Logie Kirk is an isolated but operational church east of Stirling in central Scotland serving Church of Scotland pastoral duties in the areas of Cambuskenneth, Bridge of Allan, Causewayhead (eastern Stirling), and formerly the estate of Airthrey Castle (now the grounds of Stirling University).[1]
The church lies on the B998 close to the junction with the A91, between Stirling and Menstrie, or more accurately between the Wallace Monument and Blairlogie.
The church is one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland, being established during the reign of King David I of Scotland (between 1124 and 1153). A church dedicated to St Serf was built here by at least 1183. The church was rebuilt in 1380 and survived in use until after the Reformation (1560). The current ruins are from a church commissioned by Rev Alexander Fargy who served the parish from 1560 to 1592.[2] The church was ruinous in 1684 and Rev George Shaw organised its reconstruction. The rebuilding was undertaken by Tobias Bauchop of Alloa.[3]
The manse stood to the west in the grounds of Airthrey Castle and dated from around 1590, Rev Fargy having resided in Tullibody. A new manse was built in 1698 by Rev Alexander Douglas.
The church was originally linked to a priory at North Berwick under the diocese of Dunblane Cathedral but post-Reformation came under the patronage of Robert, Lord Elphinstone.[4]
The remnants of the original church lie to the north of the current church (at 56°09′03″N 3°54′32″W / 56.15072°N 3.90875°W). The tiny churchyard has many ancient stones (including some 12th century hogback graves) and several notable burials:
The current church dates from 1805 and was built under the instruction of Rev Robert Clason (died 1831) on land gifted by Sir Robert Abercromby of Airthrey.[5] A new manse was built at the same time. The architect for both was William Stirling of Dunblane. The church has been remodelled several times.[2]