Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Andrew

Introduction

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Glasgow traces its origins to the appointment of a priest for the city in 1792.

History

In 1814, when the number of communicants recorded was 3,000, the decision was taken to build a new church in Clyde Street. The foundation stone of the church was laid in June 1814. Holy Mass was first celebrated within its walls on December 22nd 1816.

The sanctuary was reordered by Pugin & Pugin in the 1890s. In 1884 the Chapter of Canons was re-erected and subsequently Saint Andrew's became the Cathedral of the re-established Archdiocese. In 1947 Saint Andrew's became a Metropolitan Cathedral. The church was designed by Mr. Gillespie Graham, architect, Edinburgh.

Architecture and furnishings

The apse windows, dating from 1859, include a memorial to Andrew Scott, founder of the church and later Vicar Apostolic of the Western District of Scotland. The lower lights of the apse windows were opened up and glazed in 1955, depicting the coat of arms of the first eight Archbishops of Glasgow. The porch mosaic, made from local stones from the land of Jesus by Bethlehem artists, represents the Archdiocesan Coat of Arms encircled by the title 'special daughter of the Roman Church'. The panels of the Annunciation, St Columba and St Brigid of Kildare date from the late nineteenth century and were formerly part of the Lady Chapel.

The Baptismal Font, designed and sculpted by Tim Pomeroy in 2011, is carved from Carrara marble and decorated with a frieze depicting John the Baptist baptising Jesus. The upper lights of the apse windows display St Patrick, St Brigid, St Joseph, St Elizabeth of Hungary, St Andrew, St Margaret, St Agnes and St David I, King of Scots. The painting of St John Ogilvie by Peter Howson (2010) depicts the saint illuminated by a column of light, facing death at Glasgow Cross in 1615. The sacristy doors (Jack Sloan 2012) are decorated with images of St Ninian, St Bridget, St Andrew, St Mungo, St Margaret and St Columba. The mosaic on the floor, made by the same craftsmen as the porch mosaic, depicts the coat of arms of the then Archbishop with his motto 'To serve with a sincere heart.'

Music and liturgy

The choir provides sacred music at Masses and services, leading and supporting the congregation in full and active participation in the liturgy. The choir's repertoire spans Gregorian chant, traditional and contemporary hymns, choral pieces, folk and Celtic canticles, and works by Mozart, Schubert and Bach. One of the ceiling bosses over the organ loft shows a piper playing.

Parish life

Readers proclaim the Word of God at daily and Sunday Masses and are always looking for more volunteers. The Parish Pastoral Council helps the Administrator establish aims and objectives for the life of the Parish and provides a consultative body.

The small community of faithful parishioners is augmented by numbers from elsewhere, some travelling considerable distances to assist with liturgy and care of the fabric. Shoppers, workers, students, tourists and passers-by are attracted to the Cathedral for quiet prayer, Mass, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Groups can arrange volunteer guides by contacting the Cathedral Office. A colour guide book about the cathedral is available from the Cathedral shop.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents should contact the Cathedral clergy in good time for infant baptism preparation. Marriage preparation courses are provided through the Archdiocese's Pastoral Office, and couples should make themselves known to their Parish Priest.