Collegiate Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne, Glasgow facts for kids
The Collegiate Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne in Glasgow was a special church founded in the mid-1500s. It was started by James Houstoun, who was an important leader at the University of Glasgow. The church was located on the south side of a street called Trongate.
We know a lot about this church because two copies of its original rules, written in Latin in 1549, still exist today. These rules tell us how the church was set up and how it was paid for. James Houstoun first planned for a leader (called a Provost), eight priests (called canons or prebends), and three singers (called choristers). Later, more people gave money, so the church could support even more staff. The priests were paid from properties located all over Glasgow and in other towns like Dalry, Maybole, and Rutherglen.
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Life at the Church
One of the eight priests was also the organ player for the church. This priest was also in charge of the Song School. This school was a place where young people learned to sing different types of church music. It was located right next to the church. When the boys' voices changed as they grew older, they would then go to the Grammar School to continue their education.
The priests at the church wore special red robes with fur trim. They also wore white robes called surplices, which were cleaned once a year. The church had a detailed schedule for daily services and prayers.
Special Celebrations
One of the most important days was St Anne's Day, which is on July 26. This day was celebrated with a lot of excitement and bell ringing. After the celebrations, money was given out for bread and ale. This money went to the priests, thirty poor people, eight students, and the people living in a nearby hospital called St Nicholas. Even people with leprosy from St Ninian's Hospital received their share, but they got it safely in the churchyard.
Changes Over Time
The way the church operated completely changed in 1560. This was when the Reformation happened in Scotland, which brought big changes to the church. By 1570, the church building was described as being in ruins. It was then taken over by a local businessman named James Fleming.
Later, the building was used again as a parish church for the Church of Scotland. In the 1600s, a tall, pointed tower called a spire was added to the church. This spire was built in the Gothic style.
New Beginnings
Sadly, the church building burned down in 1793. A new church was built in its place, designed in a classical style. However, the old Gothic spire was kept. The new church was designed by a famous architect named James Adam. He also designed the Royal Infirmary and the city's Assembly Rooms. One of the most well-known ministers of this church was Rev Dr Thomas Chalmers, who was known for his energetic and inspiring sermons.
Much later, in 1940, the church's congregation joined with another church called St George's. After being empty for some time, the building, which was known as the Tron Kirk, was turned into the Tron Theatre in the early 1980s. Today, it is a popular place for plays and performances.
See also
- List of Collegiate churches in Scotland
References
- Liber Collegii Nostri Domine &c., Maitland Club, 1846.
- Glasghu Facies – The History of Glasgow, James Gordon, 1873.
