St Mahew's RC Church

Open Doors Day provides a rare opportunity to see the unique medieval chapel in Cardross. In a peaceful rural setting, on a hillside overlooking the Clyde, it is still in regular use at the heart of its parish community.

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Parishioners will welcome all visitors to this beautiful chapel. It was built in 1467, and restored in 1955, on a site which has been a place of Christian worship since the 6^th century. The site (and later the whole surrounding area) was named Kilmahew, identifying it as a Cill, or church, of St. Mahew, an early Celtic missionary and probably a follower of St. Patrick. The church and its surroundings have important religious significance: many visitors, including non-Christians, have commented on the deeply spiritual atmosphere.

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There are many notable historical and archaeological features. Visitors can see a remnant of a pre-Christian standing stone, as well as a stone kerb, carved with a Celtic design, from the 9^th or 10^th century. Recessed in the east wall of the building is one of the best preserved medieval Sacrament Houses still in existence. The original chancel arch divides the nave from the sanctuary and the 15^th century Baptismal font has been restored to use.?

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