1) Canmore began in the late 19th century as a home called St Swithins commissioned by Professor Arthur Stanley Butler along the scenic Scores neighborhood of St Andrews, Scotland. 2) In the 1890s, St Swithins was built based on plans by local architects Gillespie & Scott and set a neighborhood trend with its innovative design. The building was later renamed Canmore. 3) In 1907, wealthy widow Mrs. Annette Elizabeth Josephine Harmar purchased St Swithins and renamed it Canmore. She generously donated her life savings to finance the construction of the new St James Catholic Church in St Andrews in 1909.

1. Celebrating 50 Years
Francis Ferrone
Canmore Chaplaincy for University Catholics
24 The Scores
St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9AS
Archdiocesan Charitable Number
SC 008540

2. 1 2
Contents
1) Setting the Scene… ............... 3
2) Early Foundations….................................... 5
3) The Generosity of Mrs. Harmar. ................ 11
4) House and Hotel. ....................................... 13
5) The White Fathers… ................................... 15
6) The Brothers of Christian Instruction. ........ 17
7) Moving In ................................................... 21
8) Change on all Fronts. ................................. 23
9) Canmore’s Legacy. .................................... 29
10) Final Thoughts… ....................................... 34
Epilogue… ........................................................35
Appendix… ...................................................... 37
Acknowledgements
I am extremely grateful to Colin and Theresa Barnes, Canon Brian
Halloran, Lorn and Mary MacIntyre, Dr. Peter Warren, and Andrew and
Clare Wright, for their generosity in providing valuable records, extensive
contact details, and good, solid advice. I would also like to thank all those
who contributed their time and support to make this project achievable,
especially Samantha Bannerman, Sue Burt, Andrew Coussack, Rev. Scott
Deeley, the Donington‐Smith Family, Dr. Robin Evetts, John Ferrone, Laura
Freeburn, Fr. Michael John Galbraith, Jane Glass, Professor John Haldane,
Bob and Debby Harris, Alexandra Harrod, Felicity and Tom Howard, Sr.
Katie, Dr. Peter King, Fr. Andrew Kingham, Theresa Mackay, Dennis
Martin, Colin McAllister, Audrey McAnaw and Rosa Palompo. Finally, a
special word of thanks goes to Sarah Maple, whose friendship and
inspiration throughout the project has been much appreciated.
Preface
When you recall strolling along the Scores on a crisp autumn morning, or during
a quiet winter evening with snow falling thickly all about, you may be reminded
of an attachment you felt to Canmore. Maybe you often met a friend there to
study. Or did you attend the Sunday potluck dinners? Perhaps you simply
sought the solitude and quiet of a familiar place that was not your flat. We all
have a connection to Canmore and the many friendships and vocations that
have flourished within.
For many students Canmore is a home away from home, an embracing
community and spiritual stronghold that seems resilient to change and the
ravages of time. But just how far back does this community go? When did it all
begin? Like any other building Canmore has its own dynamic history, riddled
with intriguing stories, innovative changes and inspiring people that have laid
the foundations – both literally and metaphorically – for the strong Catholic
community we know and appreciate today.
This project began as a purely historical account of Canmore. As I delved deeper
into the social and political context, however, it became just as much a personal
journey, an excavation of memories, relationships and experiences that have
taught me not only about our chaplaincy, but also about myself and the
importance of Canmore to me and my fellow students. I hope that by sharing
the building’s history and some of my personal insights, the reader can identify
and recall their own.

3. 3 4
1) Setting the Scene
(c.1844 – 1880)
Our story begins in the late nineteenth
century during a time of economic growth
and expansion in St Andrews. Renowned
for its legendary golf courses and impressive
public bathing facilities, the small seaside
town gradually assumed the role of a resort
– a place of education, recreation and
retirement. In as early as 1844, Lord Henry
Cockburn wrote in an article that the ‘gentry
of the place consisted primarily of
‘professors…old ladies and gentlemen with
humble purses, families resorting here for
golf and education…or for sea bathing.’
(Circuit Journeys, 1888)
The arrival of the railway in 1852 linked
St Andrews to the rest of Scotland, improving
accessibility to remote areas of Fife and
providing new opportunities for family
excursions and leisurely day trips. As the
population swelled from 2,875 at the end of the
Above: Canmore, newly built c.1895.
(Photo courtesy of the St Andrews Preservation Trust)
Above: Property plan of the Scores in the 1890s. The highlighted section indicates the Canmore estate.
(Photo courtesy of St Andrews University Special Collections)
eighteenth century to 6,853 in 1891, St Andrews underwent a major program of public building that included
churches, educational establishments and hotels. The Scores – one of the last residential neighborhoods in
the old town to be developed – soon witnessed impressive villas joining its scenic coastline, serving as homes
for the influx of vacationers, businessmen and professors moving to St Andrews. It was with one such
professor that Canmore owes its origins.

4. 5 6
2) Early Foundations
(1880 – 1907)
Educated at Cheltenham College and subsequently Oxford
University, Professor Arthur Stanley Butler (left) came to
St Andrews in 1880 to teach Natural and Experimental
Philosophy (an early precursor to Physics). After settling down
and establishing himself within the University, Professor Butler
eventually bought a piece of land along the Scores from
Ms. Eliza and Mary Anne Murray who lived next door at
Murray Park. His property is highlighted in the photograph on
the previous page.
Left: Professor Butler c. 1894.
(Photo courtesy of St Andrews Special Collections)
Below: The Butler family c.1897. From the left: Arthur Stanley
Butler, Edith Bolton, Josephine Butler, Maria St. Paul, George
Butler, Margaret Butler, and Charles Butler. The children are:
Arthur Butler and Edith Josephine Butler and baby Hetha.
In the summer of 1893 Professor Butler commissioned the local architects James Gillespie and James Scott to
design a suitable house for himself, his wife Edith R. Bolton, and their two children. The architects – active in
St Andrews since 1876 and responsible for many landmark buildings including Martyr’s Church and the Bute
Medical Building – completed a set of plans and commenced work the following year.
When finished in 1895, the three‐story villa set a neighborhood trend with its exposed timbers beneath a
large half‐dormer window and innovative pyramidal roof structure – features which the architects
introduced to the Scores and which were later replicated in 1896 in Westcliffe (now the Russell Hotel).
Canmore was trend‐setting? Even at the time of its origin, this special building was one of kind!
A recurring question that people ask is how Canmore acquired its name. Having grown up in the heartland
of the United States, I too have often pondered the tradition of house‐naming, a practice still upheld in much
of Scotland and England. The custom dates back to the early Middle Ages when castles and fortified manor
houses dominated the medieval landscape. These lordly estates tended to evoke their natural surroundings
or one’s family ancestors. This continued throughout the late‐19th century when, according to Joyce Miles
in her book Owl's Hoot: How People Name Their Houses, ‘the less prosperous middle classes began
colonizing suburbia’, choosing ‘diminutives to dignify their bay‐fronted semis and terraces.’ (Miles, 2001)
What most people don’t realize is that Canmore is not the building’s original name. Votive records from the
period, as well as notes from the architects, indicate that the Professor’s house was initially registered as
St Swithins. This could be a possible reference to the 9th century Saxon bishop of Winchester who was known
for his charitable gifts and extensive patronage towards churches. Allegedly, upon St Swithin’s death in 862
he humbly requested that he be buried outside in the churchyard where rain and the steps of passersby
might fall on his grave. According to tradition, after his body was moved inside the cathedral on 15 July, 971,
a great storm ensued and lasted 40 days and 40 nights. Who would ever have guessed that our Chaplaincy
has a connection with the traditional weather‐rhyme:
St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain,
For forty days it will remain
St. Swithin's day if thou be fair,
For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.
Canmore’s interior has also changed over the years. If you look carefully at the plans on the following pages
you will notice the different uses for each room and the mysterious toilet beside the front door. Can you
locate the original entrance to the kitchen?
Following pages: Architectural floor plans designed by Gillespie & Scott c. 1885.
(Photo courtesy of St Andrews University Special Collections)

