St John's Episcopal Church, Victoria Road, Forres

Heritage listing

Category A Date Added 26/01/1971 Local Authority Moray Planning Authority Moray Burgh Forres NGR NJ 04087 59209 Coordinates 304087, 859209 — 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). — 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. 185

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.