St. John’s Church
1843 – 1991
The history of St. John’s Church begins in 1843 with the Disruption. A new congregation was formed from members of the North and Middle Parish Churches who wished to follow Free Church Principles. During the first 18 months worship was held in the Exchange Rooms and the Gaelic Chapel in Oakshaw Street. In November 1844 the Free Middle Church was opened for public worship in School Wynd. The Church seated between 900 and 1,000. This was much smaller than the present structure. It had the distinction of being the first Free Church to be built in Paisley. Rev. Alexander Forrester, DD, was the first minister. Although he seems to have been an able man, he was not very successful in his Paisley ministry and the membership drifted away.
He resigned in September 1848 emigrating to Nova Scotia where he was more successful.
Rev. William Fraser, LLD, was ordained in 1849. His was a famous ministry giving notable service to the Church for 30 years until his death in 1879. The Church prospered during his ministry with a large increase in the congregation from 160 to 800. He received the Honorary Degree of LLD from Glasgow University in recognition of his eminent service and outstanding ability. In 1854 a piece of ground at Underwood Road was presented by Mr. James Pollock on which the manse was built. In 1862 it was declared that the condition of the Church building was faulty and it was decided to re-model the Church on the same site. The buttresses were added along with an additional bay to the front and the apse to the rear. At the same time a hall was built behind the church providing accommodation for 200 persons with a vestry at the east end and a library to the west. The new Church, was opened in 1863. This is the Church built in the Gothic revival style that we know today. It was designed by James Salmond & Son Architects and in 1985 was listed as Category B. One noticeable piece of work that Dr. Fraser undertook in the new Hall was the Bible Institute, a class for men from different denominations which frequently filled the hall to capacity.
Not only did Dr. Fraser preside over the new buildings for his congregation but he contributed to the life of the town. He resuscitated the Paisley Philosophical Society and proposed the building of the Free Library and Museum in 1866. Sir Peter Coats authorised and donated these magnificent buildings to the people of Paisley in 1867. In August 1879 while Dr. Fraser was in poor health a public testimony from all classes of the community amounting to two thousand guineas was presented to him by Mr. Thomas Coats in the Manse. He died a month later aged 62. He had been the outstanding personality in the town. At his funeral besides those who crowded the church, there were hundreds of spectators in School Wynd and at the Cross, They also congregated along the whole route to Woodside Cemetery. Over 500 mourners followed the hearse. Dr. Fraser was succeeded by Rev. William Macloy in 1881 but he resigned the same year.
The next long serving minister was Rev. J. Renny Caird, MA from Campbeltown. His successful ministry lasted 25 years from 1882 – 1907. In 1883 a new manse was purchased at High Calside. During this time the congregation carried out excellent Home Mission work with the Sneddon Mission as its base. In 1895 the Thomas Muir Memorial Hall, known as the Mission Hall, was built in North Street off Love Street and became a centre of support for the people living in the North of Paisley. It was gifted by Mr. John Muir and Mr. Roger Muir in memory of their brother Thomas all of whom were Elders in the church. In 1900 the first Union took place when the Free Churches and the United Presbyterian Churches joined together changing from the Free Middle Church to the United Free Middle Church. The Quarterly Review was introduced at this time providing a record of congregational activities. A full copy of this important source of Church history is held in the Paisley Museum and near complete sets are available for viewing at Oakshaw Trinity Church. The 14thPaisley Boys’ Brigade Company was formed in 1900 by Mr. John H. Watson and met in the Muir Memorial Hall. Although Mr. Caird was much admired as a preacher, he was perhaps a trifle too outspoken and not inclined to suffer fools or persons who disagreed with him, gladly. Although the congregation dwindled many stood by him. He did not bear any animosity towards those who left the fold. However on one occasion he said, “Well, I never signed a disjunction certificate with greater pleasure in my life”.
His retirement to Dunoon in June 1906 was short as he passed away in March 1907.
