The soaring copper roof a gigantic sail. That’s how they described St Benedict’s Catholic Church in Drumchapel. St Benedict’s wasn’t just any church. It was a masterpiece of modern architecture. Designed by Gillespie Kidd and Coia it stood tall from 1964 to 1970.
St Benedict’s in Glasgow was more than bricks and mortar. It was a testament to the vision of architects Isi Metzstein and Andy McMillan. Their design was bold. It was innovative. The copper roof wasn’t just for show. It was a key element of the design. Inside the timber-lined roof curved upwards. Light poured in from a clerestory-style window range. The effect was dramatic and breathtaking.
But St Benedict’s had its secrets. One was the unusual shape of its ceiling. Pictures show a massive cross-beam supporting the upward sweep of the roof. This unique design was sadly lost. The church was demolished in 1991. The reason was structural problems and water damage. The Catholic Church couldn’t afford the repairs.
Many believe St Benedict’s was one of Gillespie Kidd and Coia’s best designs. It was a symbol of the firm’s contribution to Scottish religious architecture. Sadly several of their churches faced similar issues. Copper roofs seemed to be a recurring problem. St Bride’s in East Kilbride also needed major repairs. St Peter’s College in Cardross stands derelict.
The story of St Benedict’s is a poignant one. It’s a story of architectural ambition and sadly its demise. It’s a reminder that even the most magnificent structures can fall victim to time and circumstance. Yet the memory of its unique beauty remains. The image of that soaring copper roof lives on in photographs and memories. The legacy of St Benedict’s Catholic Church endures. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era. An era of ambitious church architecture in Glasgow.