Pollokshields Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pollokshields Church |
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| Pollokshields Parish Church | |
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| 55°50′35″N 4°16′33″W / 55.843089°N 4.275776°W | |
| Location | Glasgow |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| Website | Church Website |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Pollokshields Established Church |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Architect(s) | Robert Baldie |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Neo-Gothic |
| Years built | 1874–1875 |
| Groundbreaking | 19 May 1877 |
| Completed | 19 May 1878 |
| Construction cost | £14,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1000 people |
| Length | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Nave width | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Height | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 180 ft (55 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Pollokshields-Titwood |
| Presbytery | Presbytery of Glasgow |
Pollokshields Parish Church is a historic church in Glasgow, Scotland. It belongs to the Church of Scotland and is located in the Pollokshields area. This beautiful building was constructed in the late 1800s.
Contents
History of Pollokshields Church
The Pollokshields church community started in 1875. At first, people gathered for worship in the church hall. This hall opened its doors on October 10, 1875.
Building the Church
The first stone for the church building was laid on May 19, 1877. A special person named Sir William Stirling Maxwell did this. He was in charge of the University of Glasgow at the time. The church building was finished by 1878. It officially opened on May 19, 1878.
Changes Over Time
In 1913, the church had some updates. The church and its hall were repainted and new lights were added. The area near the altar, called the chancel, was covered with marble. During these changes, the church community met at Titwood Parish Church. They moved back when their church reopened on September 7, 1913.
Joining Together
On June 15, 1941, two church communities joined. These were the Titwood and Pollokshields groups. They formed the Pollokshields-Titwood Parish Church. The Pollokshields building became their main church. The Titwood Church building was taken apart and moved. It was rebuilt in Pollok and became St James' (Pollok) Parish Church.
Architecture and Design
The church was designed by an architect named Robert Baldie. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style. This style looks like old Gothic churches but was built more recently.
Key Features
- Gable: The church has a tall central gable, which is the triangular part of the wall under the roof. It is about 18 meters (60 feet) high.
- Steeple: At the southwest corner, there is a tall steeple. It rises almost 55 meters (180 feet) into the sky. This tower has a clock face on each of its four sides.
- Windows: The front of the church, where the entrance is, has a large, detailed window. Below it are smaller windows with a special three-leaf shape. The sides of the church have pairs of narrow, pointed windows. Above these are groups of three pointed windows.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church is very grand. It has rows of polished granite columns. These columns support pointed arches. Above the arches are more windows that let in light. The wooden roof is also a beautiful feature. Each column has a unique carved top. A staircase from the east entrance leads up to the balcony.
Art and Special Items
Pollokshields Parish Church is home to many beautiful works of art.
Stained Glass Windows
The church has 25 colorful stained glass windows. They were added on December 24, 1889. These windows were made by talented artists like Stephen Adam and Robert Anning Bell. They tell stories through their designs and fill the church with colored light.
Lectern and Organ
On the same day the windows were added, a special brass lectern was also dedicated. A lectern is a stand used for reading. This one has an eagle on top that can swivel. In 1913, a new organ was installed. It replaced an older one. This organ has three keyboards and many different sounds.
War Memorial
A special memorial was put in the church on October 30, 1921. It honors 34 men from the church community. They sadly lost their lives during World War I.
