What
is the history of St. John's Kirk?
Is it the architectural history of the building?
Is it about the famous people who have passed through it doors?
Does it lie in the notable historic events which have taken place within its walls?
These are all parts of its history, but we must not forget the people
of Perth who have taken a pride in their Kirk since the day it was
built, and who continue to support it.
It is difficult for us to understand the place which the Kirk - and the Church in general - held in mediaeval times. It was a social support system. It gave access to the few people who could read and write. It was the source of education - the original Perth Grammar School had close ties with St. John's Kirk It encouraged an interest in music - many churches had `Sang Schools' attached. It was the provider of spectacle, colour and theatre in the form of Saint's Days; and the Holy Days were the forerunner of statutory holidays.
In a different age, we still try to provide a focal point of care and concern for the whole community, and not just our members. A service known as the `Kirking of the Council and Dedication of the Common Good' is held each May. The Provost, Councillors and Officials of Perth and Kinross Council come to the Kirk in procession. Voluntary organisations are invited to send representatives to the service.H.M.The Queen is represented by the Lord Lieutenant - her representative in the area.
There is always a special service on Remembrance Sunday, in November, when veterans parade under the auspices of the British Legion and wreaths are laid at the Shrine by the Provost and representatives of the three armed services.
Sunday by Sunday, when there is a worshipping congregation in the Kirk, history continues to be made quietly and unobtrusively. Day by day for the rest of the week, those who come in to sit quietly, those who bring their visitors to see the Kirk and those who welcome visitors are all adding to the activities which make up the life of St. John's Kirk