5. 7 8

6. 9 10

7. 11 12
3) The Generosity of Mrs. Harmar
(1907 – 14)
In January 1907, after nearly fourteen years of living
along the Scores, Professor Butler sold St Swithins to Mrs.
Annette Elizabeth Josephine Harmar, a wealthy widow
from London. Mrs. Harmar’s late husband, Ambrose
Harmar, had been a successful distiller until his death in
1883. Although it is not clear why Mrs. Harmar decided
to move to St Andrews, the fact that her cousin, Canon
Herbert Laughton, had been assigned to St James in 1907
to assist Fr George Angus may have prompted her to
relocate to the Scores after her husband’s death.
Although Mrs. Harmar may not have been a clan leader, she definitely exhibited remarkable generosity
towards her fellow Catholics in St Andrews. In 1909, only a few years before her death, she donated the
majority of her life’s savings to finance the construction of the new stone church of St James. Until that
point, Catholics had been worshipping in a small chapel made of corrugated iron and commonly referred to
as the ‘Tin Tabernacle’ (see image below).
Fr Laughton (right) was a convert
to Catholicism, having been
received into the Church in 1885
and ordained in London in 1890.
Above: The Tin Tabernacle (built c. 1884‐85).
(Both images: photo courtesy of St James Parish Archives)
Above: The new stone church designed by Reginald
Fairlie and completed in 1910.
His conversion may also have
inspired Mrs. Harmar, who
later became Catholic and a
strong supporter of St James
Parish.
Mrs. Harmar lived in great state
at her new home on the Scores
and it was during her residency
that the building was officially
renamed Canmore. This is
believed to be a direct reference
to Malcolm III Canmore who in
1070 married Margaret of
Wessex, subsequently known as
St Margaret of Scotland. Derived
from Gaelic roots, the term
ceann mòr roughly translates as
‘big head’ or ‘big chief’.
Above: Portrait of Mrs. Harmar c.1898.
(Photo courtesy of St James Parish Archives)
Above: Donald MacDonald, coachman to Mrs. Harmar, at Abbotsford
Crescent (c. 1907) . (Photo courtesy of St James Parish Archives)
Mrs. Harmar was honored at the commencement ceremony of the new church and was asked to help lay the
foundation stone, a large square block that can still be viewed between the Sacristy and Parish Hall. Her
financial contribution ultimately kept the Parish out of debt, a feat which permitted the church to be
consecrated immediately upon its completion. This was done so by His Grace James Smith, the Archbishop
of St Andrews and Edinburgh, on Tuesday, 2 August, 1910. (see Appendix for photographs)
Mrs. Harmar was able to enjoy the new church for
nearly four years before her death on 28 January
1914. She is buried beside her husband in a vault in
Brompton Cemetery in London, dressed in the
habit of a Franciscan Tertiary. Despite her
generosity, the fact that Mrs. Harmar’s obituary
does not appear in local papers suggests that her
financial support was little acknowledged within
the wider St Andrews community. This is not
surprising considering the strong anti‐Catholic
sentiment that existed in St Andrews at the time.
One must recall that Catholicism had not been
legalized in Scotland until 1793, a decision that was
still contested in the early twentieth century.
Left: The Tin Tabernacle being moved to make way
for the new stone church (c. 1909). (Photo courtesy of
the St Andrews Preservation Trust)

8. 13 14
4) House and Hotel
(1914 – 47)
Unfortunately, Mrs. Harmar’s only adopted son was a
casualty of the horrors of the First World War. It
appears that she had no other heir and Canmore thus
experienced several transitions between various
families for the next thirty years, beginning with the
Beattie family in April 1914.
Mr. James Beattie was a surveyor‐general in the
Supply Department of the war office and was later
knighted in 1920. Together with his wife Mary and
their six young children, the Beattie family moved
into Canmore after previously residing at Kilrymont
House, a Hall & Henry dwelling located further down
along the Scores.
Although evidence is scarce for the inter‐war period,
records indicate that in August 1928 a woman
named Jane Spencer paid a bond of £1000 to Sir
James Beattie for Canmore. Then, in February 1934
Canmore passed to George Stanley Spencer, a wine
and spirit merchant living on South Street.
Unfortunately, little else is known about the
Spencer family and our story fades momentarily
throughout the 1930s.
Above: View of Canmore from St James Garden.
(Photo courtesy of Sarah Maple)
Opposite: Canon John Allan Gray (1929‐1955).
(Photo courtesy of St James Parish Archives)
Within three short years the Donington‐Smiths
began to consider the expansion of their hotel
business. On 30th April 1946 they purchased The
Grand Hotel overlooking the Old Course (pictured
below). Because The Grand had been requisitioned
as an army base during the Second World War, it
took several months for the family to reinstall the
appropriate furniture and make the building ready
to become a hotel once more. By late 1947 they
were ready to sell Canmore and relocate to The
Grand.
Left: View of
Hamilton Hall,
formerly known as
The Grand Hotel.
Fresh tracks appear in the early 1940s when Canmore’s occupants changed once more. On 17 June 1943,
Flying Officer Hugh Donington‐Smith, his wife Elisabeth, and their three small children – Rosalind, Adrianne
and Nicolette – moved into Canmore and ran it as a hotel. Typical guests included a mixture of elderly
St Andrews residents who could no longer maintain their own households and various travelers on their way
to Dundee. Before the construction of the Tay Road Bridge in 1966, the journey between Edinburgh and
Dundee was significantly longer; Canmore and other hotels in St Andrews would have been a welcome sight
for weary travelers.
Interestingly, this was not the first time the Donington‐Smiths had worked in hospitality management,
having previously operated a hotel in Torquay before moving to St Andrews. Because Officer Hugh was in
the Royal Air Force and often away in England training fighter pilots, the task of managing the hotel
frequently fell to Elisabeth. The hotel kept her very busy and the children were looked after by a nanny.
During my research I had the privilege of exchanging emails with
Nicolette, the youngest of the three daughters who remembers
living in Canmore as a child. Little Nicky, as she was then known,
would often venture into the Church’s garden across the street to
help Canon Gray (left) dig for worms to feed his ducks. The two
became good friends and at the age of three she would invite
herself to breakfast with him, sitting at her own special chair at
the Presbytery’s dining room table. Nicolette recalls one day
when Maggie, the Presbytery’s housekeeper, informed her that
‘Cannin’ had a guest and was unable to see her. But with three‐
year‐old candor Nicky announced that it was ‘OK’ and marched to
the dining room anyway. The guest happened to be the Bishop,
whom Nicky fixed with a stony glare and announced he was sitting
in her chair. Amused, the Bishop gave up his seat so that Madam
Nicky could take her customary place!

