Church Overview

This simple Gothic church was designed by Glasgow architect David Thomson and a dedicatory service was held in its completed nave on Christmas Day 1874. The transepts, chancel and vestry of the cruciform church were completed in the years that followed and the whole building was dedicated on St Cecilia’s Day, 22 November, 1879.

Originally intended to seat 400, the interior still possesses its original pews and has a fine collection of carved oak furniture, in its pulpit, choir stalls, desk, altar and lectern. The reredos depicting the Risen Christ was gifted in the early 1900s and is possibly by James Powell & Sons of London. The late 19th century pipe organ is by the Stratford-upon-Avon firm of Thomas Hewins. and was originally water powered. The church also contains a number of memorials commemorating historic members of its congregation.

Stained glass windows in the east end of the building depict the Revelation of St John and a small round window in the south wall, near the font, shows the baptism of Christ by St John the Baptist. There are two memorial windows dedicated to soldiers from the congregation who fell in action and window by Richard Gibb, depicting the Virgin Mary, was installed in the Lady Chapel in 2007.

Visitors will also note that St John’s belfry is missing its bell. It is believed that it may have been removed during the Second World War at the same time as the church’s original gates were donated as part of the national drive for scrap metal to be used for the war effort. Efforts were made after the war to fundraise for a new one, but those were austere years and the plans came to nothing and the belfry today still sits empty.

Services

Sundays at 9.45am and Wednesdays at 2pm

Opening Arrangements

Open by arrangement

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.