Burntisland Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burntisland Parish Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 56°03′29″N 3°13′57″W / 56.05804°N 3.23243°W | |
| Location | Burntisland |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Founded | 1592 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed building |
| Completed | 1595 |
Burntisland Parish Church is a special church building in Burntisland, a town in Scotland. It was built for the Church of Scotland in 1592. This church is very important because it was one of the first churches built in Scotland after the Reformation. It has a very unusual square shape. Because of its unique design and history, it is a Category A listed building.
In 1601, an important meeting happened here. The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met and suggested a new Bible translation to King James VI of Scotland. Later, when James became King James I of England, he helped create what is now known as the famous King James Version of the Bible.
Contents
Why Was Burntisland Church Built?
The town of Burntisland grew a lot in the 1500s. It became a royal burgh in 1568. As the town grew, the people felt proud of their community. They decided to build a brand new church. This new church replaced an older one that was located about a mile north of Burntisland, in a place called Kirkton.
What Makes the Church Design Special?
The church is famous for its unique square shape. Inside, the main area is 18 meters (about 59 feet) wide and 18 meters long. Four large arches reach from the corners towards the middle. They form a smaller square in the center, which is 6 meters (about 20 feet) wide.
People have suggested that its design might have come from other countries. However, no older buildings with this exact design have been found. This means Burntisland Parish Church might be the very first of its kind in Scotland.
Features for Sailors
The church has a special gallery inside. This gallery even has its own exit. It was built so that sailors could leave the church service quickly. They needed to leave when the ocean tide was right for their ships to sail.
Changes Over Time
The church's tower was rebuilt in 1748 by Samuel Neilson. More big changes happened in 1822, led by David Vertue. He made the windows larger and removed many of the old wooden seats.
The architect Malcolm Fraser said the church's design was "a radical representation of democracy." He meant it showed people could connect directly with God. Henry Kerr, another expert, saw symbolism in its structure. He said the church is built high on a rock. Its four walls lean towards the tower, showing the "strength and safety" of the Church.
What's Inside the Church?
The inside of the church has beautiful carved wooden panels. Many of these carvings tell stories about Burntisland's history as a port town. They show ships, ship owners, and people who worked in sea trades.
Besides areas for sailors, there were also special sections for different groups. These included schoolmasters, tailors, metalworkers (hammermen), malt makers, and bakers. A painted panel from 1930 in the west gallery remembers the 800th anniversary of the old church at Kirkton.
Important Pews and Gifts
The Magistrate's Pew, built in 1606, is in the northeast corner. It was made for Robert Melville of Rossend. In 1907, Robert Rowand Anderson helped renovate this pew and other parts of the church.
The church bell was made by Isobel Meikle in 1708. The organ was paid for by Andrew Carnegie. He was a famous industrialist who was born in Fife, Scotland. The church was also extensively renovated in the 1990s.
