St Joseph's Church, Bonnybridge

Introduction

St Joseph's Church in Bonnybridge, within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, had its foundation stone laid on 2nd April 1925 by Bishop Henry Gray Graham. The church was officially opened on Saturday 7th August 1925 with Solemn High Mass celebrated by Father Miley.

History

The last service in the Broomhill church was held on Sunday 1st August 1925, after serving the congregation of about 1,000 members for 16 years. The church was built with voluntary labour by the men and women of the parish in beautifying the church and grounds. The church hall was opened on Friday 18th September 1925, and Father Miley declared it a unique occasion as never before had there been a Catholic church, school and hall in Bonnybridge.

Architecture and furnishings

The church was constructed of terra cotta face bricks with roughcast and asbestos slates on the roof. The church measured 95ft by 40ft and had a seating capacity of 500 people. The church was built with a High Altar, a Lady Chapel to its right, a bell turret to the right of the entrance, and a large hall below. The church and hall were fitted with electric light and central heating.

The church was built with a central doorway with vestibule and two doors leading into the church, and two flights of steps at the entrance. The colourful 3-D 'Last Supper' panel, produced by an Italian artist, is a near-perfect representation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. A new Holy Spirit stained-glass window was installed by 2003.

On 20th December 1925 the new Stations of the Cross were installed by Rev Father Wilson, S.J., Garnethill, Glasgow. The church has a set of original, hand-painted Stations of the Cross in finely carved oak frames.

In 1987, the choir loft featured an open, ornate balcony. In 1991, the open choir loft was filled in with glass panels to create the 'crying chapel'.

Parish life

The parish runs a St Vincent de Paul Society that helps those in the community most in need. St Joseph's Primary School, situated immediately beside the church, maintains close contact with the parish and has a nursery unit open to all denominations. The parish has a Eucharistic ministers group that delivers the Eucharist to housebound parishioners and those in hospital. The parish has a Children's Liturgy group that brings children to the parish house for their own version of the Sunday liturgy.

The parish has a music liturgy group with an organist and other musicians who accompany the congregation. The parish has a group of young altar servers who serve at Masses, weddings and funerals. The parish has a group of Readers who read Scripture at the Liturgy of the Word. The parish has Passkeepers who welcome parishioners, act as stewards, take up collections, manage lost property and count attendances.

Dr Thomas Reilly was persuaded to return to Bonnybridge and set up a General Practice in the village. Dr Thomas Reilly was the first doctor on the scene of the Castlecary Rail Disaster on 10th December 1937. Dr Thomas Reilly was patron in perpetuity of the Kathy Innes Benevolent Fund.

Regular events

In August 2005, the parish marked its 80th anniversary with a special Mass, a cheese and wine party, a family barbecue, and a parish dance. On 12 August 2025, the parish celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of St Joseph's Parish Church. A special feature of St Joseph's is the Sunday Teas held in the church hall after Mass.

Sacraments and pastoral care

On 10th August 1924, Bishop Graham administered Confirmation to six adults, 68 girls and 68 boys. A small hall connected with the Broomhill church hosted congregational activities, including a very active Sunday school.

Notable people and events

Father Edward Miley died in July 1928, having been ordained in 1897 and served as parish priest at St Michael's, Linlithgow for 12 years before coming to Bonnybridge in 1922.