John Henderson’s compact 1852 church combines a harled nave and chancel with a later north transept and richly worked interior.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1852; north transept added 1888
- Architect / designer
- John Henderson
- Type
- Decorated Gothic Revival Episcopal church
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB37517)
- OS grid reference
- NR 85991 88371
Architecture and continuing use
The building uses Decorated Gothic forms beneath a slated roof. Its nave and chancel were expanded by a north transept in 1888; a timber ceiling, stained glass, pews and pulpit give the interior much of its character.
Its story
Christ Church was built in 1852 during the expansion of Episcopal worship in nineteenth-century Argyll. The added transept of 1888 increased its capacity while retaining the Gothic composition. It remains part of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Why it is included
It provides an instructive contrast with the later parish church: both use Gothic language, but their plans, surfaces and denominational histories differ.
What to notice
- The junction between the original nave and later north transept.
- Harled walling set against stone Gothic openings.
- Timber ceiling and ecclesiastical woodwork when open.
Reading the surroundings
Consult current service information before visiting. Respect worship and privacy, and do not assume that an unlocked gate means the interior is open to visitors.
Timeline
- 1852 John Henderson designed the nave and chancel.
- 1888 A north transept enlarged the church.
- 20 July 1971 The building entered the statutory list.
- 2026 The Scottish Episcopal directory continued to advertise regular worship here.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Service times and interior access can change. The 1888 transept is recorded, but the designation does not identify its designer.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Christ Church, Lochgilphead, LB37517 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Scottish Episcopal Church: Christ Church, Lochgilphead — Current address, congregational status and advertised services.
- Argyll and Bute Council: Lochgilphead Conservation Area Appraisal — Official townscape context for Lochgilphead’s churches and nineteenth-century growth.
- Trove search: Christ Church Lochgilphead Bishopton Road — National collection search for site records, surveys and archive material.
Location
OS grid reference NR 85991 88371 · Location confidence: High for the current national designation point; public text separately states access, component-identity and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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