The Rt Rev Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway celebrated a Thanksgiving Service for the Life and Ministry of St John’s, Annan on 28 July, marking the closure of the charge.
St John’s Church History
Before the church was built, local Episcopalians held services in the Victoria Hotel in Annan, where the Bank of Scotland is now situated. The church was built in 1842 adjacent to a small Burial Ground.
With the appointment of the Reverend J Wallas on 29 May 1842, a fund was set up to build the church on the land which was donated by Dr & Mrs Johnstone of Galabank. Within two months £721,8,4d was raised by private subscription and building began under the direction of Christopher Hodgson an Architect from Carlisle. The building was consecrated in August 1843 by the Bishop of Glasgow, the Right Rev Michael Russell.
The church is built of local red sandstone in the style of a Gothic chapel. Flanking the windows on the outside are eighteen carved stone heads: these appear to be of Scottish Kings, Queens and rulers, unlike the cherubs or gargoyles usually found in churches.
Inside the church, at the rear, is a red sandstone font. When built, the church was said to hold 160, but 100 makes a full congregation.
Situated on the north wall of the nave is a memorial to Charles and Mabel Brook of Hoddom and Kinmount. Opposite, on the south wall is a memorial to those men from the congregation who gave their lives in the First World War.
The chancel is lined with very fine woodwork, which matches the beautifully carved altar, pulpit, and eagle lectern. The organ is an impressive example of early church organs. Carved in wood on the facing of the step to the sanctuary is a memorial to Catherine Morton of Warmanbie, the daughter of D A & J Carruthers.
The beautiful stained-glass window behind the altar demonstrates scenes from the life of St John. This window replaced the original painted one and was erected as a memorial to David Carruthers of Warmanbie, who organised the building of the church.
In a niche of the north wall there is a marble memorial to the McConnell children; a sad reminder of the infant mortality of bygone days.
