Saint Joseph

Introduction

Construction began as soon as plans were approved by the Dean of Guild Court on 1st May 1911. The church was formally opened by Archbishop Mackintosh on 6th August 1912. The tower planned to sit above the cross of the nave and transepts was never realized.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a 4-bay arcaded nave and passage aisles, a timber-boarded vaulted roof, and is galleried to the west. The building is constructed of squared and coursed bull-faced red sandstone with ashlar dressings. The roof is covered in grey and green slate with red ridge tiles. The entrance elevation features paired segmental-arched doorways, a large rose window above, and a statue of Saint Joseph in a decorated canopied niche.

Octagonal ashlar gatepiers with corniced moulded caps support stylised wrought-iron gates. After the Second Vatican Council, the sanctuary was adapted with a free-standing altar, an ambo, and relocation of the Baptismal Font. The vestibule extension was made possible by the generous legacy of René and Leda Taverne, who died in 1993 and 1999 respectively. The most recent refurbishment took place in preparation for the centenary of the building, with a grant from the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust.

Parish life

The parish of Saint Joseph serves the Argyll area of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and incorporates the churches of Saint Joseph’s, Helensburgh; Saint Gildas, Rosneath; and Saints Peter and Paul, Arrochar. The parish maintains a well-established Facebook Group and an Instagram page.

The parish maintains a Prayers for the Sick List that parishioners can join by emailing the parish or giving a written note to the priest. A 'First Friday Mass' is held with children from Saint Joseph's School joining the congregation.