Rev. John Macaskill was the next minister. Although he spent only 9 years (1907 – 1916) with the congregation, significant changes took place over this period. In 1908 electric lighting was installed and the fine pipe organ was built by Messrs Norman & Beard. It was during this time that the congregation became especially interested in Foreign Mission as several of Rev. Macaskill’s family were missionaries and the congregation could feel personally involved. Another important addition in 1914 was the erection of a brass tablet as a memorial to former and future ministers. The tablet was unveiled by Dr. Fraser’s son Sir Matthew P. Fraser , K.C., Sheriff of Chancery who was deeply affected by the warmth of the memory of his father’s people. Mr. Macaskill brought a warm humanity that was all the more extraordinary because he was brought up in all the severities of the Highland Church. He was gentle and kindly. Although not really strong enough for such arduous duties, he would remain out late on Saturday nights to help drunken men home. He would not be dissuaded when others tried to prevent him doing such work. In 1910 Mr. Macaskill’s health gave way and the congregation sent him to Algiers for a rest and a successful recovery. In 1915 Mr. Macaskill felt the call to go to France to help with the work of the Y.M.C.A.
Although it is doubtful whether his frail physique was really fit for such a service he spent three successful months there. Writing from the Convalescent Depot at Havre, the Director, after thanking the congregation for their gifts of money and comforts, said “But the greatest contribution your congregation has made was the time your minister spent in our midst”. In 1916 Mr. Macaskill was called to Wallace Green Church, Berwick-on-Tweed where he died in March 1919, when the congregation and the townsfolk mourned as we did, the loss of a true man of God.
Rev. Macaskill’s successor in June 1916 was Rev. Oliver Russell, MA, of Peebles who spent a happy and fruitful 9 years with the congregation. He introduced the Children’s League of Worship in 1917, when children attending church received a small picture to be placed in an album. This was replaced with a stamp on a card. The League of Worship continued for over 60 years. During this year it was decided to use unfermented wine at communion and the common cup was replaced by the individual cup. It was decided that new halls were required and a fund for this purpose was created in 1918. In 1919 the 11th Paisley Guide Company was formed and five years later their colours were dedicated. Another important innovation was the introduction of the Freewill Offering Scheme in 1921, a boon to the Church Treasurer allowing him to budget with reasonable accuracy. During this year a War Memorial Plaque was commissioned to honour those church members who gave their lives in the Great War. Mr. Russell gave an impression of happiness and vigour. Although he had experienced the ordeal of war he faced life with a smile and boldly went forth to conquer. He was untiring in visiting his people and organisations bringing encouragement and cheerfulness wherever he went. Mr. Russell was inducted to St. Stephen’s Church, Edinburgh in April1925.
On 22nd September 1925 the much esteemed Rev. John Mackinnon M.A. from Inverness was inducted to remain for 31 years, even though he was reluctant to leave the Highlands.
He served in the ranks in France during the war, electing not to accept a Commission.
1929 was a momentous year, the new Halls being opened. The Building fund was inaugurated in 1916 and had realised £8,790 with only a shortfall of £370. In his complementary remarks Colonel W.F. Dobbie included “The new halls provided scope for developing their agencies and would help the Church take an even more important part in the Christian life of the community”. This was the year of the Union of Churches. The Church of Scotland united with the United Free Church. At this time the Church changed its name from THE UNITED FREE CHURCH to St. JOHN’S CHURCH.
In 1932 The Woman’s Guild replaced the Women’s Work Party and the Girls’ Auxiliary. The Communion Roll in 1943 numbered 1,072 members, there were 50 Elders and 46 Deacons. The Men’s Club was formed that year. The congregation was much more scattered and the coming of the motor car was a great help to the minister in visiting his congregation. He never spared himself in this respect or in any other. He also set an example of service, giving long hours to Civil Defence work. Sadly after the disaster at Woodside when nearly one hundred people were killed their bodies were taken to the St. John’s Hall for identification. St. John’s Dramatic Club had a tremendous achievement in 1949 with their production of “Wind Along the Waste” by T. M. Watson. They came first out of 478 entries to win the Scottish Community Drama Festival. They represented Scotland in London but were unsuccessful mainly due to the play being about life in the East End of Glasgow and the judges having difficulty with the dialect. In 1950 the large platform in front of the organ was built. This accommodated the new alter, organ console, communion table, lectern and font all in light oak.
Due to his great reputation Rev. Mackinnon was invited to take the pulpit of the Scots Church in Sydney, Australia for 6 months. He carried out this task with honour in 1948.
The centenary of the church occurred during this ministry. With great regret and much appreciation of his worth, the congregation paid tribute to him on his death in 1958.
Rev. Arthur H. Gray, MA was inducted in 1957. From 1935 – 1950 Mr. Gray was a much loved minister in St. Francis-in-the-East Church in Bridgeton one of the poorest areas in Glasgow, especially during the depression. It is there in 1937 that he had the vision to open a centre for young people in this area of mass unemployment. In 1942 Church House was opened. The story told in Sally Magnusson’s booklet ‘A Shout In the Street‘.
