The Church of Scotland is in decline due to many reasons, such as falling birth rates, declining congregations, and its inability to reach younger generations. There have been suggestions of improving technology usage or liberalizing views on gay marriage as potential solutions.
After Scotland separated from Rome, worship and ministry changed to follow Reformation principles, including preaching, two sacraments and pure worship.
St Andrews Cathedral was Scotland’s largest church until it was abandoned following the Reformation. Catholic Christianity had long been established as the primary faith, with huge Abbeys and Cathedrals constructed since 1100. Mary Queen of Scots was even baptised here in 1542 before Protestant Lords arrived to eradicate all traces of Catholicism – they even destroyed statues, holy water fonts, altars and holy water fonts!
Saint Andrew was revered as Scotland’s patron saint and St Rule’s Tower served as a beacon to pilgrims visiting his church. By 1370 a larger structure was added for accommodating Augustinian canons from continental Europe who replaced Culdee clergy.
The cathedral’s impressive ruins showcase Scotland’s medieval engineering skills, as several of them have now been turned into buildings in the town. Additionally, there is a museum housed within a former priory at the cathedral as well as open church services open to visitors.
From Edinburgh, visiting St Giles Cathedral is easily accessible via train or car. Leuchars railway station provides easy access, taking approximately 90 minutes from city to cathedral. Visit their website for admission costs, opening times and helpful hints.
St Mungo’s Cathedral stands as an iconic and breathtaking church located at the heart of Glasgow city centre. As the only medieval church on mainland Scotland to survive without major damage during Reformation, its exterior may appear austere but once inside this magnificent structure becomes truly inspiring.
The current church stands on the site of one established by St Kentigern (or Mungo) during the 6th century, who is widely revered as Glasgow’s patron saint and believed to have been laid to rest there around AD612; his tomb can still be seen today and covered with a vibrantly-embroidered cloth.
Through the 13th and 14th centuries, this church underwent constant reconstruction and expansion, including adding the lower choir, Blackadder Aisle, chapter house and towers at either end of its nave. A rare survivor from medieval period is its rood screen.
After Scotland left Rome’s Church of Rome in 1560, cathedral worship radically transformed to reflect Reformation principles. From elaborate liturgy to simple services with Bible readings, preaching, praying directly to God alone and singing praise; from praying to saints and Mary to praising only Him alone and from Latin chanting to an informal Book of Common Order – cathedrals worship changed dramatically as cathedral worship transitioned towards Reformation principles.
St Bride’s Church is an impressive and historic structure. Dedicated to Saint Bride (also known as Bridget), an influential Celtic Christian saint best known for her kindness and generosity towards those in need, as well as multiple miraculous deeds accomplished during her lifetime, this church stands as a beautiful testament of her legacy.
After being destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666, this church was rebuilt, although its crypt was initially hidden beneath a new church and only revealed during preliminary excavations by Wren’s original design resurfacing later. According to estimates, its crypt contains over 7000 human remains organized according to type.
In the seventeenth century, church became a hub of literary and artistic activity. Notable residents included Samuel Richardson – author of Pamela and other well-known authors such as Dr. Samuel Johnson, William Hogarth, and Joshua Reynolds.
In the nineteenth century, religious laws relaxed to allow greater freedom of worship. Church building became a priority for all denominations – particularly Scottish Episcopalians and Roman Catholics who at this point in time had few church buildings to their name in Scotland. Now churches provide welcome, peace, prayer and shelter for people regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof – with regular weekly and seasonal services and regularly organized special events held regularly on its schedule – yet many face closure due to declining membership numbers.