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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.

Created: Thu, 14 Apr 2016, Updated: Wed, 21 Jun 2017