Saint Peter

Introduction

Saint Peter's Church in Buckie, within the Diocese of Aberdeen, began in 1832 when the Trades Hall in Cluny Square was leased and opened as a chapel on Trinity Sunday.

History

In January 1850, Bishop Kyle negotiated with Sir William Gordon for ground to build a new church. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the congregation presented the parish priest with £200, which he spent on the two marble side altars. Work started in 1906, including an extension to the Chancel, a new High Altar, Baptistery, and an additional Arch. In 1910, a new pulpit was constructed with a carved timber canopy.

During 1957, the centenary year, new wrought iron gates were installed to replace those removed during the Second World War. Following Vatican II, the altar and reredos were separated, with the altar brought forward to its current position. The altar rail has bands of Bleu Beige, Irish green and Skyros marble on top, with St Sylvester and white Sicilian underneath. The foundations were laid in 1851 and the church was completed in 1857, with Father Clapperton as parish priest.

In 1867, a new organ was installed in time for Christmas. Father Mclntosh became parish priest in 1890 and began to plan and raise funds to embellish and enlarge the church.

Architecture and furnishings

The altar and reredos were designed by Charles Menart, the architect responsible for the dome of St Thomas Keith. The thirteen-foot-diameter rose window was transferred intact from the old gable to the new. The Stations of the Cross, with decorative frames, are a feature of the side aisles.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children in P4 and above attend weekly preparation classes during the school term for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation, and children in P7 and above attend weekly preparation classes for Confirmation, each program lasting one year.