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[Page] 151

The most interesting edifice in Perth as a memorial of the olden times and from which
the Fair city derived its name of St. Johnstown, is the Gothic Church dedicated to St. John the
Baptist the tutelary Saint of the Citizens. This venerable Structure is in the very centre of
the City and its square tower anciently much higher than as it now appears is conspicuous
in all directions. The interior has been long disfigured by the subdivision into three pa-
-rish churches of the presbyterian establishment but the Church in its original state when
served by the vicar of Perth was a long edifice extending much farther westward.
It is traditionally said that the Picts after they embraced Christianity dedicated
the Church and bridge of Perth to St. John the Baptist. From this circumstance the
town was popularly designated St. Johnstown and it is often mentioned as such by
old historians and in ballads though it is not so recognised in any public documents
The burgh Seal used from the year 1400 to the Reformation many impressions of
which are appended to the charters of the former Religious Houses represents on one side
the decapitation of the Baptist. Salome holding a platter to receive the head, on
the obverse the Baptist appears as enshrined and supported on each by two figures pro-
-bably designed to indicate priests with this Legend on both sides. " S: Conimunitatis
ville Santi Johannis Baptiste de Perth", Whatever credibility may be attached to the alleged
Pictish selection of the Baptist as the tutelary Saint of the "Fair City," the founder of the
original or of the present Church of St. John and the date are unKnown. An edifice
appears to have existed before the tenth Century and the Church so called in the
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