Errol Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Errol Parish Church |
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| North Church Cathedral of the Carse |
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The church in 2006
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| 56°23′35″N 3°12′44″W / 56.393°N 3.2121°W | |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Status | Parish Church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed building |
| Designated | 5 October 1971 |
| Architect(s) | J.G. Graham |
| Groundbreaking | 14 April 1831 |
| Completed | 17 March 1833 |
| Construction cost | £3819 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1450 |
| Bells | 3 |
| Administration | |
| Presbytery | Perth |
Errol Parish Church is a very old and important church in the Scottish village of Errol, Perth and Kinross. It is known by some friendly nicknames like "North Church" or the "Cathedral of the Carse." This church is officially recognized as a special historic building.
Contents
History of Errol Parish Church
The area around Errol has some of the oldest records in Scotland. A church has been in this location since the early 1200s! We don't know much about what the very first church looked like.
Building the Current Church
The church was rebuilt in 1765. However, by the early 1800s, people decided it needed to be rebuilt again. In 1830, a new piece of land was given for the church by John Lee Allen of Errol Park. This new spot was about 120 meters north-east of the old church.
The famous architect James Gillespie Graham designed the new church. It officially opened on March 17, 1833. The builder, George Page, charged a very low price of £3819 for his work. This was so cheap that he actually went bankrupt because of it! The older church building was later taken down, but its graveyard is still there.
Modern Updates and Features
Over the years, the church has received many updates.
- In 1902, a clock was put in the church. This was done to remember Reverend Robert Graham, who was the church's minister for 42 years. The church bells were also fixed up at the same time.
- An organ and a special table for communion were added in 1905.
- Between 1915 and 1916, Lady Ogilvie Dalgleish paid for new floors, heating, and gas lighting. She also bought a pulpit and chairs for the priests and elders.
- Electricity was put into the church in 1934.
- The church also has a silver font, which is a bowl used for baptisms. This font is very old, dating back to 1778, and was moved from the 1765 church.
Since 1971, Errol Parish Church has been a "Category A listed building." This means it's considered a very important historical building in Scotland and is protected by law. Even its boundary walls and gateposts are part of this special protection!
The Church Bells Debate
In July 2017, someone complained that the church's bells were too loud. However, many people in the village quickly showed their support for the bells. Over 400 people posted messages online saying they wanted the bells to keep ringing. Because of all this support, the complaint was later taken back.
How the Church is Organized
Errol Parish Church is part of a larger group called the Presbytery of Perth. Since around the year 2000, this church has shared its minister with another nearby church, Kilspindie & Rait Parish Church.
