Mission Reformation | Part 6
May 9, 2025 | Written by Second Deputy Friar Bill Broadhurst.
Today’s target is the village of St Andrews.
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, best known for sending St Patrick to Ireland to drive out the potatoes (okay, I made that part up).
The town of St Andrews is home to St Andrews Cathedral, Castle, and University. It is also the site of Holy Trinity Church where (who else?) John Knox preached for over a decade before his death in 1572. So there was a great deal of ground to cover.
Before we set out en masse that morning, a scouting party of three was dispatched to examine the status of a squad of “Gawlphers” reportedly situated near a place called “The Old Course.” The scouts successfully located the Gawlphers and began their observations. Two of them were almost discovered after they spent their children’s inheritance in the Pro Shop, so they retired to view from a distance.
The third, however, being younger and fairer than the others, was able by the aid of Providence to infiltrate a group of Gawlphers playing the nearby Jubilee course. He bravely continued his undercover surveillance from there throughout the day.
Secured from surprise attack from the Gawlphers, the main body moved on St Andrews. Upon arrival we disembarked near the Old Course and maneuvered our way through the town, past the University to the Cathedral. There we enjoyed devotions and communion led by the Right Reverend Link. After exploring the Cathedral, we turned our attention to the castle proper.
Like many such ancient fortifications, it had changed hands and suffered much over the centuries. The Protestants controlled St Andrews for several years, and John Knox was permitted to preach in 1546. His stint was short, for in 1547 the French arrived in support of the Catholics. The castle fell, and Knox was enslaved to horrible work on French galleys.
After our reconnaissance at the castle was concluded, we separated to navigate the narrow ways to Holy Trinity Church. Carol Broadhurst’s husband led one unfortunate band on a route apparent only to him, turning a .3 mile journey into a .9 mile near-death march. This arrogant misjudgment was a surprise to some, but not to her.
The corps was (finally) reconstituted at Holy Trinity, the site of Knox’s last regular pulpit. Unfortunately the church was locked. Undeterred, Mary ably recounted the history and significance of the church and the location of John Knox’s Porch. So enlightened, we headed for our rendezvous with Tina for return to base.
We enjoyed a marvelous meal and a lovely address by The Wanderer.
Tomorrow called for the liberation of Inchcolm Abbey and Holyrood Palace. Trouble had resurfaced in Edinburgh.
