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 place of worship in Glasgow, Scotland. It belonged to the Church of Scotland. For many years, it was a church for people who spoke Gaelic. The church closed its doors in 2021.
Contents
History of St Columba's Church
Early Beginnings (1770)
The St Columba church community in Glasgow started way back in 1770. It was created to help the many Gaelic-speaking people who moved to Glasgow. These people came from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland looking for jobs.
Gaelic Services and Special Messages
For a long time, until 2020, the church held a weekly Sunday service in Gaelic. They also had services in English. A famous Gaelic poet named Duncan Livingstone carved a special message on the main door. It said, Tigh Mo Chridhe, Tigh Mo Gràidh, which means "House of My Heart, House of My Love." He carved this just before he moved to South Africa in 1903.
The Church Building and Its Style
The church building you see today on St Vincent Street in Glasgow opened on September 17, 1904. It was built in the Gothic Revival style. This means it looks like old Gothic churches from the past. Architects Tennant and Burke designed it.
A Special Building: The Highland Cathedral
The church building was first protected as a Category B listed building in 1970. This means it was recognized as an important historical building. In 2022, its protection was upgraded to Category A, which is the highest level. Because it is so big and important to Gaelic culture, many people call it the Highland Cathedral.
Past Leaders of the Church
Some important ministers have led St Columba's Church. Two of them even became Moderators of the General Assembly. This is a very high position in the Church of Scotland. They were Dr. Norman MacLeod (who served from 1835-1862) and Dr Alexander MacDonald (who served from 1929-1954).
Recent Changes and Closure
The church building had not been used since 2021 because of safety worries. In February 2023, the St Columba church community joined with another church, Blawarthill Parish Church. All future services for this community are now held at Blawarthill Parish Church. The St Columba's Church building was put up for sale by the Church of Scotland in 2022.
See also
- List of Church of Scotland parishes
- Presbytery of Glasgow
- Gaelic-speaking congregations in the Church of Scotland
