Church Overview

Opened in 1860, the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption, also known as St Mary’s Cathedral, is the principal Catholic church in Aberdeen. Situated on Huntly Street the cathedral is just a stones throw from the city centre and local amenities. This church is a fine example of traditional Aberdeen granite buildings.

The architect of St Mary’s Cathedral was a local man, Alexander Ellis (1830-1917). Born in Aberdeen, Ellis started his training with city architect William Smith before setting up his own business in partnership with his former apprentice Robert Gordon Wilson (1844-1931) until around 1895. Ellis’ ecclesiastical work is what he is best known for and his design influence can be seen in multiple ecclesiastical buildings in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. 

A spire, with bells, was added to St Mary’s in 1876-1877 by Robert Gordon Wilson to mark the churches ascension to cathedral status. Rising above the local buildings, the spire is a lovely example of decorated Gothic architecture. With large, intricate tracery and rose windows throughout. The seven-bay nave is entered under the organ gallery and transitions into the square-plan chancel. Pipe organ is by James Conacher, an organ builder from Huddersfield. 

The interior holds paintings depicting a seated Christ and the patron saints of Aberdeen. There are also an array of monuments depicting Scottish Bishops and religious artefacts. Stained glass windows depicting Saints and religious scenes throughout, all by Wailes and Strang of Newcastle dating to the late 1870s. There is also an engraved window dedicated to St John Ogilvie by David Gulland (1978). 

Services

Saturday Vigil 7.00pm; Sunday 8.00am, 9.30am (Polish), 11.15am, 3.00pm (Polish), 6.00pm

Opening Arrangements

Open daily, summer 8.00am-5.00pm, winter 8.00am-4.00pm.

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.