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.
Old Kirk
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 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]
Very Rev
Alexander Hume served 1597 to 1609 famous for his poetry and as Moderator of the General Assembly
On Hume's untimely death in 1609 there was a gap in ministry
Rev James Saittone or Seytoun of
Denny served 1610 to 1615.
Rev Henry Shaw or Schaw served 1615 to 1648. Shaw (or Schaw) was a descendant of Sir James Schaw of
Sauchie. He is sometimes referred to as Shaw of Knockhill.
His son Rev George Shaw succeeded him and was minister from 1648 to 1688 giving a total family tie to the church of 73 years.
During the troubles of 1688 to 1690 the church appointed Rev Alexander Douglass, son of
Very Rev Robert Douglass of
Edinburgh, but Shaw did not give up the church or manse so Douglass preached from a rival hall in
Blairlogie
Shaw was forced to retire in 1690 and Alexander Douglas properly succeeded him serving until 1720
Rev Partick Duchal served 1721 to 1758 at his death, followed by a period of vacancy
Rev James Wright (1720-1800) from
Dairsie served 1761 (an unpopular choice causing a schism and a rival Secession Church). Wright also troubled the Presbytery more widely causing him to be charged with
Bribery and
Simony in 1771. He died in 1800 after 40 years of unpopular service.