The Parish Church was founded in the 12th Century by Simon Loccard and is the oldest functioning church in Ayrshire.
It belonged to the Trinitarian Monastery at Fail (just outside Tarbolton).
The Church was restored in the 18th Century and again in 1919.
This restoration by P. MacGregor Chalmers revealed that the earlier alterations of 1797 had covered up some fine architectural features, including the 13th century windows and the open-work timber roof.
Three windows with semi-circular heads are located in the gable, with heavy hoodmoulds and dog-tooth ornamentation, the finest of their style in Scotland.
The base slab of an aumbrey incorporating a piscina sits as the sill of a south-facing window.
The church received an addition and alterations in 1797, which increased the accommodation of the building, but detracted considerably from the unspoilt appearance.
A belfry, possibly incorporating some medieval work, was erected on the east gable end in the 17th century.
Notable stained glass windows are on display, by Gordon Webster, Douglas Strachan, and others.
The patronage of the church passed through several hands and was at length acquired by the Earl of Eglinton.
The old manse in Kerrix Road is now known as Symington House (NS 38350 31325).
The Parish Church was founded in the 12th Century by Simon Loccard and is the oldest functioning church in Ayrshire. It belonged to the Trinitarian Monastery at Fail (just outside Tarbolton). The Church was restored in the 18th Century and again in 1919. This restoration by P. MacGregor Chalmers revealed that the earlier alterations of 1797 had covered up some fine architectural features, including the 13th century windows and the open-work timber roof. Three windows with semi-circular heads are located in the gable, with heavy hoodmoulds and dog-tooth ornamentation, the finest of their style in Scotland. The base slab of an aumbrey incorporating a piscina sits as the sill of a south-facing window. The church received an addition and alterations in 1797, which increased the accommodation of the building, but detracted considerably from the unspoilt appearance. A belfry, possibly incorporating some medieval work, was erected on the east gable end in the 17th century. Notable stained glass windows are on display, by Gordon Webster, Douglas Strachan, and others. The patronage of the church passed through several hands and was at length acquired by the Earl of Eglinton. The old manse in Kerrix Road is now known as Symington House (NS 38350 31325).
Symington, South Ayrshire