NM8530 : Cathedral Church of St John the Divine, Oban - (24)
taken 8 years ago, near to Oban, Argyll And Bute, Scotland
The history of the Episcopal Church of Scotland is extremely complex but, in the case of the Diocese of Argyll and the Islands, can be traced back to circa 1200. What became the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine in Oban has its roots in the first congregation established in 1846, when Oban was still a sleepy fishing village. Designed by Charles Wilson and his partner David Thomson, the first St John’s was completed in 1864 – although the building omitted an intended tower and spire. This Church proved too small, with even a German Imperial party being turned-away on 17 August 1872. New plans were proposed – but shelved, with only a south aisle added by Thomson & Turnbull in 1882. However, Oban continued to grow and, following the premature death of Bishop Chinnery-Haldane in 1906, there was renewed vigour in completing a Church of Cathedral proportions. Designed by Architect James Chalmers of Glasgow, much of the funding came from the late Bishop’s family, but this proved insufficient and funds were exhausted by 1910. By this time, only the Sanctuary, Chancel, one Transept and one bay of the Nave were complete and, owing to a difference in ground levels with the remains of the 1864 and 1882 buildings, much of the interior is held-up by the remarkable riveted girders still in place today. Indeed, some visitors have been recorded wondering if the Cathedral shows signs of a Luftwaffe visit during World War II – but no, the cathedral is simply unfinished and, excepting some work undertaken in 1968, remains much as it was in 1910.
Visitors are welcome and the Cathedral is usually open during the day. A small guide-book is available and donations are welcome. The Cathedral is a Category C(S) listed building.
For information on the Scottish Episcopal Church, see Wikipedia at: Link
For information on the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine, Oban, see web site: Link and queries should be directed through this site.
A sleeping fishing village until the coming of steamships and the railway, Oban developed rapidly in the late 19th Century. Although much has been lost in recent years, and some historic buildings remain under threat, Oban can still boast a significant number of Category A, B and C listed buildings.
This Shared Description is intended to cover current, future and demolished listed structures.
A general history of the town can be found at the Oban Information web site: Link
A list of Oban’s listed buildings can be found at British Listed Buildings under “Listed Buildings in Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland” at: Link
An explanation of listed building categories in Scotland may be found: Link