Glasgow Cathedral. REALLY old, rich history.

We are about to enter Glasgow Cathedral. The photos are interesting but certainly do not do it justice. Remember that this building dates back to 1117. That it is even still standing is remarkable in itself! The site dates back much further though. The site was consecrated way back in 397 AD. The original structure dates back t 597 AD when St. Mungo arrived on the scene. He baptized many new Christians and when he died in 603 AD, was buried near his church. Today that area is the basement crypt of this existing church.

An etching I saw on the wall. I couldn't resist snapping it! We entered through the door on the side, next to the steeple. This made us enter in the center of the Nave. 

The building has a dark charcoal look because it is sandstone. Since that is a soft stone, unlike marble, it can not withstand pressure washing. Thankfully things like acid rain are not a problem in Scotland or we would not even have the building here today! The windows are pretty amazing from the outside, but wait until you go inside!

Are you ready?

Entering the Nave from the center and looking toward the altar.  (this is essentially the cross bar of the floor plan, so you don't get the idea how very long this aisle is)

The ceiling height is 105 feet but you still can't get that scale here! Remember that is is only around 10 AM so the full sun is not coming through the windows. They are brilliant but are 'modern' stained glass. Windows throughout the building date from around 1947, they are part of a recent renovation. The windows called "The Creation" were installed in 1958. 

Are you starting to see the scale now? The open timber roof dates back to the 14th Century. Think of it as a ships hull. Glasgow was a center for shipbuilding so the shipbuilding team was called in, essentially created the upside down hull of a ship and used it for a roof. It was very effective, and it is stunning

Through the archway, you can see the pipes of the Cathedral Organ,

Moving through the Cathedral, these are called the Trades House windows, on the south side. During the Reformation, many of the owners of various trades in town saved the Cathedral from the mobs of people who wanted to destroy it. The windows were designed with the Coat of Arms of many different trades in order to thank them for their efforts in saving the Cathedral.

More windows. Each has a story to go with it. As the sun came streaming through, they became more brilliant!

St. Mungo was a pretty special person and brought Christianity to Scotland long before the Reformation. The Crypt was originally the burial ground outside the church (603 AD) but was turned into a basement crypt with the construction of the current building in 1117 AD. The tomb is covered with an elaborately embroidered cloth which has patches that tell a story. It can be viewed from all sides.

The well worn, centuries old steps, that lead down into the Crypt.
It was SO COLD in the building as well!

The wooden doors that lead into the Quire and altar area of the Cathedral. I guess this actually belonged with the photos from upstairs! 

St Mungo's Bell. The bell was made for Tron Kirk in 1637. It had the motto for  the city of Glasgow on it. The motto went like this and changed over time. It was edited down, which makes me think about how so many people want information in 'bullet points.' today. You can tell that I am not a 'bullet point' kind of gal. Read the motto and see if you think it lost something in the editing.

1637
"Lord, let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of Thy Word and praising of Thy Name."

1663                                                                                                                     "Lord, let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of Thy Word"

1699
"Let Glasgow Flourish"

One of many inscriptions found in the crypt.

Back upstairs, the Quire Screen hides the Quire from the Nave. It is the only screen of its kind that is left in a non-monastic church anywhere in Scotland.  It dates from the mid 13th Century. The windows represent the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The pews face EAST which was a Reformation worship tradition.

I shot this and do not remember exactly where or why. Perhaps one of the students remembers the location.

The pulpit.

Detail from the pews

Pipes from the Cathedral Organ

The floral arrangement was not this stark, but one of the cameras had a great black and white with a spot of color feature.

And now....enjoy some of the kids!

We did not really figure out what this was. It was downstairs, a well, perhaps?

The Bible does not look incredibly huge in this photo.

Putting it into perspective, it was pretty big!

Reading Scripture at Glasgow Cathedral

We made our own statues in color and black and white throughout the trip

I snagged this somewhere. Isn't she beautiful when lit at night?

Hopefully this visit challenged the kids to spend their lives doing something of eternal value. 

Now, if you want a real treat....check out this site for 360 degree views!
www.panocorner.com/flash/gc_tour/index.html