The first records of a church are of a parson, named Patrick, in 1116, and there is a fairly complete record of parsons, rectors and ministers from then onwards. The original church building was probably in about the same place as the present one, being on what was the edge of town. The present building replaced one which was demolished in 1790. Unfortunately, that church was extensively damaged by fire in 1879. The restored church is the one we see today. The church hall was built at the end of the 18th century as the Parish School and schoolmasters house. 
Robert Burns was a visitor to the church on 6th May 1787, when he was staying with the Ainslie family at Berrywell. It is reputed that the idea for ‘To a Louse’ may have come to him during the sermon that Sunday.      The congregations of Duns Parish Church and the Boston Memorial Church united in 1953, after which, the Boston Church became redundant. In the late 1970’s the East Church closed and united with Duns Parish.
The church has an extensive cemetery which is now owned and maintained by the council. The session clerk has a list of the names on all stones in the graveyard which is available by e-mail for anyone tracing their family tree or similar.  Access to the kirkyard and the church grounds is through a small gate on the east side. In the kirkyard, one can see examples of the different spelling of the town name – ‘Duns’ pre 1720; ‘Dunse’ 1720 – 1882; ‘Duns’ again since; all, of course, allowing for the erratic spelling which can appear on older gravestones, due to the writing that the mason had been asked to copy being mis-spelled.        

Some further information about the history of Duns Parish Church can be found by linking to the Duns Town Website. (“Text and top photograph by Charles Denoon, Bordernet Ltd.”) The town also has an active History Society – if you have a question about the history of Duns or are interested in becoming part of this group you can find our more on their website www.dunsehistorysociety.co.uk

Although there have been many changes to the church building over the years, we believe that Jesus Christ remains the same – able to bring life in all of its fullness to the people in our community and beyond.