Welcome to St. Modan’s Church
Our services in 2025 are at 11.15am.
A Brief History
There has been a church in Rosneath since before the 12th century. The following text is from Dr John Trotter’s Short Guide to St Modan’s Church, Rosneath. The old ruin is made up of the remains of three churches. St Modan’s original church was made of wattle and mud, and of this nothing remains. The well or spring which he used is on the north bank of the Clachan burn, a few hundred yards upstream from the old church.
Of the second church, built in the twelfth century, only part of the crypt is left. The entrance has now been closed by three concrete slabs to the south west of the old ruin. Below these slabs there is a flight of stone steps, at the bottom of which is an iron gate. This crypt was last used in 1897, when Lady Elizabeth Clough Taylor of Camsail House, daughter of George, 8th Duke of Argyll, was interred there. The coffin was engraved – ‘Lady Elizabeth Clough Taylor’ – died 24th September 1897. – Until the Day Dawns’. A number of the other members of the Argyll family were exhumed and were re-rinterred there at the same time. Of the third church, built in the 16th century, all that remains is the gable end with the ornate belfry. This church was cruciform in shape and was replaced in 1770 by the fourth church which was rectangular in shape and incorporated the gable end and belfry of the old 16th century church. On this gable end can be seen the marks of the old “Duke’s” gallery. This church was plain and austere, and when the Duke of Argyll saw it, he called it ‘the Barn’.
The fifth church, the present one, was, according to the Session Minutes, built across the road from the fourth church in 1853 and was one of the first churches after the Reformation to be beautified by the fitting of stained glass windows and wood carving. The South transept was added in 1862, the North transept in 1873.
Service Arrangements
We currently use the 4th edition of the “Church Hymnary” and “Songs of God’s People”. Most pews have a bible. Children are welcome in our Church. Communion is celebrated at least four times a year and is open to all people whatever their tradition. Special services for Holy week are shared with our sister Churches in the linkage. Ecumenical Services, such as during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the World Day of Prayer, are also shared with our friends from St Gildas’ Roman Catholic Church.
Young Children
Jesus enjoyed being surrounded by children, so do we. Therefore, please bring them with you. Baptisms are arranged directly with the Minister.
During the Week
Bible Study is held most weeks – please see the intimations for more details. There is a weekly Coffee Morning in the Hall on Tuesdays from 10.30 to 11.30. This provides us with a chance to welcome our neighbours and to catch up with one another. All are welcome.
Social Events
A committee exists to raise funds for the Church and charities, to enhance community spirit, and to enable outreach to the wide community. We wish to extend a very warm welcome to you and look forward to meeting you at our services and functions.