The church, referred to locally as "The Auld Grey Kirk on the Hill" was originally built in 1640, and stands on a hill overlooking the Lanarkshire village of Glenmavis some 600 feet above sea level. From this hill on a clear day, it is possible to see the Isle of Arran, which lies some 60 miles to the west. In 1777 the church was rebuilt from it's single storey form into the building that stands to this day. (This is why the steeple of the church looks out of proportion to the present building). The "Auld Grey Kirk on the Hill" name comes from the discolouration of the stones of the building owing to smoke and fumes from heavy industry in nearby Glasgow and Coatbridge. - Since this industry is now a thing of the past, the building has reverted to it's original stone colour.
In 1693 the Kirk Session (having more extensive powers than now) were aware of the benefits of a good education and sought out "a competent teacher", making New Monkland School one of the oldest in Scotland.
The church and surrounding area are steeped heavily in the history of the Covenanters from 1637 onwards until the Revolution , although more especially after the passing of the Act of 1662. In the Battle of Bothwell Brig on June 22nd 1679, men from the Parish of New Monkland were heavily involved, and, like the rest of the Covenanters, came off badly against the Government troops in the Battle. The Standard Bearer for the New Monkland group was John Main from Ballochnie. This standard now hangs in Airdrie Public Library, although unfortunately what the government troops of 1679 failed to achieve, a local authority with an apparent lack of interest in history is now managing. The Standard hangs in a glass case with no though being provided to it's preservation. In it's present location, it is only a matter of time before it is no more.
Bringing the proceedings nearer to the present day, we turn to John Carmichael, V.C. of the North Staffordshire Regiment, who, as his name clearly states, won the Victoria Cross (Britain's highest honour for valour awarded to military personnel), and hailed from Glenmavis.
More recently again, in 1995 extensive renovations were required, and a fund raising campaign began. Eventually in February 1997 work began. The Church was closed until September 1997 to allow work to be completed, but when it re-opened, the difference was worth the wait.
Some pertinent dates
1640 Original thatched roof church built
1698 Present Steeple and Belfry added
1777 Present Kirk built
1876 New Manse built
1904 Internal renovation and addition of Chancel
1909 Organ installed
1966 Present Manse completed
1997 Major renovation work completed
New Monkland as seen from a Russian Spy Satellite Click on the Image to see a larger version.
In the limited space permitted here, this is really all the information that can be imparted. If you require any more detailed answers, please refer to the contact information section of this web page to e-mail your question to New Monkland, and we'll do our very best to answer you.