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.”[256]
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.[257]
Of the early church nothing remains. On the south aisle of the existing
structure, according to the Rev. Mr. Pratt, there is the date
[Illustration: FIG. 1590.--Rathan Church.