Perhaps the stones could tell tales of centuries past. Inchinnan Parish Church stands as a testament to faith. It has stood here for over 1400 years. This place has been a center for Christian worship since 597 A.D.
The story of Inchinnan Parish Church begins with St. Conval. He was a disciple of St. Kentigern also known as St. Mungo. Conval established the first settlement. It was a simple structure of mud and wattles.
The first church was named St. Conval’s. It was built around 1100 near the Black Cart River. This was about 20 years before Glasgow Cathedral. It also predates Paisley Abbey by 60 years.
King David I gifted the lands of Inchinnan and the church to the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Later in 1560 patronage shifted. It went to the Lennoxes then the Duke of Montrose. Finally in 1737 the Campbells of Blythswood gained control.
By 1828 the medieval building was in poor condition. Major Archibald Campbell built a new church. At the end of the 19th century Archibald the first Baron Blythswood financed another new church.
This new All Hallows Church was built around the existing one. This allowed services to continue during construction. It was consecrated on June 6 1904. Sadly the construction of Glasgow Airport at Abbotsinch led to its demolition. The closing service took place on June 20 1965. Worship continued in the nearby church hall until June 1968.
Park Church was built in 1849. Henderson of Park built it for the Free Church Congregation. This was after the Disruption of 1843. They had left the parish church. They had been worshipping in a barn at Barsail.
The congregations of Park Church and All Hallows Church formally linked on June 10 1934. They united in July 1938. Park Church was used for worship until June 1968. The present church commemorates this union. The Communion Table from Park Church is in the side chapel. Bells from both churches hang in the tower. They call people to worship.
The foundation stone of the present Inchinnan Parish Church was laid on November 19 1966. It was dedicated on June 6 1968. Miller and Black were the architects. They incorporated as much as possible of All Hallows in the new building. The original flat roofs were replaced with pitched roofs from 1990 onwards.
The sanctuary is at the heart of Inchinnan Parish Church. Natural brick walls and stained glass windows fill it with daylight. The prayer desk pulpit and communion table face a stunning rose window.
Thirteen sculptured stones were moved from the site of All Hallows. Three of these are from the early Celtic period. These stones now reside in the present church.
Inchinnan Parish Church participates in Renfrewshire Doors Open Day. Both the original site of All Hallows and the current church building are included.
Inchinnan Parish Church continues to be a place of community. It is a welcoming space for all. It stands as a symbol of enduring faith and history. Its story echoes through the stones. It resonates within the hearts of its congregation.