St. Mungo's Cathedral, Glasgow

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The front of Glasgow Cathedral, from Cathedral Square

Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary viewed from Glasgow Necropolis

Painting of David Robert shows St.Mungo Cathedral in 16th century, during protestant revolution

Glasgow Cathedral, also called the High Kirk of Glasgow, is today a Church of Scotland cathedral in Glasgow. It is located just outside of the city centre beside Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The history of the cathedral is linked with that of the city, and is allegedly located where the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, built his church. The tomb of the saint is in part of the church.

Originally Roman Catholic, the cathedral is a superb example of Gothic architecture. It is also one of the few Scottish medieval churches (and the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland) to have survived the Reformation unscathed. The 13th century tower is the last remaining intact tower in any Scottish medieval church, the later parts, and the spire, erected by Bishop William de Lawedre (Lauder) who died in 1425.

Technically, it is not any longer a cathedral, since it has not been the seat of a bishop since 1690. However, unlike many disused and ruined cathedrals in Scotland, it is still a place of active Christian worship, hosting a Church of Scotland congregation. The current minister (since 15th February 2007) is the Rev Dr Laurence A. B. Whitley MA BD PhD, who was previously minister at Montrose Old and St Andrew’s Parish Church. The previous minister was the Very Rev Dr William Morris, who was minister from 1967 until retiring in November 2005. The building itself is in the ownership of the Crown, is maintained by Historic Scotland and is also a popular destination for tourists.

The other cathedrals in Glasgow are St. Andrew's Cathedral (Roman Catholic), St. Mary's Cathedral (Scottish Episcopal) and St Luke's Cathedral (Greek Orthodox).

[edit] The Great Bell

In the steeple of Glasgow is a great bell, which is twelve feet one inch in circumference, and has a grave and deep tone. In 1789, it was accidentally cracked by some persons who got admission to the steeple. It was, therefore, sent to London, and cast anew. On the outside of it is the following inscription:—

In the year of grace

1594,

Marcus Knox,

a merchant of Glasgow,

zealous for the interests of the reformed religion,

caused me to be fabricated in Holland

for the use of his fellow citizens in Glasgow,

and placed me with solemnity

in the tower of their cathedral.

My function

was to announce, by the impress on my bosom,

(Me audito venias doctrinam sanctam ut discas;) [Come, that ye may learn holy doctrine.]

and

I was taught to proclaim the hours of unheeded time.

195 years had I sounded these awful warnings,

when I was broken

by the hands of inconsiderate and

unskilful men.

In the year 1790,

I was cast into the furnace,

refounded at London,

and returned to my sacred vocation.

Reader,

thou also shall know a resurrection,

may it be to eternal life.

[edit] List of Ministers of Glasgow Cathedral

• David Wemyss (1565-1615)
• Archibald Douglas (1571-1593)
• Robert Scott (1616-1629)
• John Maxwell (1629-1639)
• Edward Wright (1641-1646)
• Robert Ramsay (1647-1651)
• James Durham (1651-1658)
• Ralph Rodger (1659-1662)
• Arthur Ross (1664-1675)
• Richard Waddell (1682-1684)
• Archibald Inglis (1685-1687)
• Ralph Rodger (1687-1689)
• James Brown (1690-1714)
• George Campbell (1715-1748)
• John Hamilton (1749-1780)
• William Taylor (1780-1823)
• Duncan Macfarlan (1824-1857)
• John Robertson (1858-1865)
• George Stewart Burns (1865-1896)
• Pearson McAdam Muir (1896-1915)
• James McGibbon (1916-1922)
• Lauchlan Maclean Watt (1923-1944)
• Neville Davidson (1935-1967)
• William Morris (1967-2004)
• Laurence A. B. Whitley (2004-)

[edit] See also

• Glasgow
• Cathedral
• Glasgow Necropolis
• List of Church of Scotland parishes

[edit] External links

• Official site of Glasgow Cathedral
• St. Mungo's Cathedral, Glasgow - site information from Historic Scotland
• Glasgow Cathedral Precinct - History and original drawings of the Cathedral area.
• Photos of Glasgow Cathedral

Coordinates: 55°51′46.7″N, 4°14′4.0″WReligion in Glasgow

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