nt facts in its ecclesiastical annals.

The first notice we have of the Church of Auchterarder is in the
foundation charter by Gilbert, Earl of Strathearn, dated in 1198, in
favour of the Abbey of Inchaffray. By that charter he granted the
Church of St. Meckessock of Eochterardeour, and the four other Churches
of Aberuthven, Madderty, Strageath, and Kinkell. This grant was
subsequently confirmed, and the additional churches added thereto of
Dunning, Monzievaird, Fowlis, and Kilbryde.[11]

As already stated, King Alexander II. granted the teind of his duties
of Auchterarder, and, by a subsequent charter, amongst other grants he
confirmed the grant of these churches to Inchaffray.

William the Lion executed a similar confirmation of the grant of the
Churches of Madderty, Kinkell, and Auchterarder.

In virtue of these grants the teinds of the Church of Auchterarder were
drawn by the Abbey of Inchaffray, but, as a condition, the Abbey had to
provide divine ordinances in the Parish Church, and the cure
accordingly was served by a vicar. The church and parish were within
the Diocese of Dunblane. The old parish church is situated about half
a mile to the north of the town, and, though roofless, is standing
nearly entire. It is a long, narrow building with no architectural
beauty. The foundation cross--a long slab with a Latin cross
thereon--was, a number of years ago, exhumed, and now stands within the
walls; while the baptismal font, which until lately stood at the
western entrance, was recently removed for safe custody to the new
parish church within the town. The old bell is also there. Although
small, it gives forth a very sweet and clear sound, and bears the
impress of antiquity.

The Church of Auchterarder was dedicated to St. Mackessog, who was also
the patron saint of Luss and Comrie. He flourished in the sixth
century, and his day was the tenth of March. His legend and office are
given under that date in the Breviary of Aberdeen. Southward from the
church a few hundred yards there is a perennial spring still bearing
the name of Mackessog's Well, and which until recent times was resorted
to for the healing virtue of its waters. After the Reformation the
Saint's day was kept on the 10th of March, O.S., as one of the
principal fairs of the town, and so continued until a recent period.

The old church appears to have been used as a place of worship until
about the time of Charles I. The tradition is tha