Access the livestream here.

Churches that use a lectionary read from a Gospel account every Sunday—that Gospel changes yearly. In the next cycle (set to begin on Advent Sunday), the Gospel moves from Luke, which the Church has used this year, to Matthew. On Sunday 13 November at 12:30 pm, the Rev Canon Professor John Riches, emeritus professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow, offers an introduction to the Gospel according to Matthew. John examines the literary framework of this writing and seeks to set it in a historical context. In this accessible one-hour presentation, John looks at who Matthew thought Jesus was, how Matthew described the Church and disciples, and what readers might make of all the ‘fire and brimstone’ in this version of the story of Jesus. Examine the ancient text that shapes the next liturgical year.

Access the livestream here.

Is it possible to turn Glasgow’s tenements green?

Pre-1919 tenement sandstone buildings comprise over a fifth of Glasgow’s housing stock, and they leak a lot of carbon, severely limiting the UK’s efforts to meet net zero emissions targets necessary to combat climate change. Climate and housing researchers know a major improvement is required.

In 2019, work began to retrofit a tenement block in the southside of Glasgow to make it as energy efficient as a modern build. Project organisers sought to transform the structure using construction methods, intelligent insulation, and renewable heating and power. From this endeavour, they hope to inform other developments in housing.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow invites Prof Ken Gibb, Director of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence at the University of Glasgow, to report on his work on this initiative. Professor Gibb will explore the study’s implications for the future of the city’s residents and the sustainability of Glasgow’s tenement housing.

The event, on Sunday, 30 October 2022, at 12:30 pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow, is free and open to the public.

Are you 7-14 and love to sing? Then come along and become a chorister. St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow offers a world-class musical education—the likes of which you can get nowhere else in the city—situated within a supportive and fun atmosphere. There is no audition, and no fees.

If you know a young person who might enjoy this, invite them to come along. Find out more here, ask a member of the choir, or contact Frikki Walker, the Cathedral’s Director of Music. 

Frikki is also always delighted to hear from adults who would like to consider joining the Cathedral’s accomplished and friendly choir. Find out more here: https://thecathedral.org.uk/music/choir-recruitment/.

Falleg tónlist—that’s how you say ‘beautiful music’ in Icelandic (at least, according to Google Translate), and it’s what you can expect every Sunday at 5 pm. But this Sunday (25 September), some of it will be in Icelandic, sung by the choir of Hólakirkju, Iceland, who join the Cathedral Choir for Choral Evensong. There will be Icelandic music, traditional Evensong fare, and a special setting of the Nunc Dimittis in Icelandic, English, and Latin—specially written for the occasion by the Director of Music.

The service of Choral Evensong to commemorate the life of Bernard Porter, former organist of this congregation has been postponed until a later date.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

Going for a walk is brilliant exercise. It’s also a good way to explore and meet new people. And some people say walking in the great outdoors helps them feel closer to God. For these reasons (and a ton of others), St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow has set up an outdoor adventure for students starting the new term.

Come walk up a hill! Experienced guide Ken Taylor leads a group of students on Saturday 24 September (weather depending). The walk is suitable for everyone with a moderate level of fitness. To sign up, email students@thecathedral.org.uk.

If walking isn’t your thing, join others for the rewarding carb-filled meal afterwards. Email for details.

Proposed Walk: The Cobbler in the Arrochar Alps

The Cobbler from Walk Highlands
Distance: 6.75 miles
Est time: 4-6 hours
Ascent: 920 metres (3000 feet)

From Ken, the walk guide:

There is a good footpath from the carpark to the hill. This hill is just under 3000 feet so is not a Munro but a Corbett. Would suggest that walkers have walking boots/shoes, water proof jacket and trouser, bring hat and gloves if they have them; if jeans or denims should not be worn – when wet they don’t dry well and could cause chaffing and discomfort. A packed lunch should be packed and also something to drink.

The Provost has issued the following statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth.

‘As we hear the news of the death of the Queen, my prayers are with the Royal Family and all who mourn. Queen Elizabeth lived an extraordinary life of public service. She was a woman of deep faith and Christian conviction.’

‘It is our custom to pray for the monarch each week at Evensong. I join with so many others in remembering her in prayer tonight. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.’ 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth will be remembered at cathedral services on Sunday.

The following prayer is used by Scottish Episcopalians when someone dies:

Go forth upon your journey from this world, dear child of God, into the hands of the Father who made you, to find life in Christ who redeemed you, to rejoice in the Spirit who renews you. May the heavenly host sustain you and the company of the redeemed enfold you; may peace be yours this day, and the heavenly city your home. Amen.

If you have attended a 9am Plainsong Eucharist service in the past year, please complete this survey to help the Cathedral make plans for the future.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow will be open for Doors Open Week.

Friday 16 September and Saturday 17 September the Cathedral is open from 10.00 – 16.00. On Sunday 18 September 2022, the Cathedral is open from 12.30 to 16.00. (Sunday services are at 9 am, 11 am and 5 pm and are also open to everyone).

The Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin is a familiar landmark on the busy thoroughfare of Great Western Road. The 200-foot tall bell tower and spire of this Gothic Revival building is a stunning example of architect Sir George Gilbert Scott’s work, finished in 1871.

Following a period of turbulence and uncertainty for Episcopalians dating back to the 17th century, 1825 saw the opening of St Mary’s Chapel in Renfield Street to accommodate a growing population. Later in the century, Sir George Gilbert Scott was commissioned to build a new church on Great Western Road for the congregation of St Mary’s, and the result is open of the city’s best Gothic Revival buildings, constructed by the finest craftsmen available and opened in 1871. The stain glass, part of an integrated sequence within the church, was designed by the studios of Hardman, Ward & Hughs and Clayton & Bell. St Mary’s was consecrated in 1884, with the spire being added nine years later to the original tower. In 1908, in recognition of the church’s growing influence and status, St Mary’s became the Cathedral Church of the Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway. After the Great War, refitting of the chancel was undertaken by the distinguished architect Sir William Lorimer. By the 1980’s, St Mary’s was in need of major refurbishment. Essential roof repairs were carried out in 1985, with restoration, repair and internal improvements taking place between 1989 and 1996. Externally the roof has been re-slated and the tower and spire repaired. Internally, the organ has been rebuilt, the font moved from the west door to the south transept, and the east end and crossing decorated with murals painted by Gwyneth Leech. Interior restoration has included the introduction of an alter and choir stalls in the nave, and a new porch completed in 2002 at the west end.

Church Services 9, 11 and 5: Open to everyone

Parking info: On street parking available – charges apply.  Blue Badge parking in Cathedral grounds.

Accessibility: Only Bell Tower inaccessible (55 narrow winding staircase)
A few foreign language speakers on duty. Foreign language information leaflets available for use.