The City of Stirling, Scotland has a rich religious history. There are several churches and other religious sites that reflect traditions and heritage of the city.
Some of the oldest and most significant are the Church of the Holy Rude, Old Logie Kirk, and Cambuskenneth Abbey.
Named for the "Holy Rood," said to be a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, the Church of the Holy Rude is the medieval parish church of Stirling. The church was founded in 1129, although the oldest portion of the current building dates from the 15th century. Nevertheless, it is the oldest structure in Stirling after Stirling Castle, which sits adjacent to the church.
Perhaps due to its location next to the Castle, the Church of the Holy Rude has long been associated with the Scottish monarchy, hosting royal baptisms and coronations.
James Guthrie, a Scottish Presbyterian minister whom Cromwell once called "the short man who would not bow," served at the Church of the Holy Rude, taking an active and leading role in the business of the church. However, he became a leader in a political-religious quarrel that led to his being sentenced to death and hanged at the Cross of Edinburgh in 1661, after which his head was exhibited as a public spectacle for twenty-eight years.
Guthrie's appointed successor, Robert Rule, caused a schism in the congregation that led to a dividing wall being built, splitting the one church into two until 1936. In 1940, the church was restored.
Today, The Church of the Holy Rule continues to support an active congregation, although the building is also a tourist destination.
Old Logie Kirk is one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland, dating back to the late Roman period. The church itself was rebuilt in the 17th century with a simple design, although the churchyard has two Viking hogbacks, which are stone carvings of houses for the dead. The remnants of the original church are north of the current structure.
Logie Kirk is an isolated, but operational church just east of Stirling. The current church dates from 1805, and has been remodeled several times since.
Cambuskenneth Abbey is no longer an active religious site. The ruins of the former Augustinian monastery are on an area of land enclosed by a meander of the River Forth near Stirling. Founded in 1140, the Abbey was originally known as the Abbey of St. Mary of Stirling, and was also known as Stirling Abbey. Once one of the most important abbeys in Scotland, it fell into disuse during the Scottish Reformation, and much of its stonework was used in various construction projects at Stirling Castle. The foundations of the abbey church and other ancillary buildings are visible, although only the 13th-century campanile is intact. A historic graveyard at the site includes the grave of James III of Scotland and those of many of the Abbots of Cambuskenneth. The ruins are open to visitors during the summer months.
There are, of course, other churches and religious sites that are still active in Stirling, such as the Allan Park South Church, Stirling Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Church, St. Ninians Old Parish Church, and St. Mary's Church.
These and any other churches or other places of worship, as well as topics related to spirituality religion in Stirling, are appropriate topics for this portion of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1129, the Stirling, Scotland church takes its name from the medieval term for the Cross of Christ's crucifixion - the Holy Rude. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1405, and rebuilt shortly afterwards. Its history and an overview of the church are set forth, including worship schedules, missions, outreach, and its policies for baptisms, weddings, and confirmation. The minister is introduced, and tickets for touring the building may be booked online.
https://www.churchoftheholyrude.co.uk/
Situated on Castle Road in Stirling, Scotland, the congregation is affiliated with the Didasko Presbytery of the Church of Scotland. Schedules for Sunday gatherings, weekly community groups, prayer gatherings, kids and youth work, its ministry to Stirling University students, and other programs and services are posted, along with directions to the church, the address, a map, office hours, and contacts. Its leadership and staff are posted, and sermon archives are included.
https://cornerstonestirling.org/
Dedicated in 1878, the Scottish Episcopal Church in Stirling's history goes back further than that, before 1694. Its history, architecture, stained glass windows, and location are given, along with its vestry, in-person service schedules, online worship resources, and occasional services are highlighted, along with study and fellowship groups and outreach activities. Its policies for weddings, baptisms, and funerals are stated, along with hall booking information, support data, and contacts.
https://holytrinitystirling.org/
Logie Kirk is an operational church affiliated with the Church of Scotland, serving the areas of Cambuskenneth, Bridge of Allan, Causewayhead (eastern Stirling), and the grounds of Stirling University, and located east of Stirling in central Scotland. With origins around 1124, the ruins of the earlier church are north of the current church, which dates from 1805, although it has been remodeled several times. Its location, Sunday schedules, and weekly programme of events are set forth.
https://www.logiekirk.org/
Affiliated with the Church of Scotland, the congregation is a new church bringing together the neighboring former Allan Park South and St. Columba's, located in the Peter Memorial Building, the former St. Columba's building. An overview of its formation, challenges, vision statement, self-assessment, and presbytery plan is set forth, along with a community profile. Worship schedules and an introduction to the church are provided for those who will be attending for the first time.
https://parkchurchstirling.org/
The Roman Catholic parish church Is in Stirling, Scotland. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the structure was built between 1904 and 1905, and is located north of the city centre. The parish priest, parish secretary, and parish group leaders are introduced, and Mass times, Sacrament schedules and policies, service schedules, and information about live-streaming are included, along with a map showing its location, a telephone number, email address, and an online contact form.
https://www.stirlingstmarys.org/
A congregation of the Church of Scotland, St. Ninians is located in Stirling, Scotland. The address and a map are provided, along with parish demographics, and an introduction to the church's leadership, committees, organisations, and contacts are provided. The weekly order of service, a calendar of events, Bible studies, children's and youth programs, sermon audio and video, and stewardship information are provided. Other resources include a photo gallery, archives, and external links.
https://www.stniniansold.org.uk/
Associated with BMS World Mission and the Baptist Union of Scotland, the Stirling, Scotland Baptist Church believes in the Bible as the only authoritative witness and record of God's dealing with humanity, but that interpretations and application of scripture are flawed. The church is inclusive of all people regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or personal challenges, and holds that men and women are equal in all areas of ministry and offices of the church.
https://www.stirlingbaptist.org/
