Crossroads and Characters

55. OF CHURCHES AND MINISTERS.

In 1910, with encouragement from Lady Wilson of Kippen, the United Free Church was built. It became St. Paul's, Church of Scotland, in the 1929 union. It was the last church built in Dunning. At one time Dunning could boast five churches (though to correct any impression of excessive godliness it must be mentioned the village had 13 alehouses at the same time). The first Protestant minister preached in 1562, and since then there have been platoons of them. By no means all were famous for their brevity of speech, but one was, Mr. Russell. His grace at dinner was simply 'God bless us, Amen.' When asked to examine the religious convictions of a young woman seeking to join the church, he asked just two questions: 'What's the Fifth Commandment?' and 'Has your father got his turnips in yet?' He also never went to church, except at Communion.