These fallen stones shown above
and below commemorate the family of Rev. Gavin Young.
As Minister of the parish in 1640, he was instructed to destroy the Ruthwell Cross.
The Covenanting Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, meeting in Aberdeen in 1640, decreed that this and all other
'Idolatrous Monuments' should be cast-down and totally destroyed.
Unable to ignore the clear instruction of his Religious Superiors, but not before some
risky prevarication over a two year period, the Minister of the Parish, Gavin Young did
obey.
As one writer has put it, he contrived a solution which 'kept the word of promise to
the ear and broke it to the hope'. |
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