" ....The centenary of the U.P. congregation was celebrated in December last. It has a memorable history, which formed the subject of an interesting discourse by the pastor, the Rev. Wilson Baird. A striking incident told by him deserves to be here quoted. Speaking of the building of the old church, he said: -

"Shortly after the congregation commenced to build, the only quarry near the place was closed against them. Stones were then brought from the river, but that source was barred against them also. When taking down the old church, several of these boulder stones were come across, showing clear river origin. Stones were also brought from farms around - some of these were even carried on the backs of men to the building. I had the pleasure of conversing with one man who was present at the building of the old church in 1796. I refer to old Hugh Marr of Auchmillan Hill. He died the year I came to Mauchline, in 1875, and was the first member I lost by death. He was in his 96th year when I spoke to him and was a big lad of 16 in 1796. He remembered well the building of the church, the great enthusiasm, and the carrying of the stones. In the early days many of the members belonged to Catrine, there being no Secessation church there until 1825.

A Catrine woman hearing of the difficulties in securing stones for the church, received a very beautiful inspiration. She said she had no money, but she would give her hearth stone, and the stone was lifted from the hearth of this humble home and carted to Mauchline. Many of you remember the circular stone in front of the old church; that was the Catrine hearth stone. When the old church was taken down in 1884 this stone was found to be in such a fine state of preservation that it was re-hewn, and now occupies a prominent position as an ornamental stone in the front elevation of the church, almost beneath the cross."