Serving the local parish of Blantyre and beyond since 1567. Hall bookings - Sharon Smit 07903 656312. Blantyre Old Parish Church was founded in 1567 by the Rev. William Chirnside who had been priest in charge of Blantyre Priory from 1552 to 1567. The Parish Church in use from the Reformation stood until 1793 when it was replaced by a plain and barn like building erected on the same site. This was
demolished in 1863 when a larger and more beautiful church was erected within 50 yards of the original site. The Church bell was presented to the heritors of Blantyre Parish in 1863 by Mr. & Mrs. Leadbetter & Co. Founders, Glasgow. The old burial ground adjoining the church is no longer in use but is maintained and cared for by the local council. The oldest gravestone discovered so far is dated 1665 and is Rev. John Heriot, 90, born 1575 when Mary Queen of Scots, was on the throne. Dr. David Livingstone was baptised at Blantyre Old Parish Church and the font used is still used for baptisims today.
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The Rose Window:
(located above the Pulpit)
Symbols of the window -
*Centre Panel depicts - Holy Spirit descending into the congregation.
*Cup – is of special importance in the tradition of the congregation.
*Flame of the Holy Spirit.
*Corn of Wheat – which was cast into the ground
*Fruit of the Vine – Christ’s Blood.
*The Bible and the Lamp of Truth
*The Shepherd Symbols of the Scrip and Crook.
*Fish which stands (in the Greek) for Jesus Christ Son of God Saviour.
*The Cross and the Anchor of Hope.
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The old Church Hall which used to be on the Main Street was knocked down in 1989 and a new hall was erected in the grounds next to the Church. This was opened by former minister Rev. Peter Price on Tuesday 23rd January 1990. Blantyre Old Parish Church is a list “B” category building. It situated on the edge of a green belt area and accommodates, within its main area and gallery approximately 450 people. Blantyre Old was refurbished in 2005 where the downstairs pews were replaced by modern chairs. The blue carpets were replaced by bright red carpets with yellow walls to compliment. The chancel was extended removing the pews at each side. The choir used to sit on the side pews but now sit on the chancel on the modern chairs. The gable wall was also repaired as it was leaning forward and the vestry was demolished with a new one was built on the same site. Through kind and generous funding from the local people of Blantyre, congregation and local companies; the Church Steeple was made safe in 2013 and fully restored to its former glory. The amount raised exceeded what was required for the Steeple's repairs and therefore allowed the inclusion of the Church Bell's restoration. In 2017 we celebrated our 450th Anniversary from Priory to Parish Church. Throughout the year we celebrated with a variety of events from worship services, a music concert, a pilgrimage walk, a wedding fayre, a full weekend of celebrations through to BBC Radio 4 ‘Any Questions?’ broadcasting live from our church. The idea and pioneer behind the 450th Anniversary Celebrations was the late Senior Elder Robert Freer. He had a passion for his church, his church family and most of all his Lord, who certainly filled his head with big ideas. Who’d have thought BBC Radio 4 would come to sunny Blantyre?! We also have to tip our hat to the late Charlie Neilson who kept and gathered so much memorabilia, photographs and documents of historical value, and would have loved to see these celebrations. Registered in Scotland as a charity: SC018492
For hall bookings and enquiries please contact Sharon Smit on 07903 656 312 or email her on [email protected]. Updates by Elizabeth, Myra & Mary S.
