Our History

You might wish to know something of the history of both the Chaplaincy and of St John’s Chapel, or the Oil Chapel, as it is often referred to.

In April 1986, a Church of Scotland minister, the Reverend Andrew Wylie, came to Aberdeen to conduct a pilot scheme that would examine the pastoral needs of the vast onshore and offshore community in the North Sea oil and gas industry.

In the aftermath of the Chinook helicopter tragedy in Shetland in November 1986, the need for a Chaplain dedicated to the industry was highlighted.

The necessary steps to formalise Andrew Wylie’s appointment as Chaplain were well advanced by the time of the Piper Alpha tragedy. The sad loss of 167 offshore workers naturally brought much grief and trauma not only to the next of kin but also to the industry as a whole. Many people gave unstintingly of their expertise and of their assets to help and to provide any kind of relief. The contribution made by Mr Wylie’s expertise was both enormous and evident.

By January 1989, the industry had its own interdenominational chaplaincy fully funded by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators’ Association (UKOOA) now Oil and Gas UK. Mrs Anne Fullerton was selected specially as Chaplaincy Administrator to provide the all-important administrative support to a rapidly-developing service. She continues in the post to this day.

The Reverend Andrew Wylie retired in August 1991 and was succeeded by the the Reverend Angus Smith. He retired in February 2006 and was succeeded by the current chaplain, the Reverend Andrew Jolly.

Accommodation for the Chaplaincy is provided by the member companies of Oil and Gas UK. To date, the Chaplaincy has been located at the Aberdeen headquarters of Unocal, Phillips and Elf and is currently based with Total in Altens.

The Oil Chapel

As the Chaplaincy grew in significance and demand for its services expanded, the oil and gas industry recognised its importance and marked the 25 th anniversary of North Sea oil by creating St John’s, the Oil Chapel in the historic Kirk of St Nicholas, in Aberdeen. It was dedicated at a service in June 1990 which was attended by HRH The Princess Royal.

This very special Chapel is an oasis of calm and beauty in the busy city centre. It is situated in a 700-year-old area of the Kirk of St Nicholas, which historically has been known as the ‘Mither Kirk’ or ‘Mother Church’ of the city.

Apart from its beautifully designed furniture, a special focal point of the Chapel is the magnificent stained glass window situated in the wall above the Communion table. This window was designed by a local artist, Shona MacInnes, and depicts the traditional life, work and culture of North-east Scotland and especially of Aberdeen, where it sits surrounded by its two rivers – the Dee and the Don. It depicts the work of agriculture and fishing, and of civic and academic life right up to the impact of North Sea oil and gas. Above this scene, at the top of the window, there is the dove, the symbol of God the Holy Spirit, looking down upon it all.

The Chapel’s unique wooden screen and furniture were designed and fashioned beautifully by one of Scotland’s best designers and craftsmen, the late Tim Stead.

From time to time, baptisms and marriages are conducted for oil and gas industry personnel and companies. The Chapel and the adjoining historic Drum’s Aisle are also the chosen venues for the industry’s special services.

The Oil Chapel can be viewed when the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting is open, on weekdays from 10 am until 1 pm in winter and spring, and from 10 am until 4 pm in the summer months. A call to the Church Secretary on 01224 643494 will provide the necessary details. You are also invited to visit the Kirk Of St Nicholas website www.kirk-of-st-nicholas.org.uk

We are always grateful to the Minister, the Kirk Session and the Staff of the Kirk of St Nicholas for their kindness and co-operation whenever we wish to use St John’s.

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