He wasn’t long at St. John’s when he took part in a number of “Late Call” programmes on Television. In 1960 the Diamond Jubilee of the Boys’ Brigade Company was celebrated. Eight of the original members attended. The company won the prestigious Paisley Battalion Scripture Knowledge Trophy three years running from 1968. The Captain at that time, Frank Scott ensured that all boys attended Sunday morning Bible Class at 10 a.m. in the Muir Memorial Hall. “No Bible Class no football on Saturday!”.
In 1964, it was decided that the Church should have a Congregational Board, to carry out the financial administration of the Church in place of the Deacons’ Court. This gave an opportunity for women to serve in a church court. In February 1965, members were elected to the Board, a major step forward in the history of the church. Also in this year the 8 O’Clock club was formed. The Woman’s Guild approached a small group of young mothers to entertain them for an evening. This was very successful and the new club was formed to give the women of the church a social evening once a month. Rev. Arthur Gray resigned in January 1966 to take up his charge in Pollockshields-Titwood Church. During his 9 years at St. John’s he had presided over many important changes and successful activities. His Youth Club on a Sunday evening was very successful with the Lower Hall filled to capacity.
Rev. A.(Sandy) J. Geddes, MA,BD was inducted in November 1967.
The Choir wore robes for the first time at the Christmas Service in 1968.
Several notable anniversaries took place during his ministry. November 1969 saw the 125th Anniversary of St. John‘s. February 1970 marked the Golden Jubilee of the Girl Guides. In October 1972 there was the 40thBirthday Party of the Woman’s Guild. In 1975 the Boys’ Brigade Company celebrated their 75th Anniversary. The Company was presented with its own Colours by Mrs. Nan Ritchie, and they were laid up in the Chancel area with the Guide Colours. The Pipe Band was re-established in 1978. September 1979 saw the Golden Jubilee of the Halls, celebrating a time of triumph, joy and thanksgiving.
Alterations were made to the buildings. In 1969 the South Hall was dedicated (later to become the first stage of the Wynd Centre). In February 1974, the Loggia, a covered passageway between the Church, the Main Hall entrance and the South Hall was completed. The Quarterly Review, first published in1900, reached its 278th edition in June 1969. It was replaced by a new monthly magazine “Contact” until May 1976 when it was later produced Quarterly until its last publication in 1991.
In 1975 after much discussion the Thomas Muir Memorial Hall was sold after 80 years of service to the community. The Mission Sunday School and the Boys’ Brigade Company moved to School Wynd. The YMCA transferred to the headquarters in New Street where there was a Chapel for their meetings and a gymnasium for football training. Sadly in 1975 the St. John’s Branch folded, ending a long history of Church Branches in Paisley.
New ventures included Garden Fetes in the manse grounds at Thornly Park, Christmas Fayres, the Sunday Café after the Church service. Mr. Geddes held a Vestry Hour on Thursday evenings. The ever successful Dramatic Club reached the National Finals of the Scottish Community Drama Association at Stirling in 1967 with their production of “Sabrina Fair“ by Samuel Taylor. In 1973 they were invited to take their production, Andre O’Bays “Noah” to the Edinburgh Festival.
Our Missionary Partners were Dr. Janet Duncan in Kalimpong and Miss Margaret Millar in Zambia. Mr. Geddes was involved with home mission when in conjunction with the Salvation Army he led a group of St.John’s members in seeking out homeless men and women who had found shelter in derelict Paisley tenements. As bread, soup and a word of comfort was brought to them the shout of “Captain’s Boys” went up to let them know it was safe to reply. This sorry state of affairs was greatly improved with the opening of the Paisley Christian Action Centre in the former Middle Church. This provided support with accommodation, food and clothing for our homeless. Along with other churches, members of St. John’s, were involved in a number of ways, including an early rise to make much appreciated cooked breakfasts.
In November 1979, Rev. Sandy Geddes moved to Langstane Church in his native Aberdeen after an eventful 13 years ministry. Dr. Arthur H. Gray became “Locum”.
In October 1980, Rev. Ian S. Currie, BD was inducted, the tenth minister in 138 years.
