St Columba's Church, Canna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Scotland Canna |
|
|---|---|
| Canna Rhu Church, Canna Church | |
Church in 2008 with the 1969 gate at left.
|
|
| 57°03′31″N 6°29′37″W / 57.0587°N 6.4935°W | |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | St Columba |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Category B |
| Designated | 5 October 1971 |
| Architect(s) | P. M. Chalmers |
| Groundbreaking | 1912 |
| Completed | 1914 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Materials | stone |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | North West Lochaber |
St Columba's Church is a special old building on the Isle of Canna in Scotland. It is known as a Category B listed building. This means it is an important historical place that needs to be protected. The church is part of the Church of Scotland.
Contents
Building the Church: A Look Back
Before this church was built, people on Canna who were Protestant had to travel a very long way. They had to go about 30 miles to the nearest church! That's a huge journey, especially a long time ago.
Who Helped Build It?
A woman named Mary Johanna Cameron helped start the church project. She was married to Allan Thom. His family owned the island of Canna until 1938. The church was built to remember Allan's father, Robert Thom. Robert bought Canna in 1881. He spent money to make the island better for everyone living there.
Church Design and Location
The church was built for the Protestant people on Canna. However, most people on the island were, and still are, Catholic. The church faces a bit differently than most churches. It points East-North-East to West-South-West, instead of the usual East-West. No one is quite sure why it was built this way.
The church also has a graveyard. But there is only one gravestone there. It belongs to Joanna and Allan Thom, who helped get the church built.
Why is it Called 'The Rocket Church'?
In 1969, a fancy metal gate was added to the churchyard. Just two years later, in 1971, the church became a listed building. Because of the unique shape of its tower, many people call it 'The Rocket Church'. It looks a bit like a rocket ready for launch!
St Columba's Church Today
Today, only about 20 people live on Canna. Most of the islanders are Catholic. This means St Columba's Church is not used very often for regular church services. It is still considered a holy place, but it is mostly quiet now.
Future Plans for the Church
In 2015, the National Trust for Scotland, a group that looks after special places, wanted to fix up the church. They hoped to use it as a place to show old items from when the Thom family owned Canna. This would be from the years 1881 to 1938.
Close by, there is also a Catholic church on the island. It is also named after St Columba.
Images for kids
-
Church from afar
-
St Columba's interior
-
The similarly-named Catholic chapel
