“An Iochdar.” That’s likely the Gaelic origin of the area where we find St Brendan’s RC Church. It means “a stretch of low-lying land.” People often refer to it as “the Yoker”.
St Brendan’s RC Church has a fascinating history tied to the growth of this area. The village of Yoker first appeared on a map in 1734. The opening of the Yoker distillery firmly established it.
Let’s step back to the 1870s. Only two Roman Catholic families lived in Yoker. They were the Gillans and the McAulays. Their nearest church was St James’ in Renfrew. Yoker belonged to that parish.
The Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829 ended the Penal Laws. These laws had been in force in Scotland since 1672. Few Catholic seminaries existed in Scotland then. In 1878, Father Evers was brought in from Holland. He lived at St James’ and traveled daily. He visited parishioners on the north side of the river. He also celebrated Mass there. Father Evers was a tall friendly man. He was also a keen angler. Sadly, on Christmas Eve 1900, he died just before celebrating Mass.
To meet the needs of workers in new factories and shipyards Father John Montgomery founded a chapel school in Kilbowie Road. From 1889 to 1903 it was the center of Roman Catholic life for Clydebank and Yoker. In 1903, Our Holy Redeemer’s Church was built. It served the Yoker village people for 40 years.
The population continued to grow. So, in 1946, a new independent parish was needed in Yoker. A priest would live among the people. On April 3, 1946, Archbishop Donald Campbell formally established the new Parish of St Brendan’s. Brendan was an Irish missionary priest. He preached the Gospel and established churches in many parts of Scotland.
The Rev Cornelius O’Leary became the Parish Priest. A home was found for him in Millbrae Crescent. There was no church yet. Sunday Services were held in Speirs Hall. They also took place in St Brendan’s School. Finally, in 1949, the present parish church on Kelso Street opened. The Archbishop of Glasgow blessed it. The current Presbytery and parish hall were built later.
The current parish priest is Fr. Joseph L. Mc Auley. He is known as ‘Fr. Joe’. He arrived on September 18, 2015. He has served as a priest for 33 years. Fr Joe receives great support from the parishioners. Many people are involved in promoting the life of the parish. They help people celebrate their faith.
There is a strong sense of community here. It feels like a family. Their strength comes from prayer. Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are valued. The church stays open all day. People can come and experience comfort.
The stained-glass window in the vestibule depicts St Brendan’s journey. It serves as a reminder of the parish’s rich history. It shows the enduring faith of its community.