Posted Tuesday 24 July 2012
It was announced today that the congregation of St Bride’s Episcopal Church, Hyndland Road, Glasgow have been awarded a grant of £75,900 by the Heritage Lottery Fund for essential structural repairs to their historic church building in the west end of the city.
The works, which are expected to begin in August 2012, will last for four months and will include repointing of stonework, replacement of flat roofs and works to the church tower.
St Bride’s Church is one of just two churches in Scotland designed by the famous architect George Frederick Bodley. For over one hundred years it has been a centre of High Church Anglican worship in the city of Glasgow and a venue for much music making. Concerts featuring musicians of all backgrounds are held at St Bride’s throughout the year.
The organ in St Bride’s, (which has been damaged in recent years by water ingress), is of particular historic interest, having been the first organ to be lawfully installed and used during worship in a Scottish Presbyterian church. Its original home was Anderston Parish Church, but following the closure of this church, this 1865 organ by William Hill was re-erected in St Bride’s in 1972. The leaking roof above the organ will be replaced as part of this project.
Additional funds for these repair works are being provided by the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust, the AllChurches Trust Limited, and the Dalrymple Donaldson Fund. The congregation of St Bride’s have also been fundraising for this project over the past two years.
The Rector of St Bride’s Church, the Reverend Canon James Milne said: “These much needed repairs will secure the future of our building and enable us to continue to offer wonderful worship in a beautiful setting and to be a popular concert venue for the music lovers of our community.”
The Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Right Reverend Dr. Gregor Duncan said: “I am delighted by this news which will hugely encourage St Bride’s and the whole Diocese as we go forward in mission.”
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland said: “As well as being an architectural landmark, St Bride’s provides a gathering place for worshippers, a meeting place for groups and a venue for musical events. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to be able to secure the future of this fine building so that it can continue to play its valuable role improving the life of many in the community.”
Once these repairs have been completed, St Bride’s Church will be open to visitors on selected weekends throughout the year.
St Bride’s Episcopal Church is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC012625
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
The Reverend Canon James Milne
Rector of St Bride’s Episcopal Church, Kelvinside.Telephone: 0141 334 1401
Website www.stbride.org.uk
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects allocating £4.7billion across the UK. Website:http://www.hlf.org.uk
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