Isn’t it remarkable how buildings can embody the spirit of a community? St John’s Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It began as a humble mission in 1846. Scotland itself was considered missionary territory. This was under the Western District of Scotland.
Later, in 1878, it became a parish. Initially, it fell under the Archdiocese of Glasgow. By 1948, it was part of the Diocese of Paisley. The construction of the St John’s Catholic Church began in 1853. This met the growing needs of the Catholic population. Many came from Ireland. They sought work on farms and in engineering. These industries were linked to fishing and shipbuilding on the River Clyde.
The church was extended in 1895. This accommodated the increasing population. Look up at the ceiling above the Transept. You can clearly see where the church was enlarged. The growing population and their generosity inspired beautification. The Sanctuary was decorated. The Reredos you see today was started then. It wasn’t completed until the 1930s.
Around 1900, the Rose Window was installed. This was thanks to the Men’s Confraternity of the Sacred Heart. Earley and Co. from Dublin completed the commission. World War II brought dark days to Port Glasgow. Nazi air raids targeted the area. The Rose Window was boarded up. This was both a blackout measure. It also protected against bomb blast damage. One night in May 1941, 34 parishioners tragically died.
During this time, a painting of St Theresa of the Child Jesus appeared. It hangs above the sacristy door. Painted in 1939 it depicts the St John’s Catholic Church. It shows the attached house, the Firth of Clyde and Gareloch. An appeal for old gold and silver resulted in the tabernacle. Also a sanctuary lamp were created.
The Second Vatican Council in the 1960s brought liturgical reforms. In 1977, the church was remodelled. This ensured it suited the new liturgy. The altar rails were removed. They were ingeniously repurposed. They became the balcony you see in the Choir Loft. The old house attached to the church was demolished in 1976. New windows were installed. These depict the industry of the Clyde. The current Parish house was built next to the church.
In 1980, the naive art depiction of the Risen Jesus was installed. It is located above the front door. Inside, at the rear, is a valuable painting. It shows the ‘Taking Down from the Cross.’ This Flemish work from the mid-17th century is by an unknown artist.
The Year of the Great Jubilee saw further renovations in 2000. The sanctuary was remodelled again. It took its present form. The Altar became central. The Ambo and the Chair gained importance. The Baptismal Font with flowing water became a key feature. The Rose Window needed significant restoration. It was over a century old. Vandalism and previous protection attempts had caused damage. Perspex had cracked and become opaque. Little light could penetrate the glass.
A campaign began in 2006 to raise funds. By 2009, parishioners’ generosity reached the target. Scottish Antique Glass began work in late July. Initially, twenty of the forty-six panels needed renovation. Closer inspection revealed more issues. Thirty-six panels were removed for extensive repairs. The remaining ten panels had minor repairs on site. Protective grilles were installed to safeguard the glass. These also allowed maximum light. The project took about 32 weeks. The renovated window was unveiled on March 8th, 2010.
The repainting of the apse and transepts highlighted the window’s colours. The light now dazzles on fine mornings. It illuminates the sanctuary. Bishop Philip Tartaglia inaugurated the restored window. The celebration marked the Parish Feast on June 24th, 2010. Parishioners, craftsmen, builders and clergy gathered.
The story of St John’s Catholic Church shows devotion and generosity. Parishioners continue to attend Mass. Their faith endures despite secularisation. Every weekday morning, around 100 people pray at Mass. Sunday congregations increase. Over 850 people attend. The care for the St John’s Catholic Church building reflects a deep belief. The members see themselves as living stones. They create a spiritual house for God.