On Friday 14th October 1892, the High Blantyre Parish Church Halls opened up to the public. There’s some great descriptions in the Hamilton Advertiser for that week saying:
” At last the handsome suite of rooms forming the Parish Church Halls was formally opened in the presence of an influential gathering in the large hall. It will be remembered that the memorial stone was laid about twelve months ago, with full masonic honours by Colonel John Clark Forrest of Auchenraith. The new building, which is situated in the Kirkton, at the corner of the East Kilbride and Hunthill roads, forms a pleasing addition to the architecture of the village.”
“It is two storeys high, the upper flat being entirely utilised for the large hall, with a small retiring room adjacent to the platform. On the ground floor is a small hall with two adjoining rooms, and a comfortably appointed dwelling house for the use of the janitor. The large hall, which is capable of seating about 450 people, is well lighted by two pendants of the Stott-Thomson patent from the roof, with single-burner brackets round the roof at suitable distances. A large platform covers the entire width of the hall at one end, and is amply furnished with a massive walnut table and full set of chairs, including a spacious armchair.”
“The walls are tastefully decorated in quiet, warm colours, which gives the hall a home-like and comfortable appearance. The seats, which are of various sizes, are fitted with metal eyelets at the back, so that small tables can be conveniently fixed for use at soirees or tea meetings. The arrangement in the small hall, which can seat about one hundred and fifty, is somewhat similar; and one of the small adjoining rooms is fitted up with lavatory and other conveniences. To the Rev. T. S. Turnbull, the esteemed minister of the parish, belongs the credit of originating the idea of the new halls, and it is to his persevering and persistent efforts mainly that they have been brought to a successful completion. It is only about two years and a half since the idea was first mooted, and the halls have been opened entirely free of debt. The inaugural proceedings on Friday evening took the form of an interesting opening ceremony, followed by a miscellaneous concert. The Rev. T. S. Turnbull presided, and was supported on the platform by Messrs John M‘Pherson, John T. Weir, Robert Lightbody, and Robert Hamilton, members of the kirk session; Messrs Mark Hurl, William Adam, and Neil Douglas, members of building committee; Mr Bannatyne, Millheugh, representing the elected trustees and by Rev. Dr. Pagan (Bothwell), Rev. Mr Pryde (Stonefield), and Rev. Mr Hugh (Livingstone Memorial U.P. Church). Amongst those present in the body of the hall we noticed Mrs Bannatyne, Milheugh; Messrs M‘Pherson, Blantyreferme; Mr and Mrs Jackson, Bardykes; Miss Moore, Greenhall; Mrs and Miss Turnbull, The Manse, and party; Mrs Neilson and party from Calderwood Castle; Mr James Jackson, Old Place; Major Ness; Mr Stewart, Blantyre Park, &c.
After a short service of praise and prayer, the Chairman called upon Mr Hurll, who made an interesting financial statement. The subscriptions received amounