1627 – New Church for Dallas
Around 1627, another church was erected but this was again of poor construction with a heather thatched roof.
1657 – Alteration of the Parish of Dallas
The parish of Dallas was made up in its present form in 1657, by removing Altyre and adding Kellas. Kellas Estate was at that time owned by Farquharson of Kellas. This family later became extinct and in around 1700 the lands were bought by the Earl of Fife.
It is not known how the ministers of Elgin were compensated for the consequent reduction in the stipend by transferring Kellas to the parish of Dallas but from the records it seems likely that they were not very happy.
In October 1672 the minister of Dallas at that time complained to the Presbytery that “notwithstanding of the legal annexation of Kellas, both as to benefice and office, Mr James Horne, minister of Elgin, had that year, without warrant from the Bishop or Synod, but at his own hand, intermeddled with and carried off a considerable part of the stipend.” This complaint was referred to a meeting of the synod who appointed a committee to settle the business.
Kellas Estate has formed part of the Parish of Dallas ever since that time.
1666 – Poor Condition of Dallas Church.
The new church which was constructed in 1627 does not appear to have lasted very well since Synod records of 3rd April 1666 show that “the ministers of Rafford and Dallas have had no success in getting the ruinous fabrics of their churches repaired”.
1667 – Description of Dallas Church
It was recorded that the Dallas church was a very ancient fabric; thatched with heath, and without windows except for 2 or 3 narrow slits which yawned to a very disproportionate wideness inside, and the effigy of the patron, St Michael, about 4 foot high. stood weather-beaten in a niche near the top of the outside of the Eastern gable. (Note This effigy no longer graces the Eastern gable of the church. It is understood that it was at some time buried close to the middle of the churchyard.)
It is noted in the Synod Record of 1 October 1667 that the repair of Dallas Kirk had begun. This was reported finished on 5 October 1669 after much delay.
1668 – Sale of Dallas to Gordon of Gordonstoun
Sir Ludovick Gordon of Gordonstoun bought the estate of Dallas from Robert Cumming of Altyre. However, it reverted back to the Cummings through the marriage of Sir Robert Cumming to Lucy. eldest daughter of Sir Ludovick Gordon. It was through this marriage that the estate of Gordonstoun also fell to the Cummings of Altyre. Dallas estate remained in the Cumming family until 1907
