St John's Church, Dunoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Church |
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St John's Church in 2013.
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| 55°57′02″N 4°55′44″W / 55.95055°N 4.92877°W | |
| OS grid reference | NS172769 |
| Location | Dunoon, Argyll and Bute |
| Country | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Website | Cowal Kirk Website |
| History | |
| Status | open |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | used |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed building |
| Designated | 20 July 1971 |
| Architect(s) | Robert Alexander Bryden |
| Architectural type | Normandy Gothic |
| Years built | 1877 |
St John's Church, once known as Dunoon Free Church, is a church building in Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It's a very important building, listed as a Category A listed building. You can find it right in the middle of town, where Hanover Street and Victoria Road meet. This church is still used every day.
History of St John's Church
The church building you see today was built in 1843. It stands on the same spot where an older church used to be. A talented architect named Robert Alexander Bryden designed the current church. The building was finished in 1877. Interestingly, Bryden is buried not far from the church, in Dunoon Cemetery.
Just like the church before it, this building was first called Dunoon Free Church. Later, its name was changed to St John's Church.
What the Church Looks Like
St John's Church was built using a special method called dry stone masonry. This means the stones were carefully fitted together without using mortar. The church sits on a hill, which makes it look even bigger and taller, especially its tower and spire.
The building's style is called Normandy Gothic architecture. This means it has sharp, detailed carvings and a grand, old-fashioned look. Inside, there's a gallery shaped like a horseshoe where people sit. Behind the main pulpit, there's a raised area for the choir. The church has many beautiful stained glass windows.
An organ was put into the church in 1895 by a company called Brook & Co. It was a two-manual pipe organ at first. Later, in 1921, it was made even bigger and better with three manuals.
In 2012, the church got a big makeover. It received £200,000 from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the repairs and improvements.
Images for kids
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Rev. Dr Mackintosh MacKay (1800–1873).
