Saint Mary's Church, Paisley

Introduction

Saint Mary's Church in Paisley, within the Diocese of Paisley, is a Category B listed building, listed on 27/06/1980. The church was built from plans by Pugin & Pugin, Westminster, using red stone from Locharbriggs Quarry.

History

On 12 November 1871, a Mass Centre was established in the West End of Paisley to serve the increasing number of Catholics. On 15 December 1876, Saint Mary's parish came into being under Rev. William Dillon as first parish priest. The high altar was a gift from Miss Eveline Coats. Following Vatican II, the altar table was brought forward so the priest could face the people.

Rev. John McDonald served as parish priest from 1877 to 1903. Rev. William Davidson served as parish priest from 1903 to 1923. Most windows in the area were destroyed, including the stained glass windows of Saint Mary’s church. In 1947, the Diocese of Paisley was established, and Rev. Frederick P. Pirrie, parish priest of Saint Mary’s from 1924 to 1957, was appointed as the first Vicar General, the first priest to become a monsignor, and the first Provost of the Cathedral Chapter. Since 1st September 2024, the territory of the former parish of St Paul (Foxbar, Paisley) has been united with that of St Mary's parish.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a Gothic rectangular plan with 7-bay nave and buttressed aisles, and a projecting porch. An apse was added in 1905. The front has a gabled end of nave with a 5-light traceried window and semi-vesica in gable. The interior has octagonal piers arcade and an organ gallery at west with fretted balcony.

In March 1925, the Calvary statue in the rear porch, donated by Miss C. Gardiner, was unveiled and dedicated. On 24 February 1929, the Saint Joseph Altar, paid for by parishioners, was unveiled as a memorial to Canon William Davidson. On 14 March 1931, a large brass Paschal candlestick was presented in memory of Hugh Gilloughley. On 28 April 1931, a bronze statue of Our Lady, donated by Mrs. M.J. Greene, was installed in the niche above the main door.

In March 1937, Mrs. Anne McGarrity presented the large crucifix above the sanctuary, hand carved by peasants in the Tyrol. Pugin and Pugin designed the church in 1891 in Geometrical Decorated style. Four niched statues flank the apse windows. The apse and nave have couple roofs with painted square panels.

The church contains modern stained glass. A large stained glass window obtained from Pluscarden Abbey was also installed in the choir loft around this time. A new marble lectern was also commissioned.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptisms are arranged by contacting the priest to discuss preparation and a suitable date. Couples are required to contact the priest at least six months before their intended wedding date.

The first step in funeral preparation is to contact the funeral directors, then the parish priest. Families are given the opportunity to choose readings, hymns and prayers in consultation with the parish priest for funerals.