Church Overview

This beautiful, late Victorian, sandstone church began its story as a small church on Riverside Road, designed for the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland by Arts & Crafts era architect Fred Rowntree, partner in the firm of Stark & Rowntree. Its foundation stone was laid in September 1898 and the church was opened on 1 June 1899. 

The United Presbyterian Church merged with the Free Church in 1900, forming the United Free Church and it was deemed necessary to build a larger church adjacent to Rowntree’s building. Prominent Scottish architect Harry Edward Clifford was engaged to design the building that was built of stone from Giffnock and Auchenheath from 1901-03 and now fronts onto Langside Drive. Rowntree’s original building became the church hall and in 1929 the United Free Church reunited with the Church of Scotland the enlarged church building became Newlands South Parish Church. A further extension was added in 1965.

The sanctuary contains a fine hammerbeam roof, with bold stone arches on low octagonal piers leading to its side aisles. Visitors eyes are immediately drawn to the magnificent stained glass window in the chancel, flanked on either side by the organ, with a neatly carved oak pulpit, communion table and choir stalls beneath. The church also possesses a stunning war memorial window by noted late Pre-Raphaelite artist Sidney Harold Meteyard that was unveiled in 1920, depicting four saints above the figures of an infantryman, a navel officer, a nurse and an airman.

Volunteers from the church also maintain the well-kept gardens outside the church and its halls are well used for a variety of community functions.

Services

Sundays at 10.30am. Tea and coffee served after services.

Opening Times

Open 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.