St John's Cathedral, Oban facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Cathedral |
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| The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine | |
Cathedral church of St John the Divine
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| Location | Oban |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Scottish Episcopal Church |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| History | |
| Dedication | St John the Divine |
| Consecrated | 22 September 1864 |
| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 1846 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Argyll and The Isles |
St John's Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine. It is a special church called a cathedral that belongs to the Scottish Episcopal Church. You can find it in the town of Oban, Scotland.
This cathedral is one of two main churches for the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. It is also one of the important places where the Bishop of Argyll and The Isles has his official seat.
Contents
Building a Special Church
The idea to build an Episcopal church in Oban started in 1846. Two important families, the MacDougalls of Dunollie and the Campbells of Dunstaffnage, helped begin this project.
The first part of the church was finished in 1864. Charles Wilson was chosen as the architect, who designs buildings. After he passed away, David Thomson took over the work.
The First Church Building
The church was officially opened on September 22, 1864. A special ceremony called a consecration was led by the Bishop of London, Archibald Campbell Tait. The local bishop, Alexander Ewing, was away at the time.
The first church was quite small. It had a main hall (nave) and a special area near the altar (chancel). The total length inside was about 18.6 meters (61 feet).
Special Windows and Features
The window at the east end of the church had beautiful painted glass. Sir Donald Campbell donated it to remember his brother, Sir Angus. Another round window at the west end also had painted glass, given by David Hutcheson.
Many different companies helped build the church. They included experts in stone work, plumbing, roofing, plastering, glass, painting, and iron work. The first part of the building cost around £1,400, which was a lot of money back then.
How the Cathedral Grew
In 1882, another section was added to the south side of the church. More additions were planned in 1910 by architect James Chalmers. However, they ran out of money before finishing everything.
This is why St John's Cathedral looks so unique today. You can clearly see the different parts that were built at different times. The steel girders inside are still there, showing where a grander structure was planned but never completed. The church officially became a cathedral in 1920.
In 1958, a special screen was added inside the church. It was designed by Ian Gordon Lindsay.
Leaders of St John's Cathedral
The church has had many rectors and provosts over the years. These are the main priests who lead the cathedral.
- 1859-1880: Robert Jackson MacGeorge
- 1881-1896: Arthur Ingelby
- 1896-1930: Charles Pressley Smith
- 1930-1942: George Preston Tonge
- 1959–1979: Charles Copland
- 1980-1986: Nigel Abbott
- 1986-2000: Alan Maclean of Dochgarroch
- 2000–2012: Norman MacCallum
- 2012–2017: Nicki McNelly
- 2018–present: Margi Campbell
Other Cathedrals Nearby
- Cathedral of The Isles – This is another cathedral for the same diocese. It is located in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.
- St Columba's Cathedral – This is Oban's Roman Catholic cathedral.
