A 212-foot spire makes St Matthew’s a defining Tay-side landmark, while its broad galleried interior continues to serve worship, music and community life.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built 1869–1871; later internal additions following congregational unions
- Architect / designer
- John Honeyman
- Type
- Early English Gothic church with landmark tower and spire
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB39312)
- OS grid reference
- NO 12057 23569
Architecture and continuing use
The church is composed as a three-aisled Gothic body with a tall buttressed tower and spire. Inside, galleries carried on cast-iron columns enlarge the preaching space and focus attention toward the pulpit and communion area.
Its story
John Honeyman designed the church in 1869–1871. Following the union of four congregations in 1965, memorials and stained glass from their buildings were brought into St Matthew’s.
Why it is included
It combines a major urban skyline role with a living interior that carries the memory and material culture of several Perth congregations.
What to notice
- The tower and exceptionally tall spire from across the Tay.
- The three-aisled composition and pointed Gothic openings.
- Inside during respectful access, galleries, cast-iron supports and transferred memorial glass.
Reading the surroundings
This is an active church and events venue. Worship and pastoral activity take priority; check current congregation and event information before visiting.
Timeline
- Built 1869–1871 John Honeyman designed the church in 1869–1871.
- Present Active Church of Scotland place of worship, community venue and concert space.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The Scotland’s Churches Trust entry publishes general opening information that may change. The congregation’s current arrangements are the practical authority for a visit.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: St Matthew’s Church, Perth, LB39312 — Designation category, exact grid reference, construction phases, fabric, authorship and significance.
- St Matthew’s Church, Perth: official site — Current worship, community, concert and venue use, congregation identity and visitor contact.
- Scotland’s Churches Trust: St Matthew’s, Perth — Independent church-directory overview of architecture, denomination, listing, services and published opening arrangements.
Location
OS grid reference NO 12057 23569 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an exact National Grid Reference and the current operator confirms the building and address. · 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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