Bon Accord Free Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bon Accord Free Church
Bon Accord Free Church
Location	Aberdeen
Country	Scotland
Denomination	Free Church of Scotland
Churchmanship	Evangelical
Weekly attendance	150-200
Website	www.bafreechurch.org.uk
History
Former name(s)	St. Columba Free Church
Founded	1845
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Style	Granite
Specifications
Capacity	700
Number of floors	4
Number of domes	2
Materials	Granite
Administration
Parish	Aberdeen
Presbytery	Edinburgh and Perth

The Bon Accord Free Church is a church in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is part of the Free Church of Scotland.

The Church's Story

How Bon Accord Free Church Started

The Bon Accord Free Church began in 1828. Some members from another church, Trinity Chapel, decided to form their own group. They bought a church building on Union Terrace from a Baptist church.

In 1834, the church grew even more. Many people joined from Gilcomston Church. The minister at the time, Gavin Parker, led the church through a big event called the Disruption. This was when many churches in Scotland separated from the main Church of Scotland.

Changes Over the Years

Over the years, the church changed its name and connections several times.

• It became a United Free church.
• In 1929, it became Bon-Accord Church of Scotland. This happened when the United Free church joined back with the Church of Scotland.
• Finally, in 1974, it became the Bon Accord Free Church again, which it remains today.

New Plans for the Future

In September 2025, the church plans to send out Rev. Ben Traynor. He will start a new church in the Garioch area of Aberdeenshire. This new church will be based around Inverurie.

The Church Buildings

The Current Building's Design

The church's current building was designed in 1894. The architect was Robert Gordon Wilson. It was built on the same spot where the Union Baptist Chapel used to be. The new building opened its doors in 1896.

After 1900, it was known as the Bon Accord United Free Church. From 1962 to 1974, it was called Bon Accord St Paul's Church. Then, in 1974, it went back to being the Bon Accord Free Church.

Moving to the Rosemount Viaduct Building

The church congregation has been in the current Bon Accord building since they bought it in 1977. Before that, they used a building on Dee Street. However, that building became too small for them in the 1970s. The church building on Rosemount Viaduct can seat about 700 people.

Recent Renovations

The current building had major renovations and repairs in 2016 and 2017. During this time, the church met in a local community center. The work included fixing the roof and the two domes on the building.

Inside, the foyer (entrance area) was made larger. This created a small café and breakout space. As a result, the main worship area, called the sanctuary, became a bit smaller. The old wooden pews were removed from the main floor and replaced with chairs. However, the balcony in the sanctuary still has the original pews.

The church organ was also removed. It had not been used much since 1974 and was in poor condition. The organ pipes are still there, but they are now just for decoration above the pulpit.

Ministers of Bon Accord Free Church

This table shows the ministers who have served at Bon Accord Free Church.