St Matthew's Church (formerly Free Church and West Church)[1] is a church in the Scottish city of Perth, Perth and Kinross. Of Church of Scotland denomination, it is located on Tay Street, overlooking the River Tay, just east of the city centre. Completed in November 1871, the work of John Honeyman, it is a Category B listed building.[2]
St Matthew's Church | |
---|---|
![]() The church in 2011 | |
![]() | |
56°23′47″N 3°25′33″W / 56.396254°N 3.4258536°W | |
Location | Perth, Perth and Kinross |
Country | Scotland |
Denomination | Church of Scotland |
Website | Official website |
History | |
Former name(s) | West Church |
Status | open |
Dedication | St Matthew |
Architecture | |
Functional status | used |
Heritage designation | Category B listed building |
Designated | 20 May 1965 |
Architect(s) | John Honeyman |
Architectural type | Ecclesiastical |
Years built | 1870–1871 |
Groundbreaking | 19 May 1870 |
Completed | November 1871 |
Specifications | |
Spire height | 212 feet (65 m) |
Clergy | |
Vicar(s) |
In 1965, the four congregations of Wilson Church, Scott Street, West and Middle, and Bridgend Church were merged to become St Matthew's.[2]
The church celebrated its 150th anniversary in November 2021.[3]
Prominence
editThe church's prominent location, on the banks of the River Tay, has resulted in its being one of the primary image subjects in search engine returns for the city,[4][5] mostly from the viewpoint of Queen's Bridge. It has also been the subject of several paintings, including that of Alexander McLauchlan.[6]
-
The church stands on Tay Street
-
Illumination at night
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Official Guide to Perth and Its Neighbourhood by the Tramway Car Routes – Perth Town Council (1907), p. 16
- ^ a b ST MATTHEW'S (FORMERLY WEST) CHURCH, TAY STREET - Historic Environment Scotland
- ^ "NEW FREE CHURCH PERTH LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE" – St Matthew's Church official website
- ^ Google image search for "Perth Scotland"
- ^ Bing image search for "Perth, Scotland"
- ^ St Matthew's Church, Perth, Alexander McLauchlan (active 1800–1884) – Art UK