Church Overview

Catterline is a small village on the coast, where 5th century Christian missionary St Ninian is said to have landed and begun his attempts to convert the local Pictish population to Christianity. This handsome little First Pointed Gothic Church, with parsonage and small schoolhouse next door, was built in 1848 for the local Episcopal congregation, by the local architect Charles Brand. In 1952, while an old prayer desk was being dismantled in the church, a piece of wood was discovered in a concealed cavity that had been signed by Brand and three of his workmen on 24 Aug 1848.

It was formally consecrated and dedicated to St. Philip on Friday 30th September 1848 by the Rt Rev Alexander Penrose Forbes, Bishop of Brechin, and was a daughter church of St James the Great’s Church in Stonehaven. Oblong it shape, it consists of a nave, chancel, projecting porch and small belfry and was described by one of the local newspapers, not long after it opened, as a “neat and modest chapel”. A small vestry was added later to the east end. Items of note include the octagonal stone font from 1906, carved with the Instruments of the Passion, and the stained glass window to the east is mid 19th century and shows the crucifixion flanked by St Philip and St James.

After falling out of use for several years and, very sadly, in a state of disrepair, the church was taken-on in late 2021 on a long-term lease from the Scottish Episcopal Church by Catterline Community Church, an independent Christian congregation. Since moving-in, the group have fund-raised to extensively repair and renovate the building, protecting as many of its original significant features as possible. After removing the pews, the sanctuary has now become a multi-functional space, available for a variety of community uses and for regular worship.

Services

First, second and third Sundays of each month 10.30am and 4pm on fourth Sunday.

Opening Arrangements

By arrangement

teas and coffee after service

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.