Past incumbents of Deskford church enjoyed mixed fortunes.
The Rev. Walter Darg, MA, ordained in 1627, was deposed in 1651 for inefficiency. Later excommunicated, he was accused of conducting irregular marriages while 'living at Rathven in reduced circumstances'. His son, Patrick, was recorded as a prisoner in Glasgow Tolbooth in 1672.

The Rev. Walter Morrison, attacked by a 'fearful mob of Papists' at Enzie in 1725, was inducted to Deskford in 1731. His successor, the Rev. Walter Chalmers, published a pamphlet entitled The Prevalent Disregard to Religion and Virtue, the Ruin of Individuals and of Nations. (Edinburgh 1794). Plus ca change!

The above Dr. Mackintosh, awarded his doctorate by the University of Aberdeen in 1895, had a large family who distinguished themselves in various professions all over the world; the most celebrated being his son Ashley, who became Regius Professor of Medicine at Aberdeen.

The first ten names are those of incumbents prior to the reformation and the number of names at 1652-43 is due to the fact that about that time Cullen was created a “Collegiate Church” with a Provost and Prebendaries.