9. 15 16
5) The White Fathers (1947 – 58)
It thus occurred that on 25th November, 1947, Canmore was
sold to the Society of Missionaries of Africa, better known today
by their French title Pères Blancs, or White Fathers, after the
white Algerian tunics they wore. Founded in 1868 by Cardinal
Charles Lavigerie (left), the missionaries sought to establish
clinics, schools and farming developments in English speaking
Africa. St Andrews was perceived to be an ideal place to
educate their young members, and for the next decade
Canmore served as a house of studies for missionaries preparing
to teach in institutions abroad.
A learned man of great spirituality, Father Gillan was an active, supportive chaplain who had a tremendous
impact on the students. Apart from his legendary skill on the tuba, alumni recall his enthusiasm, caring
disposition, and strange sense of humor. This, coupled with a very traditional, right‐wing mentality
regarding the liturgy made one dynamic, fun‐loving chaplain. He would sometimes insert German phrases in
his sermons, then roar with laughter afterwards at a joke only he understood. Alumni also recall the surprise
birthday tea parties he held in Canmore for students. His vision for evening talks, which he hoped would
provide a friendly atmosphere and foster good discussion, revolved around apologetics and other theological
matters that complemented the weekend retreats he organized during Advent and Lent. The students were
very appreciative of Fr Gillan’s efforts and the committee would often present him with annual parting gifts,
the most notable of which included books on contemporary art, Hieronymus Bosch, and a caricature of the
chaplain drawn by one of the students.
Above: Cardinal Charles Lavigerie,
the founder of the White Fathers.
Between three and four White Fathers lived in Canmore in any
given year, assisting the Parish of St James and interacting with
the University Catholic students. The White Fathers were very
generous with their time and resources, opening Canmore on
numerous occasions to host guest speakers who traveled from
as far as London to give talks to the Catholic Society. Records
indicate that the White Fathers attended these lectures
(themselves giving occasional papers) and even held official
committee positions among the students such as ‘Press
Secretary’.
Fr Gillan also worked in collaboration
with the White Fathers to arrange
various community‐building events for
students within Canmore. In the
Michaelmas semester of 1958 they
launched a series of study groups that
included a Gospel discussion and Action
Enquiry. They also began hosting
breakfasts in Canmore after Academic
High Masses, which took place at the
beginning and end of each semester .
From what I could gather, the students’ positive relationship with the White Fathers was beneficial to their
faith and sense of community during their formative years at University. In addition to learning about their
missionary work in Africa, new opportunities for spiritual and social development were provided by some of
the more innovative members of the Order. Fr Riddle, a particularly engaged member living in Canmore
during the early 1950s, organized student rosaries, guided meditation groups, and a choir. He also sought to
expand the Catholic library, encouraging students to donate their books upon graduation and advocating
that the collection should come under the jurisdiction of the student committee. In 1953 it was suggested
that the library should be kept at Canmore and that a sum of money should be set aside for the purchase of
books every year.
The Role of Fr. Gillan
Although the White Fathers played a large role within the Catholic community, the responsibility of caring
for the students’ spiritual welfare ultimately resided with the chaplain. For most of the period that the White
Fathers were in St Andrews this role was fulfilled by Fr Ian Thomson Gillan (see image on the right).
Formerly a minister for the Church of Scotland, Fr Gillan converted to Catholicism and was ordained a priest
in 1953. Catholic Society minutes indicate that he arrived in St Andrews as early as the autumn of the same
year, replacing Fr Thomson as a curate at St James and providing both advice and support to the students at
their committee meetings. These were then held in either the Presbytery or the Tower Room in the Church.
Fr Gillan appears to have paid for most of
the food while the White Fathers
rearranged the front room in Canmore to
accommodate the large crowd of hungry
students. Despite their popularity, these
breakfasts did not last long, for in the
summer of 1958 the majority of the
White Fathers left St Andrews for reasons
unknown. Although a few remained
behind to complete their studies, they
had all left by the following year.
Left: Fr Gillan (bottom center) with the
Catholic Society (1962‐63).
(Photo courtesy of Andrew Wright)

