REVIEWS

SPACES OF DECISION-MAKING

The Architecture of Protestant Synod Halls

Published by: Schnell Steiner Price: £35

It is rare to find the Assembly Hall of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland gracing the cover of a new book, but this is the case with this new publication from a German publisher.

An initiative of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe, the hardback is published in both German and English (and the language of contributing authors).

Subjects covered include decision making and the influence of the Reformation on decision making gatherings and challenges to the bodies.

The book includes contributions from Italy, Scotland, Hungary, Ireland and Saxony.

Rosalind Taylor has provided an authoritative potted history on the background to the building of the Church of Scotland General Assembly Hall (built by the then Free Church, following the Disruption).

The essay also traces the alterations made to seating and the Hall’s time of service to the first Scottish Parliament in 1999 and details some alternative uses including as a venue during the Edinburgh Festival and for university graduations (including my own).

Essays on other buildings used for decision making are equally fascinating with their design rooted in the history of their homeland.

This is a book for readers interested in sister churches across Europe or for anyone with an interest in how and why the buildings were created.

POWER PLAYS AND PULPITS

Telford’s Century in Scotland 1750 – 1850

Written by: John L Millar Published by: Handsel Press Price: £15

Thomas Telford is renowned for his bridge building, but equally important in Scotland were his designs of churches (mainly in the Highlands and Islands) which reflected the turbulence and turmoil of the century covered in this publication (Telford acted as chief surveyor to the commissioners of the Highland Churches Act and brought his expertise on building bridges and canals to the building of new churches and manses during a time of expansion amid the turbulence.)

The ‘Parliamentary Churches’ marked a period of expansion in the north and west of Scotland and could be regarded as a forerunner to what later became known as ‘church extension’.

The period of expansion was one of dissension and included the Disruption, which tore the Church apart, but also included a time of wide economic and cultural change in the social history of Scotland.

The book brings together a collection of essays on some of the key factors which impacted the Church of Scotland during this time – and gives some helpful insight into the challenge which continue to exist today.

The book includes fascinating images of the Telford churches which still exist today – and include some of the original plans.

The author, a retired Church of Scotland minister who served in parishes in Lochaber and Glasgow, explains the premise for the book, following visits to a ministry friend, the Rev Valerie Watson, who was then serving as a minister to multiple parishes on Islay.

‘Before commencing my visits to see Valerie I knew nothing about the Parliamentary Churches, or, indeed, much about the Kirk’s history in the period which this book covers.

These decades of unrest were certainly not covered in the Ecclesiastical History syllabus of the Faculty of Divinity,’ he writes.

Endorsement of the book has come from the Rev John L Bell who describes the work as a ‘great, informative and disturbing read’ and writes in a foreword: ‘In the past, many Church of Scotland ministers functioned as diarists of land and people, providing information to the compilers of the nation’s Statistical Accounts. John Millar, the author of this book, offers us not only factual information regarding ministry in the Highlands and Islands, but also insights into the largely unknown effects of religious and political oversight on some of the most impoverished ministers and congregations in Scotland’s past.’

This book would likely appeal to historians and theologians alike, seeking to learn more about the roots of the Church of Scotland during this turbulent period not just within the Church, but during a time of rapid economic and demographic change within Scotland.

ILLUMINATED GOSPEL OF JOHN

Published by: Cambridge University Press Price: £35.00

For anyone who wishes to entwine their twin passions of art and the Bible, this book may provide a solution.

Inspired by Celtic art and handwritten manuscripts of the Middle Ages, artist-calligrapher Jane Sullivan has provided a creative handwritten work of the Gospel of John, beautifully presented with delicate artwork mirroring the script and engaging the reader.

Using the words of the King James Version of the Bible, the book combines Celtic artistry in the script and the gifts of 21st century art.

This would make a fine gift for art-lovers and theologians alike and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace as readers absorb the beauty of each page.

Lynne McNeil