Saint Mary

Introduction

Saint Mary in Greenock, established in 1808 as the Greenock Mission, is the 'Mother Parish' of Greenock and Lower Clydeside. The ancient chapel of Saint Blane stood in the heart of what later became Saint Mary's Parish.

History

The first resident priest, Simon-Louis Capperon, a refugee from the French Revolution, arrived before 1798. The Greenock Mission was founded in 1808 under its first Rector, Rev. John Davidson.

Rev. John Davidson arrived in Greenock towards the end of 1808 and rented the Star Hall in Broad Close for Mass. The Mission included Port Glasgow, Gourock, and a wide area from Dumbarton down into Ayrshire.

The first Saint Mary's Church was built in 1816. The new, larger Saint Mary's in Patrick Street was opened in 1862. The architect intended a tower for Saint Mary's, but money ran out before it was finished.

In 1994 a new Parish Priest became responsible and was appalled by the dilapidated state of the building. In January 1999 an appeal for £1 million was launched, with 2002 as the target date. Funding was obtained from Historic Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. On 10 April 2003 the church was officially reopened and the new altar dedicated. The most recent Renovation Project was completed in 2003.

Architecture and furnishings

The new altar and matching ambo incorporate marble from the old altar rails. The church's interior was photographed in the 1890s, soon after the installation of the new High Altar. A painting of St Mary's in the snow, 1887, was made by Patrick Downie.

The church's roof was renewed and stonework restored during renovation. The church's Patrick Street facade had crumbling stonework and trees growing out of the wall before renovation. The church's roof leaked badly and roof timbers had rotted before renovation. Emergency repairs were carried out on the roof beams before the major renovation.

The church was hidden under scaffolding during renovation. The old organ pipes which obscured the windows have been removed; the front of the choir loft and the wooden partitions of the rear porch have been replaced with plain glass, making the church much brighter. The church's old, dilapidated crucifix used to hang at the back of the church. The parish maintains an active music ministry, with many people assisting in Music.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Engaged couples should give at least six months notice of their planned marriage date to allow time for adequate preparation. The parish serves the housebound and nursing homes, welcomes student study groups, and is active in local ecumenical initiatives.

Visiting

The parish has a Guides group. Visitors arriving at the nearby docks often call in to attend services and activities. Mass is celebrated online on Sundays and weekdays via live stream.

The parish history book can be obtained at the church or by post. The church is viewed from a new glass porch.