St Columba Church of Scotland, Glasgow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Columba's Church |
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| The Parish Church of Saint Columba | |
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Eaglais Ghàidhlig Chaluim Chille
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St Columba's Church, St Vincent Street, Glasgow
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| Location | Glasgow |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Website | Church Website |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | St Columba |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Tennant and Burke |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1901-1904 |
| Completed | 17 September 1904 |
| Closed | April 2021 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 67.06 m (220 ft 0 in) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Columba's |
| Presbytery | Glasgow |
St Columba's Church was a special church in Glasgow, Scotland. It was part of the Church of Scotland. For a long time, it was a place where people who spoke Gaelic could go to worship. The church closed its doors in 2021.
Contents
What is St Columba's Church?
St Columba's Church was a parish church. This means it was the main church for a specific area or community. It was especially important because it served people who spoke Gaelic. Many Gaelic speakers moved to Glasgow from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to find work.
A Look Back: The History of St Columba's
How the Church Started
The St Columba's Church community in Glasgow began way back in 1770. It was created to help the many Gaelic-speaking people who were moving to Glasgow. They needed a place to worship and connect in their own language. Until 2020, the church held weekly services in Gaelic. They also had services in English.
A Special Message on the Door
In 1903, a Gaelic poet named Duncan Livingstone carved a special message. He wrote Tigh Mo Chridhe, Tigh Mo Gràidh on the main door. This means "House of My Heart, House of My Love." He did this just before moving to South Africa.
The Church Building: Design and Style
The church building you see today opened on September 17, 1904. It is located on St Vincent Street in Glasgow. The building was designed by architects Tennant and Burke. It is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style looks a bit like old medieval castles or cathedrals.
The church building is very important. It was first protected as a historic building in 1970. In 2022, its protection level was increased. Because it is so big and important to Gaelic culture, many people call it the Highland Cathedral.
Important Leaders of the Church
Over the years, some very important people served as ministers at St Columba's. Two of them even became Moderators of the General Assembly. This is a very high position in the Church of Scotland.
- The Very Rev. Dr. Norman MacLeod was a minister from 1835 to 1862.
- The Very Reverend Dr Alexander MacDonald served from 1929 to 1954.
The Church Today
Since 2021, the St Columba's church building has not been used. This was due to safety concerns. In 2023, the St Columba congregation joined with another church. All future services for the community are now held at Blawarthill Parish Church. The old St Columba's building was put up for sale in 2022.
See also
- List of Church of Scotland parishes
- Presbytery of Glasgow
- Gaelic-speaking congregations in the Church of Scotland
