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Summary

Description

1830-40, Patrick Wilson, Edinburgh, architect. Simple church substantially altered and encased in Italianate style, and

re-fitted internally, by Thomas Mackenzie, Elgin, 1844.

Cruciform plan, orientated N/S. Ashlar frontage, dressings

and belfry; coursed rubble and harled flanks.

Ashlar gable to street with wheel window with flanking blind

panels; outer giant pilasters flanking full width pediment

supported by pilasters. 3-bay arcaded portico across the full

width of gable; 4 stage campanile to right (E) with open

balustraded arcades to 3rd and 4th stages. Shallow piended

roof with corbelled eaves course and weathervane of St John's

cross surmounted by golden cock. Campanile linked to E

transept by 5-bay open arcade similar to portico. Square

windows set high in wall to aisle with simple circle

sectioned tracery; semi-circular apse with triple light

stained glass window. Round-headed paired lights to E and W

gables. Deep eaves; slate roof.

INTERIOR: simple interior with plain walls and flat

coffered ceiling; mosaic floor. Oak seating and pulpit; brass

altar rail and eagle lectern. Circular roof light at

crossing. Latticed cast-iron balustrade to narrow gallery at

S end of church.

Mural paintings in apse, including one depicting the Last

Supper, by William Hole (1907). Further painting by same

artist at font of Christ blessing little children (1911).

Statement of Special Interest

Ecclesiastical building in use as such.

First Rector of Forres visited Florence during 1830's and

is said to have sketched church there on which to base design

of St John's. Stained glass by Barnett of Newcastle in

apse. 3 windows in memory of Edward Dunbar of Seapark,

Kinloss (d. 1858 aged 3). Sir Alexander Gordon-Cumming (d.

1868) and John Grant of Moy (d. 1867).

Former Item 154 (1983 Revised List)

References

Bibliography

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