The following information was recorded in the town’s newspaper of 13 January 1917

On Wednesday afternoon Hamilfield UF Church, situated at the top of Wilson Street, Beith, was totally destroyed by fire. The outbreak was discovered by a passer-by about half-past three o’clock, smoke being observed issuing from the roof above the pulpit. The alarm was given and the town hose was on the spot. A stream of water was directed at the seat of the fire, which had already secured a firm hold, but the pressure of water was not very strong and the effort had little or no effect in checking the flames. Meantime, the West Renfrewshire Fire Brigade was telephoned for, and in an incredibly short time it arrived on the scene to render what assistance it could. A supply of water from the Crummock Burn, which runs past the side of the old church, was pumped onto the building, but the fire had assumed such proportions that there was little or no hope of saving any part of the interior, which was now burning fiercely. In little over an hour the roof had fallen in and the inside of the sacred edifice was one mass of flames which threw a fierce light the illuminated the country all around. By five o’clock the fire had exhausted itself and nothing was left of the beautiful structure but charred timbers and the bare gaunt walls. The cause of the outbreak is unknown. During the fire torrents of rain fell but, notwithstanding, a large crowd of people were drawn to the spot, attracted by the unusual glare in the sky. The small hall which lies contiguous to the church was not damaged in any way. The damage is covered by insurance. The church, finely situated at the junction of Glasgow Road and Bigholm Road, was a beautifully proportioned building in the Early English Gothic style. It was richly fitted up in the interior and the introduction of an organ some years ago added to its chaste appearance. The foundation stone was laid by the late Mr Cochran Patrick of Woodside, then MP for North Ayrshire in 1882, and the church was opened in June of the following year, entirely free of debt. The congregation was then attached to the Free Church of Scotland and the minister at the day of its opening was Rev H F Henderson, now of Dundee. Hi predecessor, Rev Hector Hall, laid the nucleus of the fund for building the church and he was the means of raising a considerable sum. Mr John Keanie, Lochwinnoch was the builder; Mr William Dale, Beith, was the joiner; Mr Achibald Dale of Beith the plumber; and Mr H McBride, Glengarnock, the slater. The present pastor, Rev David Baillie, has been the incumbent for the past 19 years, and is very popular with the congregation.

We regret to announce that Private James Gordon, Canadian Infantry, a native of Beith, who has been serving with the forces for over a year, was killed in France on 18^th November, 1916. He is a son of Mr David Gordon, cabinetmaker, Elgin, and a grandson of Mrs James Kirkwood, Braidenview, Beith.

Mr W Y Fleming, eldest son of Mr Fleming, Mainshamilton, Beith, gave up an important position in the Argentine after the outbreak of war and came home and joined the navy as an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant. Since joining his promotion has been very rapid for the navy and he has now been gazetted as Engineer Lieutenant Commander in one of his Majesty’s Cruisers in the North Sea. He went through the Jutland battle on the cruiser he is still serving on.

Captain J Lawson, Special Reserve of Officers, son-in-law of Dr Third, Spier’s School, Beith, has been mentioned is despatches by Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig.

Private David Brown and Private John Kirkwood, of the Canadian Forces, both of Gateside, are on leave this week.

From 11^th to 23 December, 1916, 411 Christmas parcels  were despatched to Beith men on service: France, 115; Egypt, 89; Salonika, 16; Prisoners in Germany, 6; India, 3; British East Africa, 3; Mesopotamia, 2; Malta, 1; Nurse in Egypt, 1; hospitals, 14; this country, 154; Navy, 7. These parcels contained 356 pairs of socks; 43 shirts; 4 mufflers; 2 pairs of mitts; 396 packets of sweets; 410 packets of cigarettes; 220 packets of raisons; 220 packets of almonds; 236 magazines; 1 box of chocolates; cakes, chocolate, shortbread, biscuits and dates. As in future no parcels may be sent direct to prisoners of war in Germany, the opportunity was taken to make them more than usually attractive. They each contained 1 pair of socks; 1 short; 2 loaves; 1 currant bun; 1 box sweets; 2 packets cigarettes; 1 tin of cocoa; 1 tin of sardines and boot-laces.

We are exhibiting several souvenirs picked up by Lieutenant Charles Higgins at the battles of Guillemot and Ginchy, in which he played his part. The items concerned are a German bugle, knife, pistol, saw-edged bayonet, fuse of a 4.2 German shell, and certificate awarding a German soldier the Iron Cross. These can now be seen in the window of the Supplement Office.

On Monday afternoon, a young man, William Gardiner, who resides at 30 Bridgend, Kilbirnie, met a violent death at his work at Glengarnock. He was engaged in the “Pugs,” and was seated in the buffers of the first wagon when in some way he fell off onto the rails, five wagaons and the engine running over him. Death was instantaneous. He was 28 years of age, leaves a widow and two children, and belongs to Beith. He was employed in one of the departments in the Steelworks and only went to this new job within the past week.

The pinners, switchers, dyers, hecklers and roughers in the employ of W & J Knox Ltd., made application for an advance of 6/- per week and the matter was referred for arbitration. The arbiter was Profession Sir James Mercer Irvine, Aberdeen, and he heard the arguments in the St Enoch Hotel, Glasgow in December. He has now made his award which is an advance of 3/- a week.

Mr David Conn MA was duly installed as headmaster of Central School, Kilbirnie, on Monday when the Board was in attendance. The children were, after a short session, granted a holiday to mark the occasion. Mr Conn had been the headmaster of Colmonell School.

A rumour has been circulating here for some weeks which has caused considerable speculation and interest. It is to the effect that one of our principal manufactories – the Caledonia Cabinet Works – was, or was about to be, commandeered by the War Office and converted into an aeroplane  manufactory. We are able to say that there is no truth in the rumour current, whatever may be in store for Beith in the future.

The proposed meatless day has been found impracticable, and the flesh eaters may not rest easy.

War Savings. The Prime Minister says: “The more money we get, the shorter the war. The more we get the less it will cost in treasure; and the greatest treasure of all is brave blood.”

Wanted. A smart man or a woman to go with a van; good wages will be paid. Apply Supplement Office.

Bed-Sitting room wanted by a young gent; convenient to Colville’s Steel Works extension; with shed for motor bike. Apply, No 45 Supplement Office.

A handsome reward will be paid to anyone giving information that will lead to the conviction of boys doing malicious damage to the fences and rinks at the Tar-Mac Curling Rinks. Office of the Parish Council.

Wanted. Typist with shorthand. One with some knowledge of bookkeeping. Apply, Net Factory, Beith.

The Parish Church. Morning Service “Is Death the End.?” – suggested by Sir Oliver Lodge’s volume, “Raymond.” At evening service in the hall at 6.30 pm “The Bright Side of Death.” Rev I Grant Sutherland MA.

Hamilfied Church. Photos of the church destroyed by fire. Twopence each at Millar’s, Supplement Office.

Labourers wanted. Apply John Muir & Son, Bath Lane Tannery.

The Scotch Girls Friendly Society will meet in the Townhouse on Thursday February 1^st at 8.00 pm.