St Peter's Church, Linlithgow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's, Linlithgow |
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| 55°58′34″N 3°36′14″W / 55.9761°N 3.6039°W | |
| Denomination | Scottish Episcopal |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St Mildred's, Linlithgow |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Consecrated | 30 May 1928 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | B |
| Designated | 18 December 1976 |
| Architect(s) | J.W. Todd |
| Architectural type | Byzantine |
| Groundbreaking | 18 May 1927 |
| Completed | May 1928 |
| Construction cost | £1,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of domes | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Edinburgh |
St Peter's Church, Linlithgow is a special church in the town of Linlithgow, Scotland. It is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The church building on Linlithgow High Street is very old and important. It is officially recognized as a Category B listed building.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
Starting the Church Community
The story of St Peter's Church began in 1912. A group of local people who followed the Scottish Episcopal Church decided to form a group. They called themselves the St Peter's Episcopal Mission.
Finding a Home for the Church
For many years, the church community did not have its own building. They met in different places around Linlithgow.
- They used the Court Room in the Burgh Halls.
- They also met in a public house that was no longer open.
- Sometimes, they used various shops in the town.
Later, they found a hall on the High Street to use. However, in 1914, the army needed the hall. So, the church group had to move again. They then used an old church building called Craigmailen United Free Church. But they had to leave because of a problem called dry rot, which damages wood. The group also used rooms at the Scotch Girls Friendly Society. After that, they met in a room at the Palace Hotel.
Building a Permanent Church
This situation continued until 1924. The church's leader, Reverend W.S. Snow, told the Bishop of Edinburgh, G.H.S. Walpole, about their difficulties. The bishop decided to help. He gave £100 to buy a piece of land on the High Street. He also promised another £500. This money would come from a trip he was planning to the USA.
The first design for the church was made by an architect named J.W. Todd. But it was too expensive, costing £1600. The church community could not afford that much. So, they chose a simpler design that cost £1000. The church had to fit into a very narrow space, only 26 feet wide.
Unique Church Design
The church has an unusual Byzantine design. This style was chosen partly because it helped bring enough light into the narrow building. With tall buildings on both sides, getting light inside was a challenge. The Byzantine design helped solve this problem.
Construction and Dedication
The first stone for the church was laid on May 18, 1927. Colonel Maclaren of the Craigs performed this important ceremony. The church was finished almost exactly one year later.
Even though the church community had always been called St Peter's, Bishop Walpole dedicated the new building to St Mildred. He chose this name because his late wife shared the same name. In 1978, the church's name changed back to St Peter's. However, St Mildred is still remembered. You can see her on one of the beautiful stained glass windows inside the church.
Church Organisation
St Peter's Church works closely with another church nearby. It is linked with St Columba's Church in Bathgate.