10. 17 18
6) The Brothers of Christian Instruction (1958 – 64)
In August 1958 Canmore was sold to a second religious order called the Brothers of Christian Instruction.
Founded in France in 1819, their primary focus revolves around education and a commitment, in their own
words, to ‘making Jesus Christ better known and loved’. Like their immediate predecessors, the Brothers
directed projects throughout east Africa and had a significant number of young Brothers working in Uganda.
To better prepare them for a vocation in teaching, it was decided to give these Brothers the opportunity to
attend university.
A total of nine Brothers – Canadian, English and Ugandan – lived in Canmore between 1958 and 1964, with
three or four in residence in any given year. Because their main focus was to obtain University degrees, the
Brothers – though very friendly – were not as interactive with the students as the White Fathers had been.
Nevertheless, they were very accommodating and continued the tradition of hosting speakers in Canmore
and providing occasional breakfasts after Mass. They also generously lent Fr Gillan the ground‐floor
cloakroom to be used as a chaplain’s office and began hosting student lodgers around 1960. At one point a
total of fourteen male tenants were living in Canmore, sharing their evening meals with the Brothers and
splitting the cost of utilities and general maintenance.
For a brief period of time Canmore was home to both religious Orders. The photo above, taken in 1959,
illustrates this overlap. A single remaining White Father can be distinguished by his white garments. Below
him, to the left, are two Brothers of Christian Instruction. Fr. Gillan is situated in the center among the
students. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Wright).
With Fr Gillan stationed in Canmore and offering daily Mass upstairs in St Margaret’s chapel, the building
gradually became the nerve‐center for student activity. Plans for further long‐term development soon
began to take shape. Minutes from the 1961 Catholic Society’s Annual General Meeting indicate that Dr Jim
Lawless, a graduate and former member of the Catholic Society, proposed that a scheme be devised to
obtain money for the upkeep and future expansion of the chaplaincy.
Dr Lawless, responding to the increasing number of Catholic students at the University, spoke of the
necessity of a chaplaincy primarily for the use of Fr Gillan – and through him for the students. He suggested
that the immediate first step was to improve the amenities currently offered by the converted cloakroom in
Canmore. To this end he had obtained £100 from other Catholic graduates for the decoration and
refurbishment of Fr Gillan’s makeshift office. He made it clear, however, that if an independent chaplaincy
was ever to be established a regular income was required independent from Parish Funds. It was pointed
out that students contributed about £3 a week to the parish Sunday collections and that it would be
extremely beneficial if this money could go directly to a Chaplaincy Fund. The meeting was resolved by
appointing an ad hoc sub‐committee to investigate the following:
1) The possibility of a covenant scheme
2) The possibility of renting – with a view to buy – premises in St Andrews suitable for a chaplaincy
3) The possibility of forming an alumnus association of graduates which would produce a periodical
It thus appears that buying Canmore was not thought of at this particular stage and there is nothing to
suggest that the house was initially being considered for use as a permanent chaplaincy. Discovering this
small yet intriguing piece of the puzzle – that the vision and scope of our chaplaincy did not originally
encompass the Canmore estate – helps us appreciate just how far the chaplaincy has come over the years.
St Margaret’s Chapel
My first time in St Margaret’s Chapel was during Freshers Week
of my first year. Despite my determination to get involved I
was quickly overwhelmed by the avalanche of new settings,
names, activities and choices so characteristic of University life.
By Wednesday I found myself desperately searching for a place
to unwind and collect my thoughts. Fortunately, a friend
informed me that there was a Mass in Canmore that very
evening, and without further ado I was on my way.
When I pushed open the chapel door I was greeted by a handful of smiles from fellow students who had
already taken their seats. As I returned their welcoming gaze and squeezed awkwardly between the rows of
tightly packed wooden chairs, I immediately noticed how small the chapel seemed (or perhaps how large the
crowd was!). Everyone was quiet, eager for the celebration to begin…
Looking back I now realize the beauty of such a small, compact space, whose physical closeness has not only
strengthened my sense of companionship with fellow Catholics, but also encouraged me to pursue a much
more intimate relationship with God. It was then, kneeling shoulder to shoulder with other students and
gazing out the chapel windows towards the glistening waves below that I finally felt that deep sense of inner
peace and security I had been longing for. The soft, echoing cries of the seagulls calmed me, and I could feel
my prayers rising up among the others, mingling – however briefly – with the faint scent of incense and
burning candles. This sense of community, of friendship sustained through prayer, has kept me going over
the years. St Margaret’s Chapel is, for me and many others, the heart and soul of Canmore, the source of life
that pumps energy through chaplaincy’s halls, swelling its nooks and crannies and finally bursting out into
the streets. It is here, in St Margaret’s, that one finds true joy and the healing presence of God.

11. 19 20
Fortunately, the search for a suitable property did not last long. The situation changed in the early 1960s
when the Brothers decided that Canmore was no longer a feasible venture for their Order and that they
would eventually leave. Although it is difficult to discern the fundamental cause for their departure, three
possibilities have been suggested:
First, the Ugandan A‐Level program (The Cambridge Overseas Certificate at the time) did not provide
adequate preparation for admission to The University of St Andrews. Unlike previous British or
Canadian Brothers who studied here, the Ugandan students did not have the necessary secondary
language requirements (e.g. French, German or Spanish, etc.).
The second possibility is that, after Uganda gained its independence in October 1962, Ugandans
were no longer tied to the British system of education and thus began to gravitate towards other
countries such as the United States and Canada which offered more scholarship opportunities.
Finally, it has been suggested that the Ugandan government – in their attempt to strengthen their
newly independent country – later decided that it would only recognize graduate qualifications from
Makerere University in Uganda. This decision ultimately meant that the Ugandan Brothers studying
in Scotland could not teach in their home country. As such, Canmore was no longer a feasible option
for their community.
Whatever the primary cause, the announcement came
one crisp October morning in 1961. Fr Gillan held a
meeting in a local café to announce that the Brothers
would soon be leaving St Andrews and that he was
keen to purchase Canmore to be the chaplaincy
building. Because a few non‐Ugandan Brothers
planned to stay in St Andrews to finish their degrees
there was no imminence of sale and Fr Gillan had
time to prepare a financial plan. When he asked the
students for their suggestions, Clare Stevens, a first
year, proposed that they contact her father, Dr C.P.
Stevens, whom she knew had a particular interest in
supporting university chaplaincies. Dr. Stevens had
been an active member of the Catholic chaplaincy
during his time at Edinburgh University and was a
trustee of the Van Neste Foundation, a large charitable
trust that had recently sponsored the renovation of the
Catholic Chaplaincy at Bristol University. Needless to
say, Dr Stevens strongly supported the idea of
purchasing Canmore for Catholics in St Andrews.
Coincidently, in February of 1963 Dr Stevens, his wife Betty Stevens and their daughter Clare had established
a similar charitable trust called the Small Fund to assist worthy Catholic causes. With the collaboration of
Fr Gillan it was decided that the Small Fund would support the purchase of Canmore.
1958 – 64 continued...
The Brothers were very enthusiastic that Canmore should become a chaplaincy and generously agreed to sell
the property for £12,000 – a massive £3,000 reduction from the original market price. However, because the
Small Fund had only recently been established, the Trustees did not have the necessary funds to purchase
Canmore outright. Dr Stevens therefore approached his fellow Trustees from the much larger Vann Neste
Foundation and asked them to be ‘guarantors’ to help purchase Canmore. The Van Neste Foundation agreed
and the loan was gradually paid off in three installments.
During this transitional period the students made increasing use of Canmore. In 1962 the annual student
retreat – traditionally organized at Strathkinness– was held in Canmore. Fr Gillan also proposed a scheme to
have three experimental ‘student only’ Masses on Sundays in Canmore to raise money for the Chaplaincy
Fund. He wrote to Archbishop Gray seeking special permission and suggested three consecutive Sundays
during term. Permission was granted, and the experiment was such a success that by the spring of the
following year it had become the norm to have multiple Masses in the chapel every Sunday.
Above: The Catholic Society, 1961‐61. Clare Stevens is seated in the bottom left‐hand corner.
(Photo courtesy of Andrew Wright)
Opposite: Dr. and Mrs. Stevens on a trip to Caldey Island, South Wales, in the late 1950s.
(Photo courtesy of Clare and Andrew Wright)

