Throughout history adherence to the faith has played an important part in the lives of the people of Mearns. From a predominantly Christian area, Mearns has developed over the years to encompass a wide range of faiths and beliefs.This development is described in the following articles:
Early Christianity
The reason for the siting of the Capelrig Cross, a Celtic cross, near Holm Farm, Barcapel in the lands of the old Capelrig Estate is now lost in the mists of time. It does however provide evidence of religious activity in Mearns from the 9th or 10th century.
The Covenanting Years
In the secular society in which we live, it is difficult for us to understand how important religious belief and practice were to the people living in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was often a case of life or death.
Places of Worship
A church was established on this site in the late 12th century. The first priest was Helia de Perthic (Partick ), the brother of Robert de Pollok. Helia ‘gifted ‘ the church to the monastery at Paisley which had been founded by Walter Fitzalan, the High Steward of Scotland, in 1163.