Church Overview

Situated off the main road at the back of a terrace of workers’ cottages at Craigston Square, the building, originally built as an engine shed in 1845, was converted for church use in 1867. In addition to its long years of use as a place of worship and community, it also provides one of the last tangible features linking the village to its significant industrial heritage.

Surrounded by coalfields and significant iron deposits, Lugar thrived during the Industrial Revolution. William Baird and Company operated an ironworks in the village and William Murdoch, a Scottish engineer and inventor famous for his innovations with steam engines and gas lighting, was born in Lugar in 1754. A gas light dating back to his era is still located near the entrance road to the church. 

The interior is simply decorated, with wooden pews and a timber gallery above containing more seating. There are a number of painted panels showing scenes from the village’s industrial past. Some years ago, the village war memorial was relocated inside the church grounds due to safety concerns in its original location. It is fairly unusual in that it names those local residents who fell during World War Two as well as those who returned safely from active service on behalf of the country. The World War One memorial is located inside the church.

Ahead of its 150th celebrations in 2017 the church was re-roofed and its distinctive timber belfry was carefully reconstructed. Further significant internal repairs were carried out in 2020-21, to ensure its continued use for many years to come as an important hub at the heart of its community.

Services

Sundays at 10am.

Opening Arrangements

By arrangement

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.