Menootanaboot; Discovery

Mac1 came to stay. Always a pleasure; in many ways, we are chalk and cheese, but in all things fundamental, we are our mother's daughters! This includes certain life philosophies and a sense of exploration in all avenues. We were blessed with two whole days of proper summer, and we made the most of them. Wednesday morning, while I prepared brunch, Mac1 took her morning run up Kilbride hill and into Bishop's Glen and came back with the news that the Episcopal church up there was open for visiting. This was interesting, as often churches in Scotland are not (without special purpose). After eating and ablutions, I packed a picnic lunch, as we had anyway planned to go over to Kilmun Arboretum, and we headed first to the church called Holy Trinity.

You can read the history of this church on that website link if it is of interest to you. Quite a chequered and determined history it is, too. We were interested very much in the architecture and windows. It must be said, there is a clear need for maintenance on the walls and roof of this building, for the damp is a serious issue. We considered that this is due, in large part, to the fact that the surrounding greenery has been allowed to take over somewhat, and this being a damp-drawing area anyway, cutting off air and light access is surely doing the place no service. You'll see from the bottom of the history write-up that a boast is made for the view over the Clyde... these days, you'd be hard pressed to know that you were anywhere near the shore, so overgrown is it! A shame, but I suppose, like so many such congregations, numbers and abilities are depleted. There was a serene feel within the church, though, and we were welcomed by one of the ladies of the congregation. The flowers were fresh, and the candles lit; depleted numbers do not mean lessened spirit!

(I'm not sure the fisheye effect did this any favours but makes a point of difference!) There was a simplicity of arrangement in the structure, yet the windows are truly wonderful and speak of 'money' being around at various times. I took many shots, of course, but you will have them rationed out. Here is just a wee teaser...

A section of the window to St Andrew. 

There is a quite magnificent font - somehow more of cathedral proportions than would be expected of a small rural church, it might be said. That said, I enjoyed its presence very much, being nearly as tall as me and crisply carved. Beside it is a small arrangement of chairs and candles and icons as a place of prayer, where we both took a few moments to reflect and add our wishes for World Peace and Universal Health...

Every little helps, yes?

At the west end of the building, there is an extension which currently houses tea-making facilities and storage. The floor is marked out with very fine ceramic tiles. Tiles are similarly impressive up by the altar. 

An interesting approach to the pulpit is that of what looks like a tower stairwell - I thought at first it was the entry to the belfry, but realised that was on the opposite (south) wall, locked and CCTVd. I do hear the bells on Sundays when the wind is in the right direction. There is a corresponding external entrance to that area, complete with boot swipe on the step.

The original organ is replaced by a modern electric version, and sad to see that even what remains of the old one is deteriorating quite badly. 

There was quite a bit to explore externally, too... for which, come back next Thursday to see that and trees, many trees!