“Did you know that the symbols on the pillars of Croftfoot United Free Church tell a story?” This isn’t just any church. Croftfoot United Free Church in Glasgow has a rich history. It began as a mission from the Macnicol Memorial Church of Scotland in the Gorbals. By 1933 only a tiny percentage of Gorbals residents were Presbyterian. The church decided to move to the growing suburb of Croftfoot. The foundation stone of the current building was laid in 1935. The halls were finished first and used for services until the church opened in 1936.
The church is full of fascinating details. Look closely at the pillars. They display symbols of the four Evangelists Matthew Mark Luke and John. A man a lion an ox and an eagle. These are based on creatures from Ezekiel and Revelation. Early Christians linked them to the Gospels. The pillars also feature ribbons representing eternity and the Tree of Life. This imagery speaks to the church’s enduring faith and hope.
The pulpit features the monogram IHS. This is short for the Greek word IHSOYS which means Jesus. On the font is a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The pulpit font and nave pillars are octagonal. This eight-sided shape reflects the theme of rebirth. The communion table is shaped like a wheel. This design refers to the Last Supper.
The organ now in Croftfoot United Free Church has an interesting past. It was originally built for Burnbank UP Church in 1898. Amazingly some of the pipes from the original Gorbals Church are still used today. The bell in the belfry was a gift from the congregation. It remembers those who died in World War II. It is inscribed “To the Glory of God and to the Memory of the Fallen 1939-1946”.
Even the chancel has a story. In 1963 a heavy curtain was added. The morning sun through the tall windows had been too bright for the congregation. The curtain solved the problem. So Croftfoot United Free Church is much more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and community. Each detail each symbol each addition tells a story of the people who built and cherished this place.