The flat roof at St Andrew Church in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, is failing.
Water is seeping into the church, widespread damp. Volunteers are having to set up buckets around the church to try and contain the leaks.
With the climate crisis causing heavier, harsher and more frequent rains and winds, the next winter could see even more damage done to this much-loved local church. If the roof is not fixed soon, the building will be completely unusable.
The church, built in the Brutalist style, is of architectural importance, with a dominant stained glass cross feature that is the entire height of the building, which was designed by distinguished 20th Scottish stained glass artist Gordon Webster. It also has an admirable collection of war memorials from the First and Second World Wars, marking the lives of local people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The issues with the roof (pictured below) is putting the heritage inside the building at risk and making it harder and harder for the church to put on all the community activities it wants to.
Thankfully help is at hand. The church is to share in a £1 million urgent pay out from the National Churches Trust, designed to keep UK churches open and in use. The church will receive a £25,000 grant from the National Churches Trust to help fund the urgent roof repairs.
Fixing the roof will make the church a much more welcoming place for all and retain this beautiful church building as a vital community hub.
Once the roof is fixed, the heating bills will also significantly decrease as a waterproof and windtight building is much more energy efficient.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Andrew church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
David Lynch, Scotland Support Officer at the National Churches Trust, said: “Once the repairs have taken place, the church will be an even more welcoming space for the community to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to support St Andrew’s church – and other churches, chapels and meeting houses and cathedrals across Scotland – to help keep them open and in good repair, now and in the future.”
Tim Mineard, Minister of Barrhead St Andrew’s Parish Church, said: “We at St Andrew’s Church are immensely grateful for the generous support of the National Churches Trust.”
“We are a congregation that is doing our best to reach out into our community and to make the most of our buildings for the people of Barrhead. We run a number of community outreach projects and holiday programmes, and we also employ a full-time Youth & Community Worker. This transformative repair project will enable us to continue providing our valuable services.”
“Our buildings are in use constantly by a wide range of community groups. We are delighted to be able to provide free weekly accommodation to three local youth organisations – a huge asset to the town. We see our buildings as an invaluable legacy through which we can bless our neighbourhood and make a difference.”
“We’re also excited at the potential to make our buildings more energy-efficient and are looking forward to seeing how these works will reduce our carbon footprint and make us more sustainable for the longer term.”
How the grant will help the church
A new durable roof will replace the current failing roof. Existing drainpipes and gutters will be reviewed and upgraded where needed to ensure that rainwater can be properly drained and not enter the building.
More about the church and the heritage that is at risk
St. Andrew is a thriving community hub, hosting everything from Girl Guides groups, Boy’s Brigade and Youth Groups to support groups that help the local community with issues such as Dementia, addiction and mental health. They also host a blood transfusion service. Put simply, there is always something being hosted or run at the church – it is open to the community to use outside of worship.
The Church was built in 1967 to replace the 1796 ‘whitewashed kirk’ that was present on the site. The building was designed by Honeyman, Jack and Robertson of Glasgow.
The church itself is a fine example of a church in the Brutalist style. It has a dominant stained glass cross feature that is the entire height of the building, which was designed by distinguished 20th Scottish stained glass artist Gordon Webster. It also has an admirable collection of war memorials from the First and Second World Wars, marking the lives of local people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
