About the Organ:

Click here to view a copy of the Organ Specification (PDF)

Venue Map:

Click here for a venue map

About the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel:

Worship has been part of the life of the University from its beginning in the crypt of Glasgow Cathedral.  Blackfriars Church was used for many years, but for most of the time from 1764 services were held in the College Hall, and after the move to Gilmorehill in the Bute Hall, until the Chapel was built. Some 280 Services will take place during the academic year. These reflect the range of Christian denominations in the University.

The Chapel of the University of Glasgow was built as a Memorial following the First World War.  Completed in 1929 it was dedicated on October 4th to the Glory of God in memory of the 755 sons of the University whose lives were lost in that war and contains their names on the tablets behind the Communion Table at the East end.  Other tablets on the walls immediately to the East of the stalls contain the names of the 405 members of the University who are known to have given their lives in the war of 1939-45. The design of the Chapel, which was the work of Sir John Burnet, is an original and personal treatment of mediaeval motifs.  The general proportions were inspired by French models.  The detail is largely based on 13th century English Gothic but, in its more robust character, shows the influence also of the Gothic architecture of Scotland. Most of the windows were designed and made by Douglas Strachan who has described his work as an attempt to figure the whole of human life as a spiritual   enterprise.  Some have been added over the years, most recently the high windows in the South Wall designed by Alan Younger and installed on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Chapel in 1979.

An addition to the Chapel is the Baptismal Font generously donated by the congregation of Dennistoun Blackfriars Church.  This continues a link which goes back to the earliest days of the University.  Included in recent additions are an oak table and lectern built by the University’s own craftsmen to a design by Bill McPherson of MKW Design. The table incorporates the University crest and a motif matching the stall panels. It is used for The Signing of The Register in the some 150 weddings of alumni, students, staff and their families who are married in the Chapel each year. 

Music has always played a prominent role in worship in the University Chapel. The renowned Chapel Choir regularly broadcasts on the BBC and recent tours have been to the USA, Germany, and the Hebrides. The Chapel Organ, donated by Lord Maclay in memory of his two sons William and Eben was completely refurbished, and on January 29th 2006 was rededicated. An Inaugural Concert held that day to great acclaim achieved a 5 Star Review in the media. The Inaugural Glasgow International Organ Festival was held in June 2006.