Saint Margaret

Introduction

James Dempster designed the church, dated 1826, with transepts and sanctuary added by D Sturrock in 1893. The church is a Category B listed building, listed on 05/02/1971. The church was dedicated as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Galloway on 14th September 2007.

History

In 1822, Bishop Cameron sent Rev William Thomson to be the first parish priest of the growing Catholic population in Ayrshire. The foundation stone for St Margaret's was laid in 1826 after petitioning by Rev William Thomson. The new St Margaret's church was officially opened in 1827. In 1978, the old chapel house was demolished due to realignment of John Street, and a new chapel house was built to the north of the church.

In 2017, the 'Glory to God in The Highest' window was installed on the west side of the nave above the main entrance and dedicated. During the 1960/70's the Church was remodelled as a result of Vatican II, altering the layout of the Sanctuary so the priest could face the congregation. In the mid-90's the Church required substantial capital works due to water ingress, dampness, corrosion of windows, problems with electricity and general wear and tear.

Architecture and furnishings

The SW entrance elevation features a central roll-moulded arched entrance with crocketted ogee hoodmould, octagonal flanking crenellated buttresses, and a pierced 2-light parapet. The interior includes timber pews, a gallery housing the organ, dado panelling, a Christ on the Cross in the sanctuary flanked by stained glass windows, and Stations of the Cross in the nave.

The Altar Furnishings were originally designed by AustinSmithLord Architects in 2000 with some minor changes in 2007 to reflect the change in status of the church. The Cross is originally from St Mary's, Saltcoats, gifted to the Cathedral in the early part of the 2010s.

The 'Water of Life' window is a memorial to all those who died in the PanAm 103 disaster, gifted to the Parish by the American relatives of those involved. The west window comprises three lancets with five tracery lights, inspired by the theme of Praise as described in Psalm 148, using blown glass, etched glass, flash glass, spun rounders and glass lenses. The title of the west window is 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo… Glory to God in the Highest'.

The modern window of the Lady Chapel is a meditation on the theme of grief and consolation, inspired by the grief of Our Lady, containing the letter M, a crown, and tears. In the Sacred Heart Chapel, a modern stained glass window in ruby red is filled with hearts.

Under the gallery is the Reconciliation Room, formerly the baptistry, containing two original stained glass windows: the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and Jesus preaching in the Temple. In 2016, a Holy Door for the Year of Mercy was opened between the Reconciliation Room and the Porch.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers a time of preparation to those who are to receive sacraments. Baptism is normally celebrated either during Sunday Mass or after. Six months notice must be given for marriage, whether here or abroad, to enable preparation. Marriage consideration is given only to parishioners or those with strong links to the church.

The Parish Pastoral Council promotes the mission of the Church in the three parishes. The Parish Pastoral Council works in close collaboration with the parish priest and is consultative and advisory. The Parish Pastoral Council assists the parish priest, informed by the word of God, Church teaching, and Bishop's directives.

Behind the High Altar are four original stained glass windows dating from 1827. The four windows depict the Virgin Mary, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Saint Joseph, and Saint Margaret of Scotland.