St John's Methodist Church, Arbroath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Methodist Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 St John's Methodist Church
Location in Angus
|
|
| 56°33′36.8″N 2°34′43″W / 56.560222°N 2.57861°W | |
| OS grid reference | NO645410 |
| Location | Arbroath, Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| 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 historic church in Arbroath, Scotland. It was started by John Wesley on May 6, 1772. The church is famous for its unique eight-sided shape. Because of this, people in Scotland sometimes call it Totum Kirkie. "Totum" comes from a spinning top with eight sides, and "kirk" is the Scottish word for church.
This building is very important. It is a listed building, which means it's protected because of its special history or architecture. It is also the second-oldest Methodist church in all of Scotland.
Contents
Church Design and Features
St John's Methodist Church has a very interesting design. It is built in an octagonal (eight-sided) shape. This style was a favorite of John Wesley, who founded the church.
Inside the Church
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 were built to make the church bigger. 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. This tragedy happened in 1953.
Protected Building Status
Because of its unique design and history, St John's Methodist Church became a Category B listed building on October 11, 1971. This means it is a building of special architectural or historic interest.
The Manse: A Historic Home
Right next to the church is a building called the manse. A manse is a house where a minister or pastor used to live. This building is now known as Wesley House. It is also a listed building, just like the church.
History of the Manse
The manse was first built in 1772 as a single-story house. Later, in 1869, another story was added to make it taller.
Famous Birthplace
A very important person was born in this manse. His name was George Scott Railton (1849–1913). He was the first Commissioner of The Salvation Army. This means he was the second-in-command to its founder, William Booth. George Scott Railton's parents were Methodist missionaries. A special blue plaque is on the house to show where he was born.
Church Records
Old records and papers about St John's Methodist Church are kept safe. You can find them at Archive Services at the University of Dundee. These records are part of a larger collection from the Arbroath and Montrose Methodist Circuit.
More Local Churches
- St Andrew's Parish Church, Arbroath (Church of Scotland)
- Church of St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath (Episcopal)
