The church building, completed in 1874, was designed for the Free Church by the prolific local architect Duncan McMillan. Early Gothic-style with a tall square bell-tower with octagonal spire. Side galleries added in 1896 were reduced in 1994.
Positioned as it is at the top of a hill, it has always been the most obvious landmark in the area and provides a geographical focus that has enabled Ferryhill to retain its characteristic of a “village” within the city – a community gathered round its parish church.
The superb site for the church was acquired by William Henderson, a local businessman who subsequently became Lord Provost of Aberdeen and was knighted by Queen Victoria. He donated the porch, with its distinctive trefoil stained glass window, which was later enlarged and in which his memorial can now be seen. The building from its inception was thus very much a local Ferryhill project.
The tower and spire of the church with its four clock faces is a focal point in the neighbourhood, and can be seen from many miles around. In 2012 it won an award from the Heritage Lottery Foundation to restore the twoer and spire. Its restoration will safeguard its endurance and ensure its distinctive place on the city skyline of Aberdeen.
The church contains several fine windows by James McLundie, A L Moore and others, including a number removed from the former Ferryhill North Church. The sanctuary was re-ordered 1994, and new porch and foyer 2000, by Oliver Humphries. The Memorial Chapel incorporates the 51st (Highland) Divisional Signals War Memorial, the Piper Alpha and Steele Memorial windows, both by Jane Bayliss and Book of Rememberance. Allen organ. Pulpit fall by local artist Ruth Lough. Small museum in the basement.
The Cache
Locate the 6 digit number related to this cache at GZ first 3 digits are ABC last 3 are DEF. Cache is at N57 08.ABC W002 06.DEF
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.co.uk.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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