'Miracle' as damaged Broughty Ferry church still standing
The interim moderator at St Stephen's and West Church in Broughty Ferry has spoken of his amazement that the church withstood the direct lightning strike.
Debris after the lightning strike at St Stephen's and West Church.
- By Graham Huband
- Published in the Courier : 28.05.10
- Published online : 28.05.10 @ 12.40pm
The Rev Jim Roy, who has been preaching at the kirk for the past 18 months, was alerted to Thursday's drama by concerned members of the congregation.
He made a bee-line for the church to see the damage and told The Courier he was just relieved that no one was hurt and the building was still standing.
He said neighbouring St Luke's and Queen Street Church had offered to allow his congregation of around 370 to join them in worship while the damage was assessed.
Mr Roy said, "I think the miracle is that it is still standing from looking at the angle of it. There certainly seems to have substantial damage.
"We have been offered a shared service with St Luke's Church on Queen Street for this Sunday and I think we will probably take them up on that. I'm just thankful that nobody was around."
The church was designed by Dundee architect Thomas Robertson and it was opened in late 1871.
In November 1962, the church was merged with Broughty Ferry West and the latter was demolished to make way for housing.
The A-listed building has a number of architectural features of merit including the four-stage tower in the north-east corner, which is capped by the damaged spire.
The main part of the church is cross-shaped with a galleried ceiling.
Throughout the building there are numerous fine stained-glass windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, of Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood fame.
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