12. 21 22
7) Moving In (1964 – 69)
In early July 1964 Fr Gillan, who had previously been living in the Presbytery across the street, moved into
Canmore as the full‐time chaplain. Excused from all Parish duties apart from helping with Mass, he
immediately set about reorganizing and redecorating Canmore, particularly the chapel which he wished to
expand as soon as possible. Part of a newsletter written by Fr Gillan on 12th July 1964 illustrates his motives:
‘the Chapel is to be left substantially as it is for the moment, as there is not time this summer to
enlarge it by knocking down that famous wall. Besides, the estimate has proved rather a shock:
£250, not counting repainting. The Archbishop agrees that we had better defer the project until
later. Meanwhile I am going ahead with furnishing it to hold 40, which is much better than nothing.
Vanheems are supplying neat wooden stacking chairs and hassocks, also carpet lengths in deep blue,
which will look well on otherwise bare parquet. A widow from the parish, always to the fore when
good works are afoot, is providing dossal drapes to match. These alterations will soon be realized, at
a figure well within my capacity to meet.’
Naturally, the students were very keen to help ‘update’ their new chaplaincy. Around this time a group of
undergraduates repainted the front room, coating the walls bright yellow and the woodwork pale grey.
Despite their effort, the color scheme did not turn out as expected and it was quickly decided to switch to
pale blue. Other major innovations included a large mural painted in the common room alcove by Ian
Warholm and the nomination of Miss Jane Kelly as Canmore’s first official librarian.
On the legal side of things,
by late July, 1964, Canmore
was officially sold to the
Small Fund. A letter
(photographed to the right)
from a Dundee solicitor
named Gerald Quinn
confirms that by 30th July,
1964, the sale was
complete. Actual
possession of the building
commenced on the 31st.
Above: A letter from Gerald Quinn to Mrs. Stevens regarding certain
financial aspects of Canmore. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Wright)
A statement provided by Mrs. Betty Stevens from the Small Fund outlines the basic stipulations for Canmore’s
purchase, which was essentially to:
‘provide a base for a community wherein the students could grow spiritually and intellectually, where
Catholic standards would be upheld, and where they could support and encourage each other in
friendship and in a social Christian environment…It was the intention of the trustees that Canmore be
available in perpetuity for this purpose.’
Based on these conditions the Small Fund insisted that Canmore should not be managed by the Archdiocese,
but rather by a charitable Trust established to care for all aspects of the building and its heritable property.
Mindful of the fact that the Catholic Church is permanently short of funds, the Small Fund was concerned that
the Archdiocese might eventually be tempted to liquidate Canmore and use the funds for other, more pressing
Catholic matters.
To avoid this potential risk the Small Fund organized the University Catholic Chaplaincy Trust in the autumn of
1964, structuring it in such a way that Canmore could not easily be sold to meet parish or Archdiocesan needs.
Five trustees – four laymen and Fr Gillan – were appointed to manage the Canmore estate. On 3rd February
1965 the Deed of Declaration of Trust (shown below) was signed and Canmore passed into the legal
possession of the newly established Chaplaincy Trust. After this transaction the Small Fund ceased to be
involved with developments in Canmore.
Above: The Deed of Declaration of Trust, signed 3rd February, 1965. The signatures are those of
Neil Elder, Dr. Alexander MacQueen, Dr. Arsenio Pacheco, Dr. Peter Warren, and Fr. Ian Gillan.

13. 23 24
8) Change on all Fronts (1970 – 87)
In 1970 Fr John (Jock) Hamilton Dalrymple replaced Fr Gillan as the new chaplain. A tall, gentle and humble
man, Fr Jock’s specialty was the subject and practice of prayer. With short, concise sermons averaging five
minutes, Fr Jock always managed to insert explicit references to prayer and conversation with God. Despite
his ease in writing about prayer and capacity for teaching others, Fr Jock – like many of us – did not always
find praying easy. His rigorous devotion to the topic often left him, like Jacob from the Bible, wrestling with
God in long, lonely hours of prayer. True relief and spiritual liberation came only when he ceased to struggle,
learning instead to surrender himself to God. As his prayer became less complex, so did his personal life. He
lived ascetically, having no bed and sleeping instead on the floor of what is now the Canmore library. Students
would often schedule appointments to see him there to receive spiritual guidance.
Fr Jock was heavily invested in the Canmore community
and pushed forward many of the projects initiated by his
predecessor. Drawing upon funds raised throughout the
1960s, Fr Jock significantly and positively modified
St Margaret’s chapel and the current arrangement is his
own design. Upon his arrival he commissioned the
removal of the dividing wall that previously separated
the small rectangular chapel from the adjacent bedroom,
thereby joining the two spaces and creating a ‘T’‐shaped
floor plan. The altar, originally tucked away in the bay
window behind a heavy canopy, was repositioned along
the West wall, standing free and facing the congregation
in accordance with the liturgical changes made during
the Second Vatican Council. The new layout provided
more seating for the growing number of Catholic
students and made it easier to administer Communion
In 1973, during Fr Jock’s final year as chaplain, four nuns from the Sisters of the Assumption came to reside in
Canmore. Fr Jock had met the Assumption Sisters while preaching at various community retreats in the early
1970s and eventually asked if they would help him build a strong community in Canmore. Upon their arrival,
two of the nuns – Sr. Patricia and Sr. Mary – taught at a nearby primary school, while the role of housekeeper
and cook was left to an Irish nun named Sr. Ita (a rather appropriate name for a cook!). The fourth nun,
Sr. Katie, was the assistant chaplain.
The nuns lived on the top floor of Canmore and used the large room directly
above the chapel as their common area. Although they regularly attended
Mass in St James and invited parishioners to tea in Canmore afterwards, the
Sisters were not heavily involved in parish life. Their main focus was on
Canmore, looking after the building and – more importantly – the physical
and spiritual wellbeing of the students. Affectionately referred to as
‘mother figures’, they kept an eye on the Canmore community and provided
both spiritual guidance and practical advice. In addition to cleaning the
chaplaincy and cooking evening meals for a small group of student lodgers,
the nuns also bought auctioned furniture and were constantly on the
lookout for bargain deals to make Canmore more comfortable.
during Mass.
Above: Fr Jock (right) with students at the CathSoc retreat to
Drygrange, May 1971. (Photo courtesy of Peter Adamson)
Perhaps more important than the structural changes in Canmore were the numerous improvements made to
its social fabric. Rather than simply appointing a single chaplain to direct all activities and affairs, Fr Jock
wished to build a strong, dynamic community that would ultimately work together to bring the chaplaincy to
life. In essence, he set a positive tone for the chaplaincy and worked hard to ensure that Canmore was a
place of prayer, community and rejuvenation for all. It is not enough, the Lord tells us, to offer shelter,
bread or clothes to the poor; we are to offer ourselves. For Fr Jock this meant that Canmore was not only
his, but belonged to anyone who cared to benefit from the community within. During this time it became
customary to have tea and coffee together in the large front room after the Sunday midmorning Mass in the
chapel, then move next door to The Russell and continue the conversation with Fr Jock. The building itself
was never locked – a privilege that was well‐respected – and all were welcome off the street. On a few
occasions Fr Jock even allowed a homeless man living in the area to sleep in the front room at night. He also
(to the chagrin of a few parishioners) permitted a Bahá'í group to use Canmore for a marriage!
This page: Various photographs taken in Canmore
during the mid‐1970s and early 1980s.

