St John's Methodist Church, Arbroath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Methodist Church |
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 St John's Methodist Church
Location in Angus
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| 56°33′36.8″N 2°34′43″W / 56.560222°N 2.57861°W | |
| OS grid reference | NO645410 |
| Location | Arbroath |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Methodist |
| History | |
| Founded | 6 May 1772 |
| Founder(s) | John Wesley |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Category B |
| Designated | 11 October 1971 |
St John's Methodist Church is a special church located on Ponderlaw Street in Arbroath, Scotland. It was started by a famous person named John Wesley on May 6, 1772.
The main part of the church, called the nave, is shaped like an octagon (it has eight sides). Because of this unique shape, people gave it a fun nickname: Totum Kirkie. This name comes from 'totum', which is an eight-sided spinning top, and 'kirk', the Scottish word for church. It is a very old and important building, recognized as a listed building. It is also the second-oldest Methodist church in all of Scotland!
Contents
Church Design and History
Why the Octagon Shape?
St John's is an octagonal church because John Wesley, who founded the church, really liked this design. He believed it helped everyone feel closer and hear the preacher better.
Changes Over Time
The inside of the church still looks much like it did when it was first built. However, some parts were added later. In 1882, a porch and a gallery (an upper seating area) were built. A separate church hall was also added in 1896.
The Lifeboat Window
One special feature inside the church is the Lifeboat Window. This window is a memorial to a sad event. It remembers the loss of the RNLI lifeboat Robert Lindsay and six brave crew members who died in 1953.
Protected Building Status
Because of its history and unique design, St John's Methodist Church became a Category B listed building on October 11, 1971. This means it's an important historical building that is protected by law.
The Manse: A Historic Home
What is a Manse?
Next door to the church is a building called Wesley House. This used to be the church's manse, which is the house where the church minister or pastor lived. It is also a protected historical building.
Birthplace of a Famous Leader
The manse was first built in 1772 as a single-story house. Another story was added in 1869. A very important person, George Scott Railton (1849 – 1913), was born in this manse. He was the first Commissioner of The Salvation Army and was second in command to its founder, William Booth. George Scott Railton's parents, Lancelot Railton and Margaret Scott, were Methodist missionaries. You can see a blue plaque on the building that marks his birthplace.
Church Records
Records and old documents about St John's Methodist Church are kept safe by Archive Services at the University of Dundee. These are part of a larger collection about Methodist churches in the Arbroath and Montrose area.
Other Churches Nearby
- St Andrew's Parish Church, Arbroath (a Church of Scotland church)
- Church of St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath (an Episcopal church)
