sundial over. In the east wall there is an ambry (Fig. 1590) with an ogee arch, and alongside it what was probably a piscina is now filled with an old memorial inscription.
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Fig. 1589.—Rathan Church.
Window in South Gable.
The Church of Rathan was dedicated to St. Ethernan or Eddran, from whom the place is said to take its name. This saint lived towards the end of the sixth century. "He consecrated several churches, and particularly Rethin, which was afterwards dedicated to his own memory."[1]
Richard, parson of Rathen, is a witness to charters by Adam, Bishop of Aberdeen, between 1207 and 1228, and the benefice of Rathyn was given to the Chapter and College of Canons of St. Machar's Cathedral by Robert i. in 1328; and in 1520 Rathyne was let in lease for the yearly rent of £212.[2]
Of the early church nothing remains. On the south aisle of the existing structure, according to the Rev. Mr. Pratt, there is the date
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Fig. 1590.—Rathan Church.
Ambry.
1646. It may be that part of the church is somewhat older than this date. Ten years earlier there appear to have been building and repairs going on; and an action was brought before the Privy Council to restrain Alexander Fraser of Philorth from putting up his arms on the newly built kirk stile.[3] What was the result of the case we do not know, but Fraser evidently succeeded in getting his name carved on the church, as we see, together with his arms and his title of patron.
