Saint John the Baptist Church, Port Glasgow

Introduction

Saint John the Baptist Church in Port Glasgow, within the Diocese of Paisley, was founded as a mission in 1846 of the Western District of Scotland.

History

The church was extended in 1895 to accommodate the growing population. In 1939 a painting of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus was made, depicting the church with house attached and the Firth of Clyde and Gareloch. In 1980, a naïve art depiction of the Risen Jesus was installed above the front door. In the Great Jubilee year 2000, the sanctuary was remodelled again, highlighting the centrality of the Altar, Ambo and Chair, and a Baptismal Font with flowing water was added.

On the Parish Feast, June 24th 2010, Mass was celebrated and the restored window was solemnly inaugurated. There is a valuable painting of the ‘Taking Down from the Cross’ on the rear wall, of the Flemish school (mid 17th Cent.) by an unknown artist. The church building was begun in 1853 to serve the many Catholics, including many from Ireland, who came to the area seeking work in farms and engineering works.

Architecture and furnishings

The newly renovated window was unveiled on 8 March 2010, with protective grilles fitted outside to protect the glass and allow maximum light penetration.

Parish life

The parish newsletter is called The Proclaimer. The parish links to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Scotland. The parish links to the Catholic charity SCIAF. The parish links to Youth 2000, a Catholic youth initiative.

The parish links to Catholics Come Home, a resource for returning Catholics. The parish links to BeingCatholic.org for adult faith growth opportunities. The parish links to the Diocese of Paisley website. The parish links to Sacred Space, a prayer website.

The parish links to Holyart, a religious art shop. The parish holds the registers of the former parish of The Holy Family (Port Glasgow). The parish organizes a youth pilgrimage to Lourdes, with the 2023 departure scheduled for 29 June 2023.