In the 17th Century the Church of Scotland had to fight for its Presbyterian existence - particularly in this part of south-west Scotland. People who signed the National Covenant in 1638 became known as the Covenanters. Signing the Covenant confirmed their opposition to interference by the Stuart Kings ('the divine right of kings') in the affairs of the Kirk. Ministers who supported the Covenant were ousted from their churches and forced to leave their parishes which were put under the charge of Episcopalian Curates. Many of them continued to preach secretly at Conventicles in the open air - a local one is still held annually. Rebels were asked to pledge oaths of loyalty to the King and to accept him as the head of the Church. Failure to do this often meant immediate execution, houses burned and many households reduced to extreme poverty. The bravery of the ordinary people, including from Dunscore and Moniaive is legendary and the area is scattered with Communion stones and hillside graves in memory of these martyrs. By their faith and endurance, the Presbyterian Church remains independent from government and continues to hold Jesus as the head of the Church.