Work commenced on 9th May 2016 and is progressing well. There is scaffolding up outside and inside the Church but it has not deterred us from holding our Services in the Sanctuary.A few of the photos taken. the first is of the front with the scaffolding, the second is inside the tower and the third is stonemason at work.

Glasgow Evangelical Church has received a Places of Worship Grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Repairs and Restoration of their Category A listed building, in Glasgow’s historic Cathedral Square.

The project aims to carry out the restoration of the building on Cathedral Square and encourage more people to share the heritage. Grants of £116,400 have been received from both the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland totalling £232,800 as part of the Places of Worship Grant scheme. 

The project will carry out essential conservation work to the Category-A Listed Building, involving urgent repairs to the tower and roof.  In addition, the project will undertake activities designed to share the heritage of the building with as wide an audience as possible.  Activities will involve training opportunities on-site, site visits, provision of interpretation, resource packs, guided walks, talks, presentations and developing a digital model of the historic building.

The building is a highly ornate, Italianate Baroque style church building which sits impressively on Cathedral Square within the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.  Designed by the celebrated architect John Honeyman, some of the key interesting features of the building include statues of St Peter, St Paul and the four evangelists overlooking the square and a very impressive stained glass window behind a large organ, which is a key feature of the building and attracts a lot of interest from various groups.  Built in 1878-80, the church began life as the Cathedral Square United Presbyterian Church then latterly became the Barony North Church of Scotland, it has played home to a number of congregations throughout its history, eventually being acquired by the independent Glasgow Evangelical Church in 1978.

Work will start on-site this week, with Conservation Masonry as lead contractor.  The work will take 3 months and it is anticipated that the work will be fully complete in time for the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 12-18th September.

Commenting on the award, Chairperson of Glasgow Evangelical Church Danny Houston said:  “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. Together, we have embarked on a huge restoration project to return the Church to its former glory. Not being content with proposals to just repair essential damage, we intend to share the heritage of our building with as many people as possible.”

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “Scotland’s historic and diverse places of worship are so often at the heart of our communities. Thanks to National Lottery players HLF funds urgent structural repairs and also improved facilities and visitor information. Repair and Improvements to Glasgow Evangelical Church project is an excellent example of how HLF can help conserve a much loved building so it can continue to serve its local community.”

In addition to the grant from HLF, the project has the support of the Baird Trust, Scotland’s Churches Trust, AllChurches Trust, Bellahouston Bequest Fund and the Dalrymple Donaldson Fund.

Notes:

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  www.hlf.org.uk Follow us on Facebook HLFScotland and twitter @HLFScotland

Further information

For further information about the project, please contact Jeannette Gray of Glasgow Evangelical Church:  glasgowevangelical@gmail.com

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Glasgow Evangelical Church wins Heritage Lottery Fund support

Glasgow Evangelical Church has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Repairs and Restoration of their Category A listed building.

The project aims to carry out the restoration of the building on Cathedral Square and encourage more people to share the heritage. Development funding of £16,200 has also been awarded to help Glasgow Evangelical Church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date, with works anticipated in early 2016.

The project aims to: carry out essential conservation work to the Category-A Listed Building, involving urgent repairs to the tower and roof; along with alterations to the internal spaces to encourage more visitors to the building and; to undertake activities designed to share the heritage of the building with as wide an audience as possible.

The building is a highly ornate, Italianate Baroque style church building which sits impressively on Cathedral Square within the Glasgow Central Conservation Area.  Designed by the celebrated architect John Honeyman, some of the key interesting features of the building include statues of St Peter, St Paul and the four evangelists overlooking the square and a very impressive stained glass window behind a large organ, which is a key feature of the building and attracts a lot of interest from various groups.  Built in 1878-80, the church began life as the Cathedral Square United Presbyterian Church then latterly became the Barony North Church of Scotland, it has played home to a number of congregations throughout its history, eventually being acquired by the independent Glasgow Evangelical Church in 1978.

Commenting on the award, Chairperson of Glasgow Evangelical Church Danny Houston said:  “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. Together, we have embarked on a huge restoration project to return the Church to its former glory. Not being content with proposals to just repair essential damage, we intend to share the heritage of our building with as many people as possible.”

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Grants for Places of Worship Scheme applications are assessed in two rounds.  A first-round pass is given when HLF has endorsed outline proposals and earmarked funding. A first-round pass may also include an immediate award to fund the development of the project. Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at second-round and as long as plans have progressed satisfactorily and according to the original proposal, an award for the project is confirmed.

From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife, we use National Lottery players' money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about.  www.hlf.org.uk.

Grants

With support and advice from Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, the Glasgow Evangelical Church has been applying to various funding bodies in the hope that they can assist us to achieve our ambitions for this project.  We are grateful for the grant-support that has been given or offered from the following organisations:

The Heritage Lottery Fund - The Baird Trust - Scotland’s Churches Trust

AllChurches Trust - Bellahouston Bequest Fund

 Fundraising

In addition to the grant funding above, our own congregation have been actively fundraising since 2011 and have raised over £100k towards the project costs.  However, more fundraising is desperately required and this is where you have the opportunity to show your loyalty and generosity by supporting our Restoration Fund.

 Please support ‘Glasgow Evangelical Church’ as your special charity for the year ahead either by donation or sponsorship of an exciting activity.

 As at September 2015, we face a projected shortfall of approx. £50k, based on the current project costs.  Please do let us know if you can help bridge this gap in any way.

Further information

For further information about the project, please contact  Glasgow Evangelical Church:  glasgowevangelical@gmail.com