congregation, by the death of William Reid. For many years William was the   Beadle at Carsphairn church. Their great appreciation of his faithful and valuable services, his consistent loyalty and character were recorded.  A copy of this minute was sent to his children and relations expressing of deep sympathy for their loss.

Mr Reid and his successor William McLellan who had been acting beadle during Mr Reid’s illness and after his death, were paid £5 a quarter.

Gibson Stewart was the next appointed beadle or church officer.  His list of duties in 1913 included:-

• Attending the minister and attendance on the pulpit. (He would take the bible into the church and stand to the side when the minister arrived)
• Making sure that the church pews, floors and windows were kept clean at all times.
• Attending to the heating, lighting and airing of the church as directed,
• Sweeping out and dusting the church every Saturday.
• Cleaning the church thoroughly at least twice a year in the weeks preceding communion.
• Assisting as occasion may arise in any decoration or draping of church or pulpit.

It is noted in the August Kirk Session minute in 1948 ‘Gibb Stewart who died on August 2nd had been beadle for well nigh 50 years’. No-one applied for his job and that was last time the term ‘Beadle’ was used in Carsphairn.

In the 1730s the Kirk officer of Carsphairn, who was also referred to as the ‘beadle’, performed duties like ringing the bell, digging graves and also gathering ‘fogg’ (moss) to stuff the walls of the church to keep out draughts.

He also seemed to have a responsibility to undertake work requested by Presbytery, for example, to gather quotes for church repairs.