A grand neoclassical structure. That’s St Andrew’s in the Square. It stands majestically before us a testament to Glasgow’s rich past. This isn’t just any church. This is a building steeped in history. It’s one of Scotland’s finest examples of classical church architecture. Built between 1739 and 1756 by master mason Mungo Naismith. It was the brainchild of architect Allan Dreghorn. He drew inspiration from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields.
St Andrew’s in the Square wasn’t just constructed. It was commissioned by the city’s wealthy Tobacco Lords. A grand statement of their power and prosperity. Imagine the bustling activity the sounds of hammers. The smell of fresh mortar. This church represented more than just faith. It was a symbol of ambition and wealth in 18th century Glasgow.
Interestingly this church wasn’t the first Presbyterian church in Glasgow after the Reformation. However it was completed later than St Andrew’s-by-the-Green. Its position makes it either the third or fourth oldest church in the city depending on how you define it. The older buildings were the Glasgow Cathedral and the Trongate steeple.
St Andrew’s has witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army encamped around its still-under-construction walls. They were returning from their failed invasion of England. The church walls offered temporary shelter. Later in 1785 huge crowds gathered to witness Vincenzo Lunardi’s daring hot air balloon ascent. He launched it from the churchyard soaring southeast towards Hamilton Lanark. He eventually landed in Hawick.
Even romance bloomed within these walls. Agnes Maclehose better known as Clarinda married her husband here in 1776. Her passionate love letters to Robert Burns inspired his famous poem Ae Fond Kiss.
Time marched on. The city expanded westward. The area around St Andrew’s gradually declined. Its congregation dwindled. The last religious service was held in June 1993. However the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust stepped in. They acquired the church for the symbolic sum of £1. They embarked on a remarkable renovation project.
Victorian additions were carefully removed. The original light and airy feel was restored. An excavation created a basement cafe. This also includes dressing rooms rehearsal space and toilets. The revitalized St Andrew’s reopened on St Andrew’s Day 30 November 2000. It is now Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture celebrating Scottish music song and dance. A true testament to preservation and rebirth. A grand building with a grand history. This is St Andrew’s in the Square.