Like many buildings from the middle ages, St. Giles' history is cloudy. But it has elements that date from the 12th through the 15th century. It is a stunning place with amazing stonework, glorious architecture, and truly wonderful stained glass (a 19th century edition; some Presbyterians have often regarded such ornamentation with suspicion).
When we entered the cathedral we were awed immediately. This was partly due to the beauty of the place. But it was also partly due to the beauty of the singing. Yes, we walked in to St. Giles while the choir was rehearsing for an upcoming worship service. Unlike many cathedrals in Europe, this one houses an
active congregation. (This is a testimony to the deep roots of Scottish Presbyterianism which continues to flourish throughout Scotland even today). Oh, but what worship! Since they were practicing, it was marked by fits and starts. Nevertheless, if you've never been in a medieval (or late medieval) cathedral while a group is singing (and we had not), it's breathtaking. This particular choir was only maybe 10-15 people, but you would have sworn it was ten times that size. We just sat and listened. We could have listened longer but... well, we have 3 kids with us.
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| St. Giles Cathedral |
So, we wandered around the Cathedral as long as we could. Kelly and I gazing up a lot at the stone archways and colorful glasswork. The kids looking intently at the huge organ and the various memorials to distinguished Scots.
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| The Organ in St. Giles. |
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| Another view of the interior of St. Giles |
If you aren't aware, St. Giles is often called the Mother Church of Presbyterianism. It is the church that John Knox -- deeply influenced by John Calvin in Geneva -- preached at in the 16th century, bringing the Reformation to Scotland. Knox preached powerfully in Edinburgh as the Minister of St. Giles until 1572. The Kirk (church) has a history that is larger than Knox, but since Knox is a personal hero of mine, I was most interested in this place due to the connection with him.
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| Me with the statue of John Knox, cast in 1904. He has his written bible. Mine is on my iPhone. |
By the way... if you click on these images, a larger version is displayed. It's a better way to see the grandeur of St. Giles.
We're very much looking forward to more cathedrals as we move through London, Normandy, Rouen, and Paris over the next two months. But my heart was strengthened by beginning with such as one as St. Giles: beautiful in appearance, influential to our faith story, and filled with the worship of God.
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| As we were leaving... St. Giles at sunset. |
2 comments:
Wow! Evertying looks wonderful out there. Thanks for sharing. James from Atlanta.
We are so enjoying your travels! Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and inspiring stories with us! Enjoy this wonderful trip!
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