The talk to the Society on the Church by Graham McKenzie in October generated great interest in the history of St Mary's which is why 20 members met at the main entrance for a guided tour led by Graham. We were reminded of the controversies in the story of its early origins before the Reformation and its subsequent build in 1914. Designed by G Bell, it is a Church of Scotland church with unusual features that have been described as temple and cathedral-like: it was planned by the Rev T Angus Morrison (minister 1898-1941) who was the driving force in the proposal to build a distinctive Parish Church and manse alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Built of stone from Auchinheath Quarry, the foundation stone was laid in 1912 but during construction there was a fatality when the crane and scaffolding associated with the 120-foot tower collapsed in a storm. A memorial stone was laid to commemorate this event. A Service of Dedication was held two years later. The new St Mary's was built in the garden of the old manse and its orientation determined by the available ground between Cowgate and the manse. The old manse was later replaced by the building of the church halls.
The tour started beneath the high tower with an awareness of musical chimes. On entering the Church there were immediate impressions of colour, beauty and grandeur, and overall design lit in part by the clerestory windows. Very quickly the Nave drew one’s attention to the north facing Chancel with its ecclesiastical traditions including the organ(golden painted pipes) and the dominant presence of the majestic stained glass window. The stained glass windows were highlighted of which 5 are dedicated to individuals and the large Chancel window to those from Kirkintilloch who suffered and died in WW1. Additional information about the windows ( 6 days of creation) designed by Willie Rodgers, a local artist and member of the congregation, the Ferguson window (Christmas), the Haughton window (Easter) and the role of the Webster family in the design of the Great War Memorial window, captured our attention.
At the end of the tour hospitality was provided and there was an opportunity to climb the tower, see the chimes and more. A memorable morning.
