The first Blantyre minister Rev William Chirnside took up position in Blantyre on 3rd September 1552. Following the reformation, he found himself first minister of the church at High Blantyre.
He purchased 2 silver communion cups, which are still used at Blantyre Old Parish Church. They are over 430 years old and are said to be the second oldest communion cups still in use in Scotland. They were made in Edinburgh and bear the Dean of Gold and Silversmiths Guild stamp for the period between 1550 and 1570 and are inscribed “Blantyr Kirk”.
Pictured is a communion token from 1832, for High Blantyre Old Parish.
