St Peter's Church, Aberdeen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church |
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Church entrance
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| OS grid reference | NJ945064 |
| Location | Aberdeen |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | StPetersAberdeen.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founder(s) | Fr Charles Gordon |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Dedicated | 19 August 1804 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Category B listed |
| Designated | 12 January 1967 |
| Architect(s) | James Massie Harry Leith |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 15 April 1803 |
| Completed | 1817 |
| Construction cost | £1,049 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Aberdeen |
| Province | St Andrews and Edinburgh |
St Peter's Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was built between 1803 and 1804. You can find it on Justice Street, right in the city centre, near St Andrew's Cathedral.
This church is very important because it was the first permanent Catholic church built in Aberdeen after the Scottish Reformation. The Reformation was a big change in Scotland's religious history. St Peter's Church is also a "Category B" listed building, which means it's protected for its historical importance.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
Early Beginnings
Before the current church, a small chapel stood on the same spot. This chapel was built in 1774. It was on the ground floor of a house, with a home for the priest above it.
In 1795, a priest named Father Charles Gordon came to Aberdeen. He saw that the Catholic community was growing. The small chapel was becoming too crowded for everyone.
Building the Church
Father Gordon decided that a new, bigger church was needed. In early 1803, he started collecting money and materials for the building. Digging for the new church began on February 24, 1803.
The foundation stone was laid on April 15, 1803, by Father Gordon himself. He thought the church would cost about £1,049 to build. The church was designed by an architect named James Massie. He used a style called Gothic Revival, which looks like older medieval churches.
The first Mass (a Catholic church service) was held in the new building on November 13, 1803. Construction continued until August 1804. On August 19, 1804, the church was officially opened and dedicated by Bishop Alexander Cameron.
Later, in 1815, a gallery was added inside the church. The front of the church, called the facade, was finished in 1817. It was designed by Harry Leith. From 1895 to 1899, a beautiful new main altar was installed. It was made in Belgium.
Closing and Reopening
In 1860, St Peter's Church closed because a new, larger church, St Mary's Cathedral, had opened. For two years, St Peter's was used as a chapel for a nearby boys' school.
In 1862, the presbytery (the priest's house) became a home for older and sick people. It was run by a group of religious sisters. The church closed again in 1872. However, it finally reopened its doors in 1880 and has been active ever since.
Church Services
St Peter's Church is part of a parish, which is a local church community. It also serves as the Catholic Chaplaincy for the University of Aberdeen. University students can attend Sunday Mass at King's College Chapel.
At St Peter's Church, there are two Sunday Masses each week. One is on Saturday evening at 6:00pm, and the other is on Sunday morning at 11:30am.
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen
