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Fenwick has a population of 980. Originally part of Kilmarnock parish
it was separated from it in 1641 and granted its own market charter in
1707. The Fenwick people were resolute upholders of the Covenant in the
17th century.
In 1761 the Fenwick Weaver’s Society was formed for the purpose of providing
its members with weaving needs and oatmeal for domestic consumption; by
buying in bulk the Society passed on the saving to its members and thus
anticipated the Co-operative movement of Rochdale by more than 80 years.
Fenwick Kirk dates to 1643 and in 1644 the Rev. William Guthrie, celebrated
Covenant preacher, author of "The Christian's Great Interest."
was ordained as minister. The Churchyard contains a monument to Captain
John Paton of Meadowhead, the Covenant hero and martyr, who was interred
in Greyfriars' Churchyard, Edinburgh; and tombs of several other martyrs
of less note, and of John Howie, author of the "Scots Worthies."
In 1791 the Church was described as being "cold and uncomfortable
in the winter" The Church eventually had seating for 400 people -
but initially those wishing to sit would bring their own stools. A fire in 1929 devastated the Kirk. It was rebuilt by 1931 and was again in use.
Fenwick was an important centre of covenanting activity in the 17 th century despite the proximity of garrisons at Kilmarnock and Newmilns. Repeated dragoon raids seem to have been normal, and there are more covenanting gravestones and memorials here than in any other single locality in Scotland. No less than 7 victims of the Killing Times and of earlier persecutions are recorded on 5 tombstones in the Parish Churchyard. In this famous churchyard of Fenwick is a memorial to Captain Paton of Meadowhead, a young farmer and soldier returning from the European wars to Scotland to fight for the covenanters, but, on being caught was taken to Edinburgh for execution. Also commemorated are James White (shot by Peter Inglis. His head was cut off and kicked over the green like a football), Peter Gemmel, John Fergushill, George Woodburn, Robert Buntine and James Blackwood. Other gravestones commemorate Rev William Guthrie the first minister of Fenwick and the Howie family of Lochgoin.
Fenwick War Memorial sits on a corner at the north end of the village. It is in the form of a granite cross on a rectangular base set on a cemented area enclosed with a low stone wall. At the junction of the arms of the cross is a carved lion and Celtic shapes. The North side is blank and backed by a privet hedge. The South side bears the inscription:
Erected
in memory of
the gallant men
of Fenwick District
who gave their lives
for their country
in the Great Wars
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