ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH — ORWELL

Information for this presentation was obtained from Skye Pioneers and the Island, by Malcolm MacQueen, newspaper clippings and information gathered from descendants of the Orwell congregation.

Due to an increase in the population in the area, St. Andrew's Church at Orwell was built in 1861, with the Presbyterian parishioners supplying all of the materials and most of the labour free. Peter Nicholson donated the land at Orwell crossroads. The building was 40 feet long by 26 feet wide, plastered throughout. In August, 1891, a frame structure 20x40 feet was added. One third of the cost was paid by Alexander MacLeod, commonly called the ”Old Captain.” The builder was Donald Martin of Uigg, brother of Martin Martin, Grandview, who built the first Church. An interesting feature of this Church was its spire on which stood a weather vane adorned by a crowing cock.

For the £113? few years after the Churcn was built, until permanent seats were installed, the congregation sat on planks placed for seats. When the permanent pews were built, the painter so mixed his materials that the worshippers stuck fast to the seat!

The Orwell Church was known to some as ”Findlay's” Church. Robert Findlay preached there occasionally. The Belfast minister used to conduct services in the Church on every third Sunday. In 1900, the Orwell Church was named St. Andrew's to distinguish it

from Orwell Head. At that time, St. Andrew's, Orwell, formed part

of the Presbyterian congregation at Belfast.