14. 25 26
Fr Jock was replaced by Fr Brian McKean in 1974. Originally from Northern Ireland, Fr Brian had a terrific
sense of humor and worked well with young people. Like his predecessor he was constantly encouraging
students to pray, stopping them on street corners to check on their progress. His assistant chaplain,
Sr. Katie, was a very good artist and involved with Nightline, the University’s call center for anonymous help
and support. Sr. Katie and the other nuns worked hard to uphold Fr Jock’s vision of making Canmore a
welcoming place for Catholics of all academic levels and backgrounds. A postgraduate student from the mid‐
1970s recalls the building always being open and inviting – even for those who were not directly involved in
the Catholic Society. “It was like living in a house with a big family” remarks one alumnus, “you didn’t have
to officially ‘join’ in order to feel at home.”
As the Canmore community continued to flourish and grow, however, certain administrative changes
involving the governance of the building were occurring behind the scenes. In the decade following the
establishment of the Chaplaincy Trust in 1965, the original Trustees had gradually moved away from
St Andrews. Communication between them became increasingly difficult and their contact was minimal.
With none of the Trustees living ‘on‐sight’ to keep an eye on Canmore, interests began to shift and the
Above: An excerpt from the legal document which transferred
“Now therefore in implement pro
tanto of the said Dead of
Declaration of Trust, we as
Trustees foresaid hereby dispone
to and in favour of His Eminence
Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray,
Archbishop of the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of
St Andrews and Edinburgh...that
piece of ground at the Scores of
Saint Andrews...with the
dwellinghouse and others
erected on the ground...hereby
and known as Canmore…”
Chaplaincy Trust became less invested in Canmore’s upkeep.
Sometime between August and October of 1975, the deteriorating Chaplaincy Trust decided to gift Canmore
to the Trustees for the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. How could
this be, I asked – surely the precautions taken by the Small Fund a decade earlier would have prevented such
an occurrence? The discrepancy appears in the seventh clause of the Trust Document signed back in 1965,
which clearly states:
Canmore from the Chaplaincy Trust to the Archdiocese in 1975.
‘That at any time the Trustees may pay and convey the whole Trust
Estate [Canmore] or any part thereof to any Trustees acting in any
Trust having the same or some of the same primary purposes as
those herein contained provided such Trust can hold and use the
estate so conveyed for religious, educational or other charitable
purposes only.’ [my emphasis]
With the Chaplaincy Trustees scattered abroad and funds quickly drying up, transferring Canmore to the
Archdiocese Trust – which met the necessary charitable criteria outlined above – must have seemed a logical,
perhaps even necessary step for its preservation. The transfer was presided over by Archbishop Gordon Gray
on the premise that the Archdiocese was to henceforth own and maintain Canmore in trust for the students.
Of course, this scenario poses certain questions concerning the moral obligation of the Archdiocese today.
Legally they have the right to sell Canmore if the proceeds help support a similar charitable cause, yet to do
so would blatantly contradict the fundamental terms set forth by the original benefactors, namely, to
maintain Canmore as a chaplaincy for University Catholics. I also found it very curious that the Small Fund
was never consulted about the transfer to the Archdiocese and subsequently did not discover what had
happened until 2011. Thus, little was known among students and those living in Canmore that any such
administrative changes had occurred. Life continued just as it always had, and in September 1979 Canmore
welcomed a new chaplain, Fr James (Jim) Thompson.
Did you know?
Canmore has many hidden surprises – not all of which are found inside. If you look at the east end of the
building from the pavement you will notice several small ledges scattered across a windowless surface.
These mark the locations of future fireplaces should a second house be built next door. The diagram
below, drawn by Gillespie & Scott, illustrates the internal chimney system for these potential installments.
(Photo courtesy of St Andrews Special Collections)

15. 27 28
During his time in St Andrews Fr. Jim worked well
with the nuns, who were themselves very sociable
and would often show up to flat parties and other
events around town. Sr. Damien, who replaced
Sr. Katie as assistant chaplain and head nun, was
known to join students and parishioners at the Castle
Tavern for her usual half‐pint of Guinness! One year
Sr. Damien, who later reverted back to her original
name, Sylvia, took it upon herself to become an
Academic Mother. Debby Harris, a former
postgraduate who at the time was working at an art
supply shop on South Street, remembers Sr. Sylvia
dropping by one afternoon to purchase craft
materials for her children’s Raisin costumes.
How’s that for parental dedication?
In 1983 Fr Robert (Bob) McGarrigle was appointed chaplain. A soft spoken man of short stature, Fr Bob
worked closely with students and parishioners to publish a Canmore Magazine (shown below). His article,
‘Prayer and Tension’, discusses the relationship between Christian faith and everyday activity, urging his
readers to integrate their non‐prayer activity into their relationship with God.
Far left: Fr Bob McGarrigle standing
beside Sr. Damian and a guest in
Canmore c. 1884. (Photo courtesy of St
James Parish Archives)
Left: Cover of the 1982 Canmore
Magazine. (Photo courtesy of Bob and
Debby Harris)
Below: Sister Damian, as she was then,
playing pool with several students on a
visit to Blairs College in 1981 or 1982.
(Photo courtesy of Dennis Martin)
Right: Fr. Jim Thompson
with the Sisters outside
Canmore c. 1980. Notice
the difference in paint
color on the front door!
(Photo courtesy of St James
Parish Archives)
Right: Dennis Martin, a
former student in Canmore,
is challenged to a match of
chess by Sr. Theodore in
1982. At the age of 86,
Sr. Theo had expressed a
desire to learn the game;
from what I gather she was
a formidable opponent…
(Photo courtesy of Dennis Martin)

