St Mary's Monastery, Kinnoull facts for kids
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 Location in Perth
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| Monastery information | |
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| Order | Redemptorists |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Dedicated to | Our Lady of Perpetual Help |
| Consecrated | 29 November 1913 |
| People | |
| Architecture | |
| Functional Status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Category B |
| Designated date | 20 May 1965 |
| Architect | Andrew Heiton |
| Groundbreaking | 16 June 1868 |
| Completion date | 19 March 1869 |
| Site | |
| Location | Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 56°23′40″N 3°24′35″W / 56.39448°N 3.40965°W |
| Website | KinnoullMonastery.co.uk |
St Mary's Monastery is a special place in Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland. It's a Christian centre where people go for quiet time and spiritual retreats. A retreat is like a peaceful getaway to think and learn about faith.
The Redemptorists, a group of Catholic priests and brothers, built it in 1868. For many years, until 1971, it was also a "novitiate." This means it was a training school for new Redemptorist members.
In 1870, a church and shrine were built on the monastery grounds. This church is dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The monastery is located on Hatton Road, near Kinnoull Hill. It offers great views of the city of Perth.
St Mary's Monastery is a very important building. It is officially recognized as a Category B listed building by Historic Environment Scotland. This means it's a historic place that needs to be protected. It was also the first Roman Catholic monastery built in Scotland after the Reformation.
Contents
The Monastery's Story: How It Began
Buying the Land for a New Home
On May 21, 1866, the Redemptorists bought the land for the monastery. They bought it from William Hay, who was the 4th Earl of Kinnoull. This was the first step to building their new home.
Starting Construction: Laying the First Stone
The foundation stone for the monastery was laid on June 16, 1868. This is a special ceremony where the first stone of a building is put in place. Archbishop John Strain, a very important church leader, blessed the stone.
A local architect named Andrew Heiton designed the building. An architect is someone who plans and designs buildings. Andrew Heiton designed many famous buildings in Perth and other places. Some of his students later became architects too.
Funding and Finishing the Monastery
A Redemptorist priest named Edward Douglas helped pay for the land and the building. His family provided the money needed for the project.
The main monastery building was finished on May 19, 1869. The Redemptorist community then moved into their new home. The church, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was still being built. It opened its doors on March 22, 1870.
Later, on November 29, 1913, the church was officially "consecrated." This means it was formally dedicated for religious use by Bishop Robert Fraser. For many years, the monastery was a place for retreats. It was also a training centre for new Redemptorist priests.
Changes and Growth Over Time
Adding New Parts to the Building
In 1896, the monastery and church were made bigger. They added a new "oratory," which is a small chapel for prayer. A clock tower was also added. These new parts were designed by Andrew Granger Heiton. He was the nephew of the original architect, Andrew Heiton.
Inside the church, there is a special chapel called a "mortuary chapel." This is a place where people can remember those who have passed away. There is also a "crypt," which is an underground room. The church also has a large and beautiful "Father Willis Organ."
New Focus: Retreats for Everyone
After the 1970s, St Mary's Monastery stopped being a training centre for new Redemptorists. In 1978, it started offering retreats for women. Before this, retreats were mainly for men.
In 1981, the monastery became a "mission and renewal centre." This meant its main purpose was to host retreats for everyone. People could come to find peace and learn more about their faith.
In the 2000s, the entire building was updated and renovated. It was reopened in 2017, ready to welcome more people for retreats and spiritual growth.
More to Explore
- List of listed buildings in Perth, Scotland
- Catholic Church in Scotland
- List of monastic houses in Scotland
