Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen

Gilcomston South Church, located on Union Street in Aberdeen, is a striking example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture, blending sandstone and granite in a design by renowned architect William Smith. Opened in 1868, this church initially served as the second, more elaborate premises of the United Free Church in Aberdeen, replacing a simpler structure on Huntly Street. The church’s slender spire, a defining feature of its exterior, was added in 1875 and later rebuilt in 1995. The building is notable for its asymmetrical layout, a style influenced by the Camden Society and Ecclesiologists, and continued by the Aberdeen Ecclesiological Society into the late 19th century.

Inside, the church offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with its oak screen and choir stalls, a 1902 Binns pipe organ, and beautiful stained glass windows by artists such as David Gauld, Douglas Strachan, and Jane Bayliss. In 2004, the interior was refurbished by LDN Architects, ensuring that its historical charm was preserved while updating its functionality.

Known today simply as Gilcomston Church, the congregation is part of the evangelical Didasko fellowship. Formerly affiliated with the Church of Scotland, Gilcomston became a notable center for evangelicalism, particularly due to its commitment to biblically based expository preaching. The congregation’s revival following World War II, despite near closure, played a key role in shaping its influential approach to worship.

Visitors to Gilcomston South Church are often struck by both its aesthetic appeal and its welcoming environment. The engaging services, led by Minister Jerry, are highlighted by sermons rich in conviction and empathy, making the church not only a historic landmark but also a vibrant part of Aberdeen’s spiritual community.