Church Overview

A large neo-Gothic church with a tall slender spire, that pierces 55 metres into the Glasgow sky, designed by Scottish architect Robert Baldie. The foundation stone was laid by the Chancellor of the University of Glasgow on the 19th May 1877 and its doors opened for worship exactly one year later, on the 19th May 1878. Baldie provided a clock face on all four sides of the landmark tower, for the residents of Pollokshields to set their watches to.

The chancel was heavily remodelled 1911-4, during which time the congregation worshipped at nearby Titwood Parish Church. Following the completion of the work the two congregations formally united in Pollokshields and Titwood was closed, dismantled and moved to Pollok where it was rebuilt as St James’s Parish Church.

The chancel was refloored in marble during the pre-First World War renovations and a white marble pulpit by noted Scottish architect Peter MacGregor Chalmers was installed. The building contains a total of 25 stained glass windows, by artists including Stephen Adam, W. & J.J. Kier  and Robert Anning Bell. The magnificent 3-manual pipe organ by the firm of Harrison & Harrison was installed in 1913, during the major refurbishment. Look out for the splendid eagle lectern on its ball swivel and, at the rear of the church, the four needlework panels by Sally Moodie Harkness representing the Sun, Moon, Earth and Sea. A striking granite war memorial, designed by Peter MacGregor Chalmers in the form of the Ruthwell Cross, commemorating parishioners killed in the World Wars can be found just outside.

Services

Sundays at 11.00am and Wednesdays at 9.45am. Tea and coffee served after services.

Opening Arrangements

Open Wednesday 10.00am-12.00 noon or 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.