Recent Times
The Rev Archie Beaton, who had seen active service during the war as padre to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders until a severe illness forced him to give up his military duties, was appointed as the minister of the newly re-united congregation of Dundonald in 1943. He conducted a very active ministry in both the church and the community, especially when his health improved after the war. He seemed quickly to gain the confidence of the united congregation and set about making some changes. He was very active in encouraging the establishment of a Scout Unit in the village, and he was directly responsible for the resurrection of the Boys’ Brigade Company which had been disbanded. He was also the last minister to reside in the old manse, now Glenfoot House, when it was sold and the present manse was built in the 1950s. He was chaplain to HMS Gannet and RAF Prestwick.
He was also very active in the wider community. His keen interest in Burns saw him in demand as a speaker and he was a founder member and first President of Dundonald Burns Club. He was from Skye and was an enthusiastic gael.
He became president of An Comunn Gaedhealach in 1970/71 and was a prime mover in the decision to bring the Mod to Ayr in 1972. Unfortunately he died while attending the mod at Stirling in 1971.
Within a year of Mr Beaton’s death, the new minister was in place; David Ness, a Glasgow graduate and native of Paisley, was unanimously elected to the post. During his ministry, there was a steady growth in the population of the village and there was a similar small growth in the membership of the congregation. He also took on the duties of padre to HMS Gannet. Mr Ness removed to St Quivox in 1988, to be followed by Robert Mayes.