At his interview Mr. Currie was impressed with the forward thinking of St. John’s Kirk Session and their vision to convert the South Halls into a centre for the community. The money from the sale of the Thomas Muir Memorial Hall to form the base of future funding requirements. In 1982 a committee was formed along with members of Orr Square Church and the School Wynd Congregational Church with a view to form a partnership in this project. In February 1983, the three congregations gave their overwhelming support for the project. In September 1984 the new Wynd Centre was opened by Rev. Canon Kenyan Wright. It became a registered Scottish Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee under the control of a Board of Directors elected from the membership of the three congregations. In 1985, the High Church congregation joined in the running of the Wynd Centre. The Golden Jubilee of the Woman’s Guild was celebrated in 1982. This was marked by the Guild commissioning a splendid Pulpit Fall incorporating the Golden Eagle of St. John and the Chinese philosophical symbol the Yin – Yang, one half of which is the Paisley pattern. The Pulpit Fall is complemented by a table runner and Bible markers donated by the family of the late Robert Boyd.
In 1988 another beautiful Pulpit Fall was gifted to the church by the Brown family from Canada. This was specially designed for Communion, Wedding and Baptismal services. In silver and white, it represents living water flowing into a communion cup where it turns into the blood of Christ. The cup also refers to St. John the Evangelist who was given a poisoned chalice. On drinking from it, the poison became a serpent – to be seen on the rod below the cup – which slithered away. Matching Bible Markers were gifted by Mrs. Dorothy MacLeod in memory of her husband Peter.
In 1981 the Girl Guides received a new Queen’s Colour to be laid up in the Church. In December 1988, the 8 O’Clock Club celebrated its 21st Birthday. After a lapse of several years the Boys’ Brigade had a Pipe Band which led the parade from the Muir Memorial Hall in North Street to the Church in celebration of the Company’s 90th Birthday. In 1990 Mr. Currie arranged a visit to the Holy Land. The links with Rev. Margaret Miller were maintained with a visit of two of her Deaconesses from Zambia in 1983. In 1990 she moved from Kwacha East to the north west region of Zambia to start building a new church, again in a sparsely populated area. The continuing support of the church was much appreciated. In 1984 the first lady elders were ordained to the Kirk Session.
The four churches on the hill having worked together for 3 years to ensure the success of the Wynd Centre now looked at the possibility of becoming one united Church. In 1987 a Joint Strategy Committee was created to form a draft Basis and Plan of Union. In May 1990 each of the four congregations voted on the proposal for a Union. School Wynd Congregational Church, the High Church and St. John’s Church voted to unite, but Orr Square Church voted against the Union ( later to join in 1994). In May 1991 the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland approved the Union, the new Church to be called Oakshaw Trinity Church. In August 1991 there was a service of Union in the High Church and in September 1991 the first service of Oakshaw Trinity Church was held in the St. John’s building. The congregation worshipped there until major refurbishment of the High Church building was completed and re-opened by HRH Princess Anne in 1994.
This was not to be the end of the St. John’s Church buildings as in June 2001 HRH Princess Anne reopened the building as the extension to the Wynd Centre. Externally every damaged piece of masonry was replaced and internally there was a complete redesign of the building including an additional floor incorporating a 200 seat auditorium. The project cost £2.7 million and was fully funded. Those members and ministers who looked after their church since 1843 would take great heart in what has been achieved and seeing their buildings being used seven days a week by such a large number of community groups in Paisley and beyond. As Mr. John G. Stewart, the first chairman of the Wynd Centre stated on many occasions “the task ahead is never as great as the power behind us”.
In 1997 Rev. Ian Currie was presented with a MBE at Buckingham Palace for his work as Chairman of Victim Support Scotland. He left Oakshaw Trinity in June 2005, after 25 years service, to take up his charge in Rothesay where he was central in creating a union of four churches in the formation of The United Church of Bute.
The Guild, the Men’s Club, the 14th Paisley Boys’ Brigade Company, the 11th Paisley Guide Company and Brownies, the Drama Group (now Trinity Theatre Group) and the 8 O’Clock Club still meet regularly as organisations within Oakshaw Trinity Church.
This short history of St. John’s Church mentions briefly the work of its ministers through the years. It doesn’t tell in detail the devotion to duty and faithful service of individual members of the congregation, the leadership of the Kirk Session, Deacon’s Court, Woman’s Guild, Congregational Board, Sunday School teachers and the many other organisations covering all ages. The excellent music provided by the choirs and organists. The support to their husbands and the organisations given by the “Ladies of the Manse“. Add to this those who gave to the Church for its adornment and have undertaken the task of raising and gifting money. They have all in their own way, with their faith to guide them, ensured the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom in his town of Paisley.
Agnes Manwell / Frank Scott
