St Magnus Church

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

Photo of St Magnus Church from Shetland Museum and Archives.

St Magnus Church, Greenfield Place, is the Scottish Episcopalian Church in Lerwick
The The Foundation Stone of the present church was laid on the Feast of St. Magnus (April 16) 1863. The building was completed in 1864, and consecrated on 27 June that year.
The architect was Alexander Ellis, architect of a series of Aberdeen churches. He added the tower in 1891.
Windows by Sir Ninian Comper were moved here from the former House of Charity in Knab Road in 1973.
The first episcopal clergyman arrived in Shetland in 1726, but following the death of the Rev. John Hunter in 1761 there was a gap of 100 years during which time there were no Episcopal clergy in Shetland.
In 1861 a Mission was formed by Rev. Robert Walker who conducted services at the Auld Kirk in Queens Lane.
In the past there have been other Episcopalian places of worship in Lerwick:

St Michael's Mission was established in 1902 in the dock area. This mission was closed in 1938 when a chapel was added to the Missions To Seamen Institute.
Missions To Seamen Institute was established in 1920 with a chapel added in 1938. It closed in 1960.
Chapel of SS Mary & Margaret established at Knab Road in 1938. This closed in 1967.