Over the last few months, I’ve been researching in detail, the history of the Livingstone Memorial U.P Church on Glasgow Road. In particular, the early history of the church through to WW2 years. This article explores some details about the opening of the Livingstone Memorial Church Hall in 1894.
Built in the latter months of 1894, the new hall erected in connection with this Church congregation was officially opened on the evening of Thursday 7th December 1894. It was celebrated by a concert from the Church Choir and others. The hall, which is in the early English style of Gothic architecture was built to accommodate 400 person with a principal feature being the arched doorway, the other part of the building in the rear of the church, being of a much plainer description.
Internally the hall was originally plainly fitted out, and in the Eastern side there was a triple light fitted with cathedral glass. The vaulted roof is high and opens out the building and is composed of bound couples which adds considerably to the pleasing appearance of the building.
Mr Andrew J Riddell of High Blantyre was the Architect, making use of existing services within Blantyre and the final cost was estimated as between £400 and £450. The old, former timber hall was at this opening, being used as a side room to the hall for additional storage, though there was to be discussion about whether this part should be removed due to its age. It’s not on the 1898 map, confirming the first timber hall was demolished sometime between 1895 and 1897.
The contractors on the new hall were Messrs Barrie & Downie of Strathaven as stonemasons, the joiner was Mr John Mitchell of Stonefield, plumber was Mr Thomas Henderson and the Slater and Plasterer was Mr. Charles Allan of High Blantyre.
Rev T.A. Hugh presided over the opening concert that Thursday evening. The hall was well filled. The Chairman in his opening remarks congratulated the committee on their efforts and completion of their labours. The congregation was then congratulated on helping make the reality of the beautiful and commodious hall come about. The hall would certainly be a benefit to them in hosting all the various church organisations and different branches of church work in which they were engaged. To the congregation he had a pleasing announcement to make. Application had been made to the Home Mission Board for assistance in building the hall. They had looked very favourably upon their effort and that morning he had received a letter from their Board indicating they were willing to donate £50 towards the construction of the hall. He further congratulated the community for now having such a fine hall in their midst and with adverts now being placed in newspapers, hoped that external organisation would take up rented space.
The concert programme was then proceeded with. Several part songs were sung in a pleasing manner by the church choir, conducted by Mr Ritchie. Songs were given by Miss Duff, Mr Dingwall, Mr Kirk and Mr McPhail. Miss J Macfarlane sang a solo ‘Autumn Winds’, the choir giving a humming accompaniment. Messrs Ritchie, McPhail, Kirkwood and Reid sang ‘The Three Chafers’. Miss M Lyon gave two splendid readings. The dialogue, ‘Jeannie Deans & Dumbiedykes’ was given by Miss Mary Smith and Master John Struthers and for an encore gave ‘that coffee was not strong’. A splendid orchestra under the leadership of Mr Laurie gave a number of selections during the evening. At the close of the programme, Mr Hutcheon, convener of the building committee proposed a vote of thanks to those who had contributed to the evenings enjoyment. Rev T.A Hugh in replying to the vote of thanks took the opportunity to say that Rev H.A Paterson, Stonehouse would preach a special sermon in the hall on the first Sabbath.
The Livingstone Hall, which is now a listed building was a long time coming for this congregation, and having been recently renovated, is still in use today in early Summer 2024, 130 years later.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Rob Gordon Paul, I found this post so interesting. That hall played a significant part of my youth. I attended Sunday School there, as cub and scout our meetings were there and the hall was the venue for the gang show! Happy memories!
Blantyre Project Hi Rob. Many people will have similar memories of this hall and especially the scouting movement who have been based there for so long. The church and hall needs their story told, so I hope to soon make available everything I’ve written about this building and those connected to it.
Fraser Cosh Great article Paul
Brian Charlton Wonderful history, but maybe all coming to an end
Betty McLean Lovely to see but sad at the closing news.