Dundee Parish Church (St Mary's) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dundee Parish Church |
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| The Parish Church of Saint Mary | |
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Eaglais Naoimh Moire
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Dundee Parish Church, St Mary's
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| 56°27′35″N 2°58′19″W / 56.459716°N 2.971969°W | |
| Location | Dundee |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Churchmanship | Presbyterian |
| Website | Church Website |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1190 |
| Founder(s) | David, Earl of Huntingdon |
| Dedication | Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Gothic |
| Completed | 1844 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 48.8 m (160 ft 1 in) |
| Bells | 8 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Dundee |
| Presbytery | Dundee |
| Synod | Perth and Angus |
Dundee Parish Church (St Mary’s) is a historic church in Dundee, Scotland. It is one of the "City Churches," located next to the Steeple Church. Both churches belong to the Church of Scotland, but they have different ways of worshipping.
This church has a long and interesting history. It played a big part in the Scottish Reformation, a time when the church in Scotland changed a lot. In fact, some people say that St Mary's in Dundee was one of the first churches to become "Reformed" in 1556.
Contents
A Church Through the Ages
How the Church Began
The church was first built way back in 1190. It was founded by David, Earl of Huntingdon, who was the brother of William the Lion, the King of Scots. The original buildings from that time are not around anymore.
Fires and Rebuilding
Over the centuries, the church faced many challenges.
- In 1303, an invading English army burned the church.
- It was burned down again in 1547 during another invasion.
- In 1841, a big fire destroyed three of the City Churches.
After the 1841 fire, St Mary's was rebuilt. It was finished in 1844, designed by an architect named William Burn.
The Tall Steeple
The church complex includes the famous Old Steeple. This tall tower was built in the 1470s. For a long time, it was the tallest tower in Scotland! In the Middle Ages, Dundee's church was the largest parish church in the country.
For many years, several different church groups met inside the same building, each in their own section. After the 1841 fire and rebuilding, there were three groups, and now there are two: Dundee Parish Church (St Mary’s) and the Steeple Church.
Important People at the Church
Many important ministers have served at Dundee Parish Church. Some have even become Moderators of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a very important leadership role in the Church of Scotland. One recent Moderator from this church was the Very Reverend Dr William B. R. Macmillan in 1991. The current minister is Keith F. Hall.
Remembering Heroes
The church has special memorials to remember people.
- There is a memorial for soldiers from the 4th and 4/5th Battalions of the Black Watch who died in the First World War.
- In 2017, a new memorial was placed in the church. It honors over 600 local sailors and women who died during the First World War. Anne, Princess Royal unveiled this memorial during a special service on July 10, 2017.
See also
