Restoration and Renewal

...as an exhibition area		...for Worship

As an integral part of establishing St Ninians as the “Cathedral in the community” a number of much needed larger projects and renovations throughout the Cathedral building have recently been undertaken. The principal ones are the installation of a new central heating system, the replacement of the dark pews with modern furniture, the installation of modern lighting and the renewal of the kitchen.

The result of all this restoration and renewal activity has been to provide the Cathedral with a comfortable and flexible environment for use by everyone, whether for a large or small gathering.

The pews have been replaced with modern chairs with their warm welcoming damson colour which are much more comfortable. The ability to alter the seating configuration allows much greater use for different types of activities. For example on Good Friday the chairs were arranged in an open square in front of the Chancel steps, which gave a particular focus to our worship on that day.

Outside the Concert Hall the Cathedral is the largest enclosed public space in Perth and can seat upwards of 500 people. With its excellent acoustics an increasing number of professional musical groups are choosing St Ninians for their concerts. With the chairs moved to one side this makes available a huge performance or exhibition space, the potential for which has yet to be fully explored.

The new central heating system not only keeps the congregation warm on Sundays but also has been designed such that specific areas of the Cathedral can be heated for use by groups during the week. A warm welcome in all senses can now be extended to visitors and groups.

Under the guidance of a professional lighting designer a modern system has been installed within the main body of the church and the Lady Chapel. The “white light” floods the Nave, Chancel and Sanctuary with clear light which gives the appearance of a sunny day and highlights the interior beauty of the building.

A newly designed kitchen provides a large preparation area with a range cooker, fridges, microwave and dishwasher. The first Saturday of each month is Community Lunch day when over 100 ‘light lunches’ are served. The kitchen is fully compliant with Perth and Kinross Council’s guidelines for food handling premises.

Two rooms lead off the Cloisters. The Chapter House is large and well proportioned; the Elsie Louden Room is small and comfortable. Both have a quietness and separation from the busy world making them ideal for quiet discussion or social functions.

Enter into the peace of the worship area through the beautifully etched glass doors, designed by local artist Claire Harkess. The Cathedral comes as a surprise to all those previously unaware of its interior magnificence.

The Lady Chapel is entered through glass doors. Those who wish to spend time in quiet contemplation will find it a place “where prayer has been valid” [T.S Eliot].

The Cathedral and its facilities are for everyone at all times. It can become a place where all feel at home.

It will be appreciated that a building the size and age of the Cathedral requires ongoing restoration. Following the completion of the internal restoration the focus now turns to the outside of the building. If you are interested in making a donation to the Cathedral to assist with this effort, please contact the Treasurer via the Cathedral office or download the gift aid form and /or standing order form and return the completed form[s] to the Bank or Cathedral Office as per instructions on the form. Your donation will be much appreciated.

The Cathedral is now much more welcoming, warm and comfortable. The clergy and congregation of St Ninians invite you to make use of the facilities now that the internal restoration and renewal projects are complete. See People and Contacts, Cathedral Administrator, for details of hiring.