16. 29 30
9) - Canmore’s Legacy (1987 – 2010)
Four years later, in 1987, Fr Bob was transferred to the Parish of St Mary of the Angels at Camelon, near
Falkirk. He was replaced by Fr Brian Halloran in March of that year. Due to a shortage of Catholic priests,
Fr Halloran held the joint position of both chaplain and parish priest – the first time the two offices had been
combined since the early 1950s. Fr Halloran resided in the Presbytery and divided his time between
Canmore and St James. Known as a no‐nonsense master of efficiency, he immediately decided that because
there were two Mass locations across the street from one another, it was more practical to split the Mass
schedule between them. He decided that the Sunday Masses would be in St James and that there would be
two Masses every week in Canmore on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
When Fr Halloran arrived in St Andrews the Canmore community was
flourishing thanks to strong student leadership within the executive
committee and heavy participation in the Faith Movement, a youth
catechetical organization that had sprung up in Britain in the late
1970's and early 1980's. With over 300 ordinary members, the
Society grew to be one of the largest in the University. The annual
Catholic Society Ball was so popular that it became a University
legend and required an official position on the committee known as
the ‘Ball Convener’.
Each week Canmore hosted two different theological talks, attracting
a variety of people who wished to learn something about the Church.
These events were a very successful part of the Canmore community
and both talks were so crowded that people had to sit outside on the
stairs! Fr Halloran invariably attended these lectures, as well as
numerous parishioners and
occasional non‐Catholics.
On a few occasions
Mrs. Arnott, the Principal’s
During Fr Halloran’s twenty‐three years as chaplain, there averaged one vocation a year and between six and
seven students joining the Church. Much of this success derives from Fr Halloran’s innovative Faith Enquiry,
a group composed of Catholic students, parishioners, new converts to the faith, and those considering
joining the Church. Faith Enquiry provided information and insight into the priesthood and other religious
orders, thereby creating the seedbed for future vocations. Indeed, many who passed through Canmore
went on to become priests, nuns, and members of various religious orders – while the number of marriages
between Catholic students is too great to count. Canon Halloran attributes much of the group’s success to
the faithful prayers of St James parishioners who said a rosary every Saturday morning for an increase in
vocations.
Because the Chaplain no longer resided in Canmore, Fr Halloran converted the chaplain’s bedroom into the
current library (shown below). Expanding upon the nuns’ small literary collection, he obtained books from
Gillis College in Edinburgh through Monsignor Kerr. Today the library is frequently used and maintains a
harmonious balance between study and conviviality that, as one former student notes, ‘is impossible to find
in the University library’. Fr Halloran also installed the attic bathroom and massive library bookshelves which
are currently still in use.
During the first few years of Fr Halloran’s chaplaincy there were four to five students living with the nuns in
Canmore. The students applied for lodging and were taken if there was room. The lodgers would most likely
have slept in the attic bedrooms and occasionally above the boiler room. Their rent, considerably cheaper
than the typical St Andrews flat, helped sustain Canmore and made it a self‐financing venture. The narrow
galley kitchen was designated for guests while the larger kitchen was reserved for the Sisters and student
lodgers.
While the Sisters were in residence and caring for the building, Fr Halloran was able to focus on other
pressing matters within the parish and wider Catholic community. Unfortunately, however, in the early
1990s the Sisters of the Assumption grew short of vocations and needed to consolidate their communities.
Without new replacements in Canmore, it became increasingly difficult for the elderly Sisters to run the
enormous house. When the nuns eventually left St Andrews in 1993, the need therefore arose to appoint a
warden to look after Canmore and ensure that it remained clean and orderly. It was for this purpose that
wife, was known to attend! Fr Halloran created the upstairs warden’s
apartment, sectioning it off from the main staircase
Top: Canon Brian Halloran.
(Photo courtesy of St James
Parish Archives)
Right: Eager students and
parishioners take their
seats in the front room of
Canmore for a Wednesday
Night Talk c. 2004.
(Photo courtesy of the Catholic
Society)
Opposite: The Canmore
library c. 2013.
for enhanced privacy. Apart from keeping an eye
on the building, the warden’s responsibilities
included serving tea, coffee and biscuits after each
Sunday Mass and other evening events, as well as
preparing for the Masses that took place in
Canmore (e.g. making sure the priest's books were
open to the right places, arranging the chalice,
paten, hosts etc.). At no point was the warden
asked to perform any pastoral, counseling or
social duties.

17. 31 32
With no ‘on‐site’ chaplain or nuns to directly manage Canmore, the building became increasingly difficult to
sustain. Nevertheless, students continued living in Canmore under the supervision of the warden
throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Although the décor of the chaplaincy inevitably became rather dark
and dingy, the maintenance of the building by no means reflected the vibrant community within, which
remained friendly, busy, and engaged with the wider student body. Despite their low‐budget activities and
outdated furniture, the Catholic
students continued to make
Canmore an appealing place to be.
In the early 2000s one would find
Canmore to be a relatively quiet
yet friendly place. During the day
students could often be found
studying, discussing current
events and everyday issues, or
simply lounging in the front room,
gazing out the large bay window
and watching the world go by.
There was usually someone reading the paper or
having a cup of tea – especially after Rosary – and it
was very rare that a whole day would pass without
a handful of students nipping in to Canmore to
escape the tumult of university life.
In 2002 the Catholic Society decided to diversify their talks and guest
speakers, as it was felt that the straight doctrinal talks were basically
covered by Fr Halloran at Faith Enquiry. As such, more professors
were invited to talk about philosophy, literature, art and history in
relation to the Catholic faith. At one point they invited the
composer James MacMillan to speak at Canmore, thereby drawing a
much larger crowd than usual. Similarly, when Anne Widdecombe
was invited to speak on faith and politics, she filled an entire lecture
hall in the University Quad.
New opportunities also arose to strengthen the relationship between
Catholic students and parishioners, which, until then, had remained
relatively distant and undefined. Max von Habsburg, one of the
wardens who got on very well with the parishioners, organized a joint
Canmore/St. James dance and buffet at All Saints Church in
St Andrews. Considering the excellent reputation that the CathSoc
Ball had attained in previous years, the joint effort of students and
parishioners resulted in a social event unlike any other in St Andrews.
Attended by half locals and half students, in a venue not typically
frequented by undergraduates, the Ball was a huge success with a
mixture of ceilidh music, jazz and random popular dance tunes from
various eras. Simply put, the Catholics in St Andrews knew how to
throw a party!
Despite the relaxed atmosphere there was definitely
an undercurrent of innovation and joviality. One
former student remembers climbing up on the roof
with a dozen others and serenading the entire Scores
with a rousing chorus of Salve Regina!
Left: Aethelred, the
Canmore Cat, enjoyed a
comfortable lifestyle and
plump physique. Thought
to belong to one of the
neighborhood B&B’s,
Aethelred came and went
as he pleased. Despite
being horribly spoiled by
everyone, students had to
be sure not to leave their
work unattended for fear
of returning to find their
dissertation notes in
shreds…

18. 33 34
While Canmore has changed dramatically
in both appearance and function over the
years, many traditions have survived and
continue to the present day. The most
fundamental and deeply rooted Canmore
traditions revolve primarily around prayer,
good conversation and – you guessed it –
food. Indeed, the concept of ‘pot‐luck’
dinners has been around since the early
1980s, providing an excellent opportunity
for students and parishioners to interact
while enjoying tasty dishes and desserts.
The photographs on the right were taken
over the course of three decades. The top
photo is a scene from 1982 – an era in
which turtlenecks, basic casserole entrées
and the color brown dominated the
buffet.
10) – Final Thoughts
While Canmore is by no means ‘old’ compared to the rest of St Andrews, the scope of change that has
occurred here over the years is truly spectacular. The building has served as a private home, public hotel,
religious establishment, and University chaplaincy. In particular, the past five decades have witnessed key
figures whose innovations have helped shape much of what we know and appreciate today. From tuba‐savvy
chaplains and chess‐playing nuns to Masses and student‐led prayer groups, Canmore’s vibrant history largely
reflects the leadership of previous generations established upon strong Catholic foundations.
As our story draws to a close and finally shifts from memory to the present‐day, I find myself descending the
front steps of Canmore to begin my walk home. A frosty breeze swells up as evening quickly approaches,
held precariously at bay by the last pale rays of October sunshine. I hesitate, not wanting to leave. Looking
back over my shoulder, however, I am encouraged by the cheery glow of Canmore’s large bay window,
illuminating the pavement ahead of me while framing the silhouettes of friends and fellow Catholics behind.
Music is playing softly in the background while the sweet scent of apple pie drifts through the crisp autumn
air. Although I must leave for now, Canmore and the community within will – like so many others before and
after me – forever hold a special place in my heart.
In the central photo, dating from the early
2000s, we see what appears to be an
assembly line for an Italian‐style dinner
complete with wine and garlic bread. One
can only hope that the pasta was more
inspiring than the rather drab curtains in
the background!
The final image was taken in the autumn
of 2014. To accommodate larger numbers
of people, guests were asked to sign up
beforehand to bring various salads,
entrees and desserts of their choice. The
resulting range of international cuisine
added an interesting and flavorful
dynamic to the packed front room.
Opposite: The Catholic Society outside
Canmore on Easter Sunday, 2014.
(Photo courtesy of Marianne Rozario)

