Our church building wasn’t always used by our congregation: like the groups that make up our rich and diverse history, it has a similarly fascinating backstory.
1849 :- Following a split in the congregation of George Street Congregational Church, a group set up an Independent Church led by the Rev Samuel T Porter and purchased land in Bathy St / Holland St to build a church. London architect, John T Emmet, who specialised in the English Gothic Revival style, design the new church.
1852 :- Church building complete at a cost of £10,000. Reported in The Illustrated London News of 19th June 1852. Records of this congregation no longer exist. By 1874, the congregation had dwindled and was no longer active. The building was put up for sale.
1875 :- The building was purchased by James Baird of Cambusdoon (Ayrshire) and gifted to the Church of Scotland for use by the congregation of the Parish of Blythswood. It became known as Blythswood Parish Church.
1905 :- Stained-glass window, designed by Norman McLeod, installed behind the chancel in memory of James Baird by the congregation incorporating the text Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest (Matthew 11:28).
1920 :- The church becomes the home of the united congregations of St Matthew’s and Blythswood under the name of St Matthew’s Blythswood Parish Church. The War Memorial at the back of the chancel is dedicated that year.
1960 :- St Matthew’s Blythswood amalgamates with St Stephen’s to become St Stephen’s Blythswood Parish Church. Monthly services continue to be held in the building, but most services took place in the former St Stephen’s Church in Cambridge St.
1966 :- Building sold by St Stephen’s Blythswood to the Renfield St Trust for use by Renfield Parish Church. The Renfield St Trust had formed in 1964 following the sale of Renfield St Church, which was later demolished. British Home Stores (BHS) occupied the site until 2016.
1974 :- Renfield and St Stephen’s (it had changed its name to St Stephen’s in 1967, following the union with Cowcaddens) unite to become Renfield St Stephen’s Parish Church. The St Stephen’s buildings in Cambridge St, which were in need of major repairs, were sold for commercial development and demolished shortly thereafter.
1981 :- Visit by the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Earl of Elgin.
1989 :- The fountain from the church garden at the Glasgow Garden Festival 1988 installed in the Patio.
1993 – 95 :- Church Centre significantly altered and refurbished. New entrance constructed at the Patio level with wheelchair access. Chapel named St Matthew’s Chapel.
1998 :- Hurricane on Boxing Day (also St Stephen’s Day) caused the collapse of the steeple (the top was undergoing repair and was surrounded by scaffolding) into the sanctuary causing extensive structural damage. Thankfully no one was injured or killed. Weekly worship continue in the hall.
2001 :- Restored and refurbished sanctuary and chapel formally dedicated by the Kirk Moderator, the Rt Rev John Miller. Chairs replaced pews and the pulpit was removed. Organ console rebuilt. Visit by HRH The Princess Royal.
2019 :- Renfield St Stephen’s and Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Churches unite to become St Andrew’s West Parish Church.
St Andrew's West Parish Church 