What if these walls could talk? Renfield Street, Saint Steven’s Church and Centre has quite a story to tell.
Renfield Street, Saint Steven’s Church and Centre stands as a testament to Glasgow’s evolving religious landscape. Its history is a blend of splits, unions and rebirths. This Church of Scotland parish church has a compelling past.
Originally known as Renfield St Stephen’s, the church’s story began with a schism. In 1849, a group broke away from George Street Congregational Church. They desired a new space for worship. They commissioned John Thomas Emmett to design their church. Built between 1849 and 1852, the church embraced an English Gothic Revival style. Kenmure sandstone formed its sturdy frame. The total cost reached about 10,000 pounds.
However, by 1874, the congregation dwindled. Industrialist James Baird stepped in. He purchased the building and gifted it to the Church of Scotland. This marked a new chapter for Renfield Street, Saint Steven’s Church and Centre. It was designated a Category B listed building in 1970.
The building became Blythswood Parish Church. This followed its acquisition by the Church of Scotland. In 1920, Blythswood united with St Matthew’s parish. The church then became St Matthew’s Blythswood Parish Church. St Matthew’s had been established in 1835.
More changes were on the horizon. 1960 saw St Matthew’s Blythswood joining with St Stephen’s Buccleuch. The name changed again to St Stephen’s Buccleuch Parish Church. Like St Matthew’s, St Stephen’s also traces its roots back to 1835.
In 1966, a significant decision was made. The parish sold the church to the Renfield Street Trust. Renfield Parish Church needed a new home. Their original church was closing. It was demolished in 1964. Renfield Parish, established in 1848, had joined the Church of Scotland in 1929.
The story continues with yet another union. Cowcaddens parish joined in 1967. The church was then simply known as St Stephen’s. A refurbishment and rededication followed in 1969. An adjoining church centre was added. It was built on the site of former tenement flats. It included a chapel dedicated to St Matthew.
Finally, in 1974, Renfield Parish and St Stephen’s Parish united forming Renfield St Stephen’s. Then in 2019 Renfield St Stephen’s and Anderston Kelvingrove united to form St Andrew’s West. Today, the congregation represents a union of 15 original congregations.
But the drama wasn’t over. On December 26, 1998 a hurricane struck. The spire, undergoing restoration, collapsed. It crashed onto the church inflicting significant damage. A large gash marred the building. The repairs cost about 3,000,000 pounds. On September 28, 2001, the church reopened.
Today, Renfield Street, Saint Steven’s Church and Centre stands as a symbol of resilience. It shows Glasgow’s ever-changing spiritual journey through time.
Its organ also boasts a rich history. Originally built by Willis in 1879 for Renfield Street Church, it was rebuilt here in 1968. The 1998 spire collapse destroyed the original console. In 2001, David Wells Organ Builders created a new mobile console. The pipes reside in chambers on either side of the chancel.
So next time you pass by Renfield Street, Saint Steven’s Church and Centre remember its layered past. It is more than just a building. It is a chronicle of faith, unity and renewal in the heart of Glasgow.