Ruberslaw Country Parishes unites the two parishes of Hobkirk and Southdean and Ruberslaw which were linked in 2004.
The parishes of Hobkirk and Southdean were united in 1995 and the three parishes of Bedrule, Denholm and Minto were linked in 1975 and were united as Ruberslaw Parish Church in 2004.
The congregation has a unitary constitution with a Kirk Session of 24 members drawn from all five communities. The membership numbers 230 from the five communities with a number with long-standing connections who live in neighbouring towns.
The two churches which are used for the weekly services are:
- Denholm Church: Built by public subscription following the Disruption of 1843 when one third of the established church broke away until the reunification in 1929. It was opened in 1845 and has since had various refurbishments, most recently in 2011. Although it has a relatively plain interior, it has an attractive circular stained-glass window, known as the “Ruth Window”, gifted by a former Minister Rev J W Ross in memory of his wife. Adjoining the church is the Church Hall – the Pitt Memorial Hall which is used on a regular basis for meetings of church organisations and community groups.
- Hobkirk Church: Built on a Christian site dating back 900 years, the present church building dates from 1869, in the Gothic style, featuring a tower designed by David Rhind. Stones from an earlier church building are incorporated in the font. The bell is inscribed “I was made for Hobkirk in 1745.”
Denholm Church Hobkirk Church