19. 35 36
Epilogue
In 2011, Fr Andrew Kingham was appointed Parish Priest of St James (St Andrews) together with the East
Neuk Parish (Crail and Pittenweem) and the Chaplaincy of the University. Latterly Mgr Halloran had taken
on the additional responsibility for the East Neuk parish and there is no doubt this added considerably to his
workload and inevitably meant a reduction in the time available to carry out his Chaplaincy duties.
In December 2011, in an attempt to alleviate the position, the Archdiocese proposed to sell Canmore and
use the proceeds to buy Martyrs Church in St Andrews. The additional size of Martyrs Church would mean
that there would only need to be two Vigil/Sunday masses in St Andrews ( compared with three at present)
thus reducing the workload on the Parish Priest. However, there was no provision made in the proposals for
a replacement chaplaincy apart from a small hall that would be occasionally available. This clearly
represented an enormous reduction in the chaplaincy facilities available.
Ironically, this was exactly the situation Mrs Stevens had been anxious to avoid when her original gift of the
Canmore property had been made in 1964/5 ( see pp. 22 and 25). In the meantime a new generation of
priests now administered the Archdiocese and it is unlikely they were aware of the donor’s wishes and the
moral constraints these imposed. In the event, the sale of Canmore (and purchase of Martyrs Church) did
not proceed.
A Canmore committee , consisting mainly of post graduate students with some parish input and a
representative from the Small Fund ( original donors) was set‐up by Fr Kingham to plan the repairs and
renewals desperately needed to the Canmore building and to reinvigorate the chaplaincy programme. It was
clear that with his greatly increased workload, the Chaplain would need significant ongoing help to run the
Chaplaincy efficiently. This related not only to the pastoral programme but also for the purposes of fund
raising and governance ( the Charity Regulator, OSCR, is becoming increasingly vigilant in monitoring Charity
governance). This committee proposed setting –up a new Charitable Trust to lease Canmore from the
Archdiocese and to assist the Chaplain in his duties. The Trustees would be prominent Catholic laymen and
Archdiocesan representatives meeting probably on a quarterly basis.
Several meetings were held with an Archdiocesan committee, set up for the purpose, over the period
November 2012 to May 2014. At this point, Mgr Burke, for the Archdiocese, informed the Canmore
committee that they saw no reason for the setting –up of a Trust and that the existing arrangements, with
governance provided by the Archdiocese, were sufficient. Mgr Burke did however state that , for as long as
he was involved, Canmore would not be sold by the Archdiocese and would remain as the Catholic
Chaplaincy.
In September 2014, Fr Kingham was transferred from St Andrews to Stirling and Fr Galbraith was appointed
to succeed him as Parish Priest and as Chaplain.
– Andrew Wright,
Canmore Restoration Committee
October 2014
Letter from the Chaplain
Dear Friends,
As the new chaplain of Canmore, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your heartfelt
support in the past, especially your support in prayer. I am acutely aware of the importance of Canmore for
countless numbers of Catholic students who have passed through its doors during their time here in St
Andrews. The past 50 years have been an incredible success story not just for the spiritual lives of Catholic
students, but by extension, for the life of the town, for the Catholic Church in Scotland, and indeed
throughout the world.
So many people have discovered the faith or their own faith anew and, as a result, the vocation to which
God has been calling them through the life and work of Canmore. Many of you, I know, are deeply indebted
to God for the graces you have received via the life of the chaplaincy work in Canmore. Indirectly, I am
too! If it weren't for the priestly vocations that came through Canmore and then influenced me in my life, I
would not be a priest today. In truth, I would probably not be a practicing Catholic at all!
Like you, I desperately want the vibrant life of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Canmore to continue for the next
fifty years and beyond ‐ and it to continue being a great success story. However, we do have a
problem. And that problem is a financial one! We have no money and we need to make Canmore financially
viable. In order to do so, significant refurbishment work has to be carried out and we estimate that the
project will cost in the region of £250,000.
We intend to initiate, in the near future, a full‐blown fund‐raising campaign and more details of the plans
will be forthcoming. And we ask you to please donate towards this great cause of sustaining the future life
of Canmore.
Can you help us?
Before and throughout our upcoming campaign, if you are able to help us with any donations, great or small,
it would be very gladly received. At the very least, please spread the word to other alumni, friends, and
family that we also need their help and their continued support in prayer.
With every blessing and grateful thanks,
Fr Michael John Galbraith
Chaplain
Feast of St. Margaret
November 2014

20. 37 38
Appendix
(Fig. 1) Foundation stone for the new church of St James (completed in
1910). The stone may still be viewed between the Sacristy and Parish Hall.
"To the best and greatest God. This first stone was laid by the Most
Reverend Lord [His Grace] James Agustus [Smith], Archbishop of
St Andrews and Edinburgh.
The second day of December,
The Year of our Lord, 1909"
Fig. 1
A Word of Thanks
Mrs. Betty Stevens and family would like to take this opportunity to thank Francis Ferrone and
Sarah Maple for their time and effort in producing this booklet. We feel that Canmore’s story
is one worth telling and hope it will help inspire future generations of students to come.
– The Stevens Family
(Fig. 2) Commemorative plaque to Mrs. Harmar located on the north
side of St James Church. It reads:
Of your charity pray for the soul of Annette Elizabeth Josephine Harmar
Foundress of this Church
Who died 28 January 1914. Aged 72 years.
R.I.P.
“The Just Shall Be In Everlasting Remembrance.”
Fig. 2
Works Cited
Cockburn, Lord, Circuit Journeys (Edinburgh, 1888).
Evetts, Robin, Architectural Expansion and Redevelopment in St Andrews, 1810‐C.1894 (St Andrews, 1988).
Gifford, John, Fife (Harmondsworth, 1988).
King, Peter, The Catholic Church in St Andrews, 1884‐1984 (1984).
Miles, Joyce, Owl's Hoot: How People Name Their Houses (London, 2000).
St Andrews Museum Exhibition Group, The good, the bad and the holy: church and congregation in
St Andrews (St Andrews, 2003).