St Paul’s RC Church

In 1957 a new St Paul’s RC Church rose in Glasgow. It wasn’t the first St Paul’s. An earlier church stood on George Street. That church dated back to 1836. However Glasgow’s growth forced its relocation. The expanding Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College needed the land. The college paid handsomely for a new site. They contributed £5000 for the land and another £10000 for the construction of a replacement church. This new St Paul’s RC Church in Sandyhills was designed in a striking Italian Baroque style. Its construction concluded in 1959. The architect Jack Coia was a prominent figure in Glasgow’s architectural scene. He designed numerous churches for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow. Coia’s designs often featured a distinctive modernism. This was influenced by the work of Le Corbusier. His work is admired for its bright airy interiors. St Paul’s features large etched glass windows. These windows fill the church with light. The interior is lined with varnished timber and white marble. The exterior is more understated. It uses a sombre brown facing brick. A monumental tower however dominates the facade. This frames a porte cochere over the main entrance. The church boasts a large and active congregation. A modern hall stands beside it. This hall is used for various social functions. Even today St Paul’s RC Church remains a vibrant hub for its community. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the architectural legacy of Jack Coia. The church stands as a beacon of hope and worship in the heart of Glasgow. It continues to serve the spiritual needs of its parishioners. It is a significant landmark in Glasgow’s architectural and religious landscape.