Worshipers bid to save 'unique' Glasgow church which could close

Christine Furnish, 77, has been playing the organ at Knightswood St Margaret's Church for 26 years but now thinks her music-performing days are coming to an end.

The Church of Scotland's  Presbytery of Glasgow plans to hold a meeting on Tuesday which will determine the fate of the place of worship. 

Christine said: "It would be so sad if this unique building were no longer allowed to continue its initial purpose of serving the people of Knightswood. 

"This building enhances the entry into Glasgow for people travelling from the West.

"It houses many intricate carvings and a beautiful sounding Father Willis organ which is of great interest to many organists from far and wide."

Presbytery of Glasgow created a joint parish out of three churches in the North West of the city three years ago. They include Knightswood St Margarets, Temple Anniesland, and St David's.

The exterior of Knightswood St Margaret's Church (Image: Colin Mearns) Two of these churches - Knightswood St Margaret's and Temple Anniesland - find themselves on the breadline as Presbytery of Glasgow aims to close a minimum of one of these buildings.

Christine has told of her criticism over the selection process saying she feels her church has everyone ‘stacked against’ them and reckons hers will be the one to go.

Knightswood St Margaret's was opened in 1932 by architect Sir Robert Lorimer who has been regarded as one of Scotland's greatest designers.

Christine says it would be ‘awful’ if the ‘beautiful’ church were to close.

She said: "It's a beautiful building. It was the last building that was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer who was a contemporary of Rennie Mackintosh.

“It has got a beautiful organ. I think is 157 years old and was donated by the Heritage Centre.

Stain glass windows in Knightswood St Margaret's parish church, Glasgow. (Image: Colin Mearns) Interior of Knightswood St Margaret's parish church (Image: Colin Mearns)

To start the process votes were taken by elders and then by the united congregation, Christine claims that Knightswood St Margaret's was the favoured building to stay at this stage.

Thereafter assessors were brought in which Christine claims was an unfair process and she believes the pending decision will choose to save Temple Anniesland.

She said: “Time is running out. Next Tuesday,  Presbytery of Glasgow is going to rubber-stamp the closure of Knightswood St Margaret's.

“Six years ago we lost our minister. He retired and we didn’t get another. So we were kind of in limbo for a while.

“The whole thing just seems stacked against us."

Christine has signed a petition at her local post office to help save the church. It is understood that St David Parish Church has a minister in place until the end of the year when it is likely to merge with the other churches.

The hall inside the Knightswood St Margaret's Church (Image: Colin Mearns)Interior of Knightswood St Margaret's (Image: Colin Mearns) Glasgow Presbytery say they are unaware of any issues with the process and they are awaiting the decision on which church is to close.

Grant Barclay, Presbytery Clerk, said: “I have received no word that the restructuring of congregations is particularly problematic.

“The process is challenging and as such the congregations were unable to determine this issue.

"They accordingly agreed that an independent group appointed by the Presbytery of Glasgow would undertake this task and it is the report from this group, which shall be considered on Tuesday.

"At congregational meetings, a substantial majority voted to accept this process as they were unable to make the decision themselves.

“At the present time, no final decision has been made. It is likely that a decision will be made on Tuesday.

"Before a decision is made, the congregations of Knightswood Anniesland Trinity (formed by the union of St Margaret’s and Temple Anniesland) and St David’s are entitled to speak to inform the decision.

“We recognise that these buildings have meaning and value to the local community and congregations. There is no plan to permit whichever building is chosen to become derelict.

“The church intends to transfer ownership, in the event a buyer is found, who will undertake maintenance and repair.”