19 May 2025

Prior to the Reformation, a number of Scotland’s churches were in a poor state of repair. This is clear from the ‘First Book of Discipline’ (1560) in which there is a chapter entitled, ‘For Reparation of the Kirkes’.  The Reformers make clear what needs to be done:

‘Least that the word of God and ministration of the Sacraments by unseemlinesse of the place come in contempt, of necessity it is that the Kirk and place where the people ought publickly to convene be with expedition repaired with dores, windowes, thack, and with such preparation within as appertaineth as well to the Magestie of God, as unto the ease and commodity of the people.’

In such circumstances, the Reformers had to take a very pragmatic approach to church buildings. Without money, they had to discern what was essential. In their assessment of the needs of the worshippers, their strategy included these three principles.

Firstly, if there was adequate room in the parish church, the cathedrals and abbeys were not used. St. Andrews Cathedral is a case in point. Holy Trinity Parish Church was chosen as the place of worship and the cathedral fell into ruin.

Secondly, if the cathedral was needed, only a portion of it was used – the nave or the choir. If it was the nave, the choir was left to disintegrate and vice versa for the choir. A large space like a cathedral was not necessary for Reformed worship.

Thirdly, the larger parish churches and cathedrals were sometimes too big for one congregation so they were divided into two or three sections for multiple congregations. There was wisdom in this approach – economy and simplicity. All that was necessary was a pulpit, a basin and tables for the Sacrament.

Perhaps too much emphasis is put upon the building and its adornment. The Reformers eschewed the latter and got to the heart of the matter – the reading and preaching of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments. That’s all that mattered. Buildings come and go but the Word of God endures forever.