Bishop's House Iona
Encyclopedia
Bishop's House Iona was built when Iona Abbey
was still in ruins to provide a place for Episcopalians
on the island of Iona
, and is used by the Episcopal Diocese of Argyll and The Isles as a retreat house. Constructed in 1894, it was called Saint Columba's House after the chapel at its centre dedicated to Saint Columba
. It was established under Bishop Chinnery-Haldane, a year after the tenancy was granted by the 9th Duke of Argyll, as a place of "prayer, study, contemplation and Eucharist".
Despite protests from the local established church minister the house continued to be supported by the Duke and the Bishop. Thanks to Bishop Chinnery-Haldane’s close involvement with the project, the house became known as the Bishop's House, a title which has stuck.
The House was occupied by members of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist from 1896-1906, despite the ministers fears they were seeking proselyte
s they seem to have been more interested in avoiding the roof leaking and finding space for contemplation. Known locally as "Cowley Fathers" they ran services and held tea parties for the islanders. It is now run as a retreat house for the Scottish Episcopal Church by their subsidiary group Island Retreats Ltd.
Iona Abbey
Iona Abbey is located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Western Europe. The abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic...
was still in ruins to provide a place for Episcopalians
Scottish Episcopal Church
The Scottish Episcopal Church is a Christian church in Scotland, consisting of seven dioceses. Since the 17th century, it has had an identity distinct from the presbyterian Church of Scotland....
on the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, and is used by the Episcopal Diocese of Argyll and The Isles as a retreat house. Constructed in 1894, it was called Saint Columba's House after the chapel at its centre dedicated to Saint Columba
Columba
Saint Columba —also known as Colum Cille , Colm Cille , Calum Cille and Kolban or Kolbjørn —was a Gaelic Irish missionary monk who propagated Christianity among the Picts during the Early Medieval Period...
. It was established under Bishop Chinnery-Haldane, a year after the tenancy was granted by the 9th Duke of Argyll, as a place of "prayer, study, contemplation and Eucharist".
Despite protests from the local established church minister the house continued to be supported by the Duke and the Bishop. Thanks to Bishop Chinnery-Haldane’s close involvement with the project, the house became known as the Bishop's House, a title which has stuck.
The House was occupied by members of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist from 1896-1906, despite the ministers fears they were seeking proselyte
Proselyte
The biblical term "Proselyte", derives from the Koine Greek προσήλυτος/proselytos, as used in the Septuagint for "stranger", i.e. a "newcomer to Israel"; a "sojourner in the land", and in the New Testament for a convert to Judaism from Paganism...
s they seem to have been more interested in avoiding the roof leaking and finding space for contemplation. Known locally as "Cowley Fathers" they ran services and held tea parties for the islanders. It is now run as a retreat house for the Scottish Episcopal Church by their subsidiary group Island Retreats Ltd.