Church History

Why a church in Kelvindale should be called St John’s-Renfield can be explained by it's history. Two distinguished nineteenth-century city-centre churches, St John’s and Renfield merged in 1923 and the decision was made to move westward to the expanding suburbs and establish a new church in Kelvindale.

St John's Church (1819-1923)

Renfield Church (1819-1923)

St John's-Renfield Church (1923-present day)

Ministers of St John's-Renfield Church

George MacGregor

James Campbell

James Brotherton

James Simpson

Colin McIntosh

John Webster

Dugald Cameron

Fiona Lillie

Stewart Gillan

1923-1928

1929-1952

1953-1965

1966-1976

1976-1988

1989-1999

1999-2007

2009-2017

2018-2022

Church Building

Architect James Taylor Thomson won the 1927 design competition with his plan for an imposing building in the Modern Gothic style. The church is built on a constrained cruciform plan with a very tall nave, chancel and transepts and lower side aisles. The most notable external feature is the highly ornate, open-work lead flèche which marks the crossing. The external walls are built of stone from Auchenheath near Lanark and the internal walls are of Northumbrian stone. The church was dedicated for worship in January 1931.

Inside, the height of the building and the many large windows give a sense of spaciousness and light.
The fine pendant lights and the carved oak pulpit, communion table and chancel stalls are all in keeping with the overall design of the building.
The striking stained glass east window is by the distinguished Aberdonian stained glass artist Douglas Strachan (1875-1950).

There is also a series of notable small stained glass windows in the side aisles; the work of Gordon Webster (1908-87), an elder in the church who worked in nearby Cleveden Crescent. Examples of the work of both artists can be found in churches and cathedrals across Scotland.

In 2008-9 a major grant-funded conservation project was undertaken during which the lead flèche was completely restored and major repairs were carried out to the roofs and high-level masonry. The church gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Architectural Heritage Trust.