On Sunday 24th November 1895, after having undergone extensive renovations, the Church of St Joseph’s on Glasgow Road Blantyre formally re-opened.
This was a time before the current sandstone church, and for the purposes of this article, I’m talking about the older church (pictured in this beautiful photo) which was once on the site of the current St Joseph’s Hall.
Special services marked the occasion with Father Edwin, OSF Glasgow being the celebrant at the 11.30am High Mass. Rev Dr Hackett (Factor) was Deacon and Father McDonnell, sub deacon.
There was a large congregation that day some 129 years ago with excellent music provided by the choir. Bateman’s Mass was sung with Cherubini’s Ave Maria echoing out the building and throughout the Blantyre streets nearby. Miss Hollywood played the organ with Mary Hollywood (soprano) and Miss Somers (alto).
The renovations were throughout the whole interior of the church and cost £100, which in 1895 was around £20,000 of today’s money. Remarkably, we have a great description of how the decoration was done. The groundwork, or colouring of the walls was a beautiful, light azure purple, relieved by neatly executed and artistic paintings of the Stations of the Cross.
Particular attention was given to the decorations of the altar and its vicinity. The design was green and gold with a salmon tinted background. A new carpet has been provided for the altar steps. The benches and panelling had also been retouched and the organ was redecorated. The whole appearance of the church was both comfortable and pleasing to all who visited.
Continued tomorrow…..