The Arbuckle window, Old West Kirk

This beautiful stained glass window is to be found in the former church known as the Old West Kirk, Esplanade, Greenock.  It was commissioned by George Arbuckle in memory of his wife, Margaret Arbuckle who died in 1865.  The window shows the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.

The words of the memorial read "In memory of Margaret Arbuckle died 19th December 1865 aged 49.  Erected by her husband George Arbuckle".

George Arbuckle was born in Kilmarnock in 1818 and married Margaret Arbuckle in Ayr in 1842.  They moved to Greenock where their son, James Arbuckle was born in 1843.  James Arbuckle was a successful butcher in business with his cousin Matthew Arbuckle.  They had premises in West Blackhall Street.  He also owned property locally.  He was a member of Greenock Town Council for several years and was also a member of the Prison Board.  He took an active part in local affairs.

Source - Greenock Burns Club

He took a large part in the restoration of the Old West Kirk in the 1860s and became an elder, trustee and at one time treasurer of the church.  After the death of his first wife, he went on to marry Jessie Harvie in 1867.  Jessie was the widow of Captain Archibald McIntyre of the ship Julia.

George Arbuckle died in 1879 at Eldon Villa, Eldon Street, Greenock.  His memory lives on in this wonderful window.

Source - Greenock Burns Club