The Kirk Session At present 24 Elders at Dunscore Church make up the Session. The Elders are responsible for the spiritual life and ongoing work of the Congregation. Every member of the congregation has an Elder who is responsible for keeping in touch with them on a regular basis and providing support in times of need.

Rev Christine Sime is the Moderator/Teaching Elder and chairs all meetings of Session. Elders are automatically members of the Congregational Board.


The Congregational Board is responsible for things material e.g. buildings, insurance, health and safety, finance, social events. Members serve for three years and can be re-elected along with newly appointed members at the Annual Stated Meeting in March. There is no statutory number of members but these should not exceed the number of Elders. The Kirk Session and Congregational Board meet, month about, and all meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend.

Appointing a new Minister When a vacancy occurs a selection committee that is elected by the congregation undertakes a selection process for appointing a new minister.


Dumfries & Kirkcudbright Presbytery The churches of Nithsdale and neighbouring parishes make up the Presbytery, which meets monthly in Troqueer Church. At present two Elders from our Church (Presbytery Elders) attend meetings with the Minister. It is an open court and its purpose is to oversee all the business connected with the churches in this area e.g. uniting churches, establishing new churches, looking after Sunday Schools and Youth Training, arranging events e.g. ChristFest 2004. Ministers are answerable to Presbytery in the first instance.