Church Overview

Tradition has it that St Cuthbert had a cell church here, which means Christian worship has taken place on this site for 1300 years. The current church is believed to be the seventh on the same spot. It was built 1892-5 by architect Hippolyte Blanc who retaining the spire of the 1790 church, it is an oasis of calm in the centre.

Furnishings include the marble Communion Table (1894), the marble and alabaster Pulpit (1897) and the ceiling paintings (by Hope and Moira), and many beautiful stained glass windows, including one by by Tiffany, all give a Byzantine feel to the interior.

The fine organ originally by Hope-Jones 1899, was rebuilt 1928, 1957 and 1997. In the base of the 1775 tower is a small marble-lined chapel to remember the congregation members who died in the 1914-18 Great War. Their names are written on the wall in lead “in alphabetical order without any distinction of rank, their sacrifice and the honour due to them are the same.” The chapel is unique and balances an elegant simplicity with areas of rich colour and light on a modest scale. The Memorial Doors were unveiled as a remembrance of congregation members who died in the Second World War, 1939-1945. Their names are written on panels on either side of the doors.

Outside, there is an interesting and historic graveyard, with many famous names interred therein and many remarkable sculpted gravestones. A gift shop and refreshments are available while the church is open to visitors during the summer months.

St Cuthbert’s Parish Church is a Destination Hub on the St Cuthbert Pilgrim Journey.

Services

Sundays : 9:30am (Holy Communion), 11:00am and 6:30pm (Service of Healing)

Reflective Worship (soulspace): First Wednesday September to June : 1:00pm (30 minutes), 5:30pm (3 hours – come and go at anytime)

Check the website for up to date details of services and what else is going on : www.st-cuthberts.net

Opening Arrangements

Open Easter to end September, Monday to Saturday 10.00am-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.