List of Scottish Episcopal churches facts for kids

The Scottish Episcopal Church is a Christian church in Scotland. It's part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which means it's connected to churches like the Church of England. Many churches are named after important people or events in Christian history. This is called a "dedication." This article explores some of the names given to these churches across Scotland.

Churches in Scotland: Who Are They Named After?

Churches are often named to honor a specific saint, a special event, or an important religious idea. This tradition helps people remember key figures or moments in their faith. For example, a church named after Saint Andrew honors Scotland's patron saint.

What is a Church Dedication?

A church's dedication is like its official name. It tells you who or what the church is specially connected to. This could be a famous saint, a part of Jesus's life, or a holy concept like the Holy Trinity. It's a way to give the church a unique identity and often reflects the history or beliefs of the local community.

Popular Church Names in Scotland

Many churches in the Scottish Episcopal Church share common dedications. These names often reflect popular saints or central Christian beliefs.

Dedications to Jesus Christ

Some churches are named directly after Jesus Christ or important aspects of his life.

• Christ Church: Nine churches are simply called "Christ Church," like those in Dalbeattie and Falkirk. This name focuses directly on Jesus.
• Carpenters Arms: One church in Aberdeen has this unique name, possibly linking to Jesus's early life as a carpenter.
• Holy Name: One church in Cumbernauld is dedicated to the "Holy Name," referring to the sacred name of Jesus.
• St Saviour/Salvador: Three churches, including one in Dundee, are named "St Saviour," which means "holy rescuer" and refers to Jesus.
• The Good Shepherd: Two churches, in Hillington and Murrayfield, are named after "The Good Shepherd," a loving image of Jesus from the Bible.

Dedications to Mary, Mother of Jesus

The mother of Jesus, Saint Mary, is a very popular figure.

• St Mary: Twenty-nine churches are dedicated to St Mary, making it one of the most common dedications. Examples include churches in Arbroath, Dunblane, and the impressive Edinburgh Cathedral.
• St Mary of Mt Carmel: One church in South Queensferry has this specific dedication, linking Mary to a mountain in the Holy Land.
• Combined Dedications with Mary: Some churches combine Mary's name with others, like "St Mary & All Souls" in Coldstream or "SS Mary & Peter" in Montrose.

Dedications to Key Saints

Many churches are named after important saints from the Bible or early Christian history.

• St Andrew: As Scotland's patron saint, St Andrew is a very popular dedication, with eighteen churches named after him. This includes the Aberdeen Cathedral and Inverness Cathedral.
• St John the Evangelist: Nineteen churches are dedicated to St John the Evangelist, one of Jesus's closest followers. You can find these churches in places like Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
• St Peter: Twelve churches are named after St Peter, another key apostle, including churches in Fraserburgh and Kirkcaldy.
• St Paul: Seven churches are dedicated to St Paul, a very important early Christian missionary. Examples include Dundee Cathedral and Old Saint Paul's in Edinburgh.
• St Columba: Fourteen churches are named after St Columba, a famous Irish missionary who brought Christianity to Scotland. Churches include those in Aberdour and the historic Edinburgh church.
• St Ninian: Thirteen churches are dedicated to St Ninian, an early Scottish saint. These include Perth Cathedral and churches in Aberdeen and Dundee.
• St Michael: Three churches are dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, a powerful angel. These include churches in Ballintuim and Dufftown. Four more are "St Michael & All Angels," like the one in Helensburgh.

Dedications to Holy Concepts and Events

Some churches are named after important Christian ideas or events.

• All Saints: Fourteen churches are dedicated to "All Saints," celebrating all Christian saints, known and unknown. Examples include churches in Bearsden and Glencarse.
• Holy Trinity: Twelve churches are dedicated to the "Holy Trinity," referring to God as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. These can be found in Ayr, Dunfermline, and Stirling.
• Holy Cross (Holy Rood): Four churches are named after the "Holy Cross" or "Holy Rood," which refers to the cross Jesus was crucified on. Examples include churches in Carnoustie and Davidson's Mains.
• All Souls: One church in Invergowrie is dedicated to "All Souls," remembering all who have died.
• Holy Spirit: The Cathedral of the Isles is dedicated to the "Holy Spirit," the third part of the Holy Trinity.

Less Common and Unique Dedications

While many churches share common names, some have more unique dedications.

• St Adamnan: Two churches are named after St Adamnan, an early abbot of Iona.
• St Baldred: One church in North Berwick is named after St Baldred, a local saint.
• St Kentigern (Mungo): Three churches are dedicated to St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow.
• St Magnus: One church in Lerwick is named after St Magnus, a Viking saint from Orkney.
• St Ternan: Two churches, in Banchory and Muchalls, are dedicated to St Ternan, an early missionary in Scotland.
• No Dedication: Interestingly, six churches have "No dedication," meaning they don't have a specific saint or concept they are named after, such as the Westhill Community Church.

This list shows the rich history and variety of names given to churches in the Scottish Episcopal Church, each telling a small part of their story.