History of Creich Parish

The history of Creich Parish goes back some hundreds of years but Rev Ian Martin has documented much of the past and to quote some of his writings:

“before a resident minister’s time, mention is made of a parish priest and his ‘clay cottage near the site of the old kirk. This structure came about in 1790 and it accommodated 500 persons. There were no seats, except for the Communion forms occupied by the poor”

Mention is made of the records of a ‘church’ being situated near the banks of the Kyle but this was much earlier than 1790. Over the years this building saw many changes and additions. The Old Manse had been entirely removed and a new building provided.

The church had a very chequered history, but what is known is that people in the area belonged to the Parish Church, and it was no trouble then for old and young to walk to the services. They came from Invershin in the West, Sleastry at the back of Bonar and by coach from Edderton across the narrows of the Kyle near Midfern. People also travelled from Ospisdale, and when all came to a service, between 500 and 600 attended.

All this, of course, occurred before evictions took place. It was not only that, but dissent, which crept in about 1811. From that time people who formed a large part of the congregation, ceased coming to Creich. Some went to Dornoch, some to Kincardine but greater numbers met in the open air (Church without Walls) where Elders presided at the Rock of Migdale.
The first account since the Reformation of any pastor in the parish dates from 1585 – 1597: Donald Logan a reader in Irish.
Then comes a gap here until the appointment on 1697 – 1614 of James Gray who came to Creich from Lairg and went to Clyne in 1615. Dates from then on are somewhat sparse. Robert Munro followed Gray sometime between 1614 – 1640. John Hossack, an Aberdeen graduate (1619) was appointed to the General Assembly in 1649 and was minister at Creich until 1656 when the parish was declared vacant.

The following are listed
John Dempster 1664- -68 (to Lairg)
John Alexander 1682 – 72 (to Kildrummy)
Hugh Rose 1682 – 89 (summoned before Privy council for failing to pray for their Majesties, William and Mary)

There appears to have been a break here (or no records kept) until 1707 when Andrew Munro a graduate of St Andrews was appointed. He died at Creich in 1712 and was followed by Walter Ross 1714 – 1730. His ministry appears to have been a very settling and successful one. From notes, I quote “the bulk of the people attended Communion even as far distant as 50 miles”. They came in such large numbers, that hospitality became very burdensome to parishioners. Ministers were persuaded to hold this service every two years.

After Andrew Munro died James Smith 1731 – 1758 became minister, but nothing is recorded of his time here. He was followed by Hugh Rose 1749 – 1770, another St Andrew’s graduate. He had been a missionary at Fort William, before holding the same post at Creich and from there went to Tain.

George Ramsay 1771 – 1810 was, by all accounts a very devout pastor. He was popular and served the parish well during his time at Creich. He was assisted by Murdo Cameron who came as assistant to Rev. Ramsay in 1810. Neil MacKinnon 1855 – 1844 was the last Minister to be presented to the parish by the Crown House of Sutherland.

The present Church opened on August 14th 1913 but some of the records since then have disappeared. Its historical importance lies in the fact that it is the last church to be built in the County of Sutherland by Heritors. In this case the principal heritor was Andrew Carnegie of New York and Skibo. It was built in a commanding position on the hillside immediately above the village, where in fact the tower and spire may be said to dominate the village.

It is an effective building, designed in the intermediate phase of Gothic architecture. The most striking features of the exterior are the tower and spire over the entrance porch, containing in the upper stage a belfry chamber with lancet lights fitted to the louvres. Another pleasing feature is the main traceried window in the west end, which is designed with free flowing lines of tracery, The masonry throughout is of local granite taken from the adjoining hillside, and dressed in a rough manner with rock faced finish. The dressing of doors and windows etc. are in freestone from Tain quarry, which harmonises very well with the granite..

The church has some beautiful stained glass windows and a kitchen facility where the old heating boiler was housed. Carpeting throughout gives a warm effect.

On 1st June 1972, during the ministry of Rev John Dupuy,
Creich and Rosehall became a linked charge. In July 2009, Creich and Rosehall were also linked with Kincardine, Croick and Edderton.

Ministers continued
Sandy MacKinnon 1958-62
Harry MacKinnon 1963-70
John Dupuy 1971-79
R.K. MacKenzie 1980-86
John Evans locum
E.R.Lacey 1986-92
A.F.McCormick 1992-98
heather Olsen 1999-2003
Bob Te Whaiti 2005-20007
Anthony Jones 2010 – 2018

Pulpit supply – Mike Howe, Mike Burnett, Nick Archer, Karl Weidner