History of the Church in Peterhead

Our Church

The present church was completed in 1806, extended in 1896 with a later addition in 1971.  The buildings consist of the Sanctuary with seating for 1600 and has recently been partially redecorated.  One of the feature is the Ruston and Weaver Electric Pipe Organ.  The Sanctuary contains two beautiful stained glass windows crafted by the monks (Brother Gilbert) at Pluscarden Abbey near Elgin.

Local Church History

It was probably in the eighth century that a Christian site was established where the ruins of the church in the grave yard on Peterhead Links now stand.  In 1132 the church was dedicated to Saint Peter .....  it was only in 1715 that the Presbyterians came into permanent possession of the old church.  In 1770 a new bigger church was erected in Kirk Street but it was condemned as unsafe after only 30 years.  The foundations of the present church, the Old Parish Church of Peterhead, known locally as 'the Muckle Kirk' were laid in 1804 and opened for public worship in 1806.

For more 'Interesting Facts' about the Muckle Kirk go to the 200 year cerebration page our Past Ministers page, Organists, the Bible Garden page, and the Church buildings