“Modesty,” they called it. St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow almost looks Protestant. Yet, it stands as a testament to the resilience of Catholicism in Scotland.
This cathedral’s story is one of re-establishment after persecution. For two centuries after the Reformation a Catholic presence barely existed in Glasgow.
But Glasgow’s industrial boom drew Catholic workers from Ireland and the Highlands. A priest Rev Andrew Scott was determined to build a church. He wanted to serve the growing Catholic population.
The foundation stone for St Andrew’s Cathedral was laid in 1814. Holy Mass was first celebrated within its walls in 1816.
Hostility lingered during construction. Saboteurs tore down completed work at night. Guards were needed to protect the site. Gestures of ecumenism came from other Christian denominations. They donated money to help finish the project.
Restrictions remained on Catholic places of worship. So the church was built modestly without a steeple or bell tower.
In 1878 Scotland’s Catholic Hierarchy was restored. Charles Eyre became the first post-Reformation Archbishop of Glasgow. St Andrew’s became the Cathedral of the re-established Archdiocese in 1884.
The Archdiocese of Glasgow regained its metropolitan status in 1947. This happened when the new Dioceses of Motherwell and Paisley were established. St Andrew’s then became a Metropolitan Cathedral.
Inside, St Andrew’s Cathedral offers a calm cheerful atmosphere. It is recently restored. Many people like to visit it on Doors Open Days.
The pipe organ was originally built in 1903. It was for the former Elgin Place Congregational Church. The organ was reinstalled at St Andrew’s Cathedral in 1981. This happened when the Elgin Place Congregational Church closed.
The cathedral needed major refurbishment. A major restoration project began in 2009. It included new heating and lighting systems. There was redecoration and gold leaf restoration. New bronze doors were commissioned. The pipe organ was repaired. A new canvas by Peter Howson was installed. It depicted the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie.
The work was completed in April 2011. The cathedra returned to St Andrew’s Cathedral. It came from the temporary pro-cathedral. The cathedral officially re-opened on April 11, 2011.
St Andrew’s Parish origins trace back to 1792. That year a priest was reappointed for Glasgow. Two hundred people attended the opening Mass. It was in a rented hall on Mitchell Street.
Five years later, new premises in the Calton area held 600 people each Sunday. By 1814 the decision was made. A new church would be built in Clyde Street. The number of communicants had grown to 3000.
The cathedral attracts shoppers workers and tourists. They come for quiet prayer Mass and Reconciliation. The Archbishop celebrates major liturgies frequently. These events draw worshippers from across the archdiocese.
Next to the cathedral, a modern administrative building stands. It reflects the cathedral’s form. At pavement level, stone acknowledges the cathedral’s materials. Above, a modernist structure uses reflective glass. It depends on the older cathedral for its design interest.
The Cloister Garden is very modern. Depending on lighting, it can appear drab or wonderful.
St Andrew’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of faith. It is a symbol of perseverance and artistic beauty. Its history echoes through Glasgow.