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THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
is like the Church of England in that it has bishops and its services of
worship are similar, but it is very much an independent Scottish Church. Our link to our
southern neighbours is through the Anglican Communion of which we are a part.
It can also trace its history back to the Reformation and beyond to the Celtic church of
men like Columba and Kentigern.
ST. ANDREW'S IN ARDROSSAN
came into being because a doctor in West Kilbride had English clergymen
taking services once a month in a very large room of his house. People liked the services
so much that they wanted them every Sunday. It also became difficult to get everyone into
the house, so they decided to build this church. The Earl of Eglinton (family name
Montgomerie) gave the land. The Countess of Eglinton laid the foundation stone on St.
Andrew's day 1874 and it first opened for worship on 28th November 1875.
THE MINISTER, WHO ALSO HAS THE TITLE, RECTOR
usually presides at the services, but also has assistants who help with
this. The rector is responsible for the worship, work and witness of the Church. In this
role the rector leads the congregation but gets as many others to help as possible.
During the service other people will lead the prayers, read from the Bible and assist at
the Holy Communion, and sometimes preach the sermon or give the talk.
On a Sunday morning a service book called Scottish Liturgy
1982 is used to help everyone follow in the worship and join in saying some of
the prayers, it provides a proper framework for everyone to follow.
DETAILS OF THE CHURCH
The layout of St. Andrew's is traditional "Gothic", of a
pre-Reformation style, with the font for baptisms near the door, and with the Altar, the
holy table where communion is celebrated at the far end. There are steps up to where the
choir sits, with the pulpit for preaching at one side and the lectern for the public
reading of the bible on the other.
The windows are pointed at the top and some have stained or painted pictures.
| ASCENSION WINDOW |
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This is above the altar and shows Christ's
Ascension and is in memory of the Honourable William Alexander Montgomerie (son of George,
15th Earl of Eglinton and Winton), Lieutenant Royal Scots Greys. He died at Stellenbosch,
South Africa, May 9th 1903 aged 21 years.
The window is also known as the "Cricketer's Window" as it was placed by
cricketers and other friends associated with him in the game at Eglinton on March 3rd
1905. It incorporates the Family Coat of Arms of the Earls of Eglinton and Winton.
Also in this picture can be seen the Sanctuary Lamp, The Reredos (wooden frame behind the
Altar) and the Holy Cross. |
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picture for enlargement |
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| THE CRUCIFIXION |
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This beautiful window is the work of J.
&. W. Guthrie (brothers John and William a leading Glasgow company for many years.
Which later became Gutherie and Wells), with the tranquillity of Harrington Mann's
"Angel Plucking Tulips".
It is in memory of Frances Cleugh, who died in 1894, and was placed here by her niece.
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| ANGEL PLUCKING TULIPS |
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In 1894 Harrington Mann designed this very
beautiful single light window, and is one of the finest examples of the Glasgow style in
ecclesiastical glass.
Born Glasgow 1864, he studied at Glasgow School Of Art and at the Slade under Legros,
followed by a period at Academie. He died in New York in 1937. His daughter was Cathleen
Mann, Marchioness Of Queensberry and a painter. |
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picture for
enlargement |
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| ST. CUTHBERT |
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He was born circa 635. Spending some time
at Melrose Abbey and in missionary travel he became a hermit in Farne (Holy Island). In
685 he became Bishop of Lindisfarne. In 687 he returned to Farne and on March 20th the
same year he died. His body was placed in Durham Cathedral which is dedicated to him.
The window is in memory of Wilfrid Taylor MSc PhD and was placed there by his sister, Miss
Taylor.
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| THE SEPULCHRE |
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This window was placed by the Cook family
in memory of their father James, vestryman and treasurer for 33 years of this Church, and
their mother Mary.
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| CHRIST |
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| Mr and Mrs Christie placed these windows in
memory of their daughter Jane Helena Christie who died in January 1912.
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| THE BAPTISMAL FONT |
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The font of Caen stone, finely carved with
flowers, leaves and the sacred monogram. It was designed by the architect of the Church,
Mr D. Thomson, and carved by Mr Grassby, architectural carver, Glasgow.
The font was gifted to the Church by Mr. McDonald, Braehead House Saltcoats.
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enlargement |
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| REREDOS (wooden frame behind the
altar) |
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Shows four painted figures, by the artist
William Hole RSA.
looking from left to right they depict
Kentigern. - Bishop of Glasgow, died 603. He knew Columba, Strathclyde Briton.
Mary - Mother of Jesus.
Andrew - Patron Saint of Scotland, Apostle, brother of Peter.
Margaret - Queen of Scotland, died 1093. Member of the English Royal Family fleeing Norman
invasion, gifted, masterful, austere and charitable. Turned Scotland's religion from
Celtic to Roman ways, great example of personal piety caring for poor and nursing sick. |
Awaiting
Photograph |
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