John Knox (c.1514–1572) was the leading figure of the Scottish Reformation and the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Converted from Roman Catholicism, Knox became a bold preacher of the gospel, calling Scotland back to biblical truth. He spent years in exile, including time in Geneva with John Calvin, before returning to lead the Reformation in his homeland. Knox’s vision shaped the church’s structure, worship, and doctrine for centuries to come. Although not based in Aberdeen, his influence reached every part of Scotland, including the north-east, where Reformed teaching eventually took deep root. Mary Queen of Scots is reputed to have said that she feared the prayers of Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe. Knox’s courage and conviction laid the foundation for a church governed by elders and committed to the authority of Scripture.

“The Scriptures of God are my only foundation and substance in all matters of weight and importance”

—John Knox

The congregation of John Knox Aberdeen merged with Greyfriars church in 1997. Outside the Knox Room are the portraits of ten of the Ministers of John Knox Church between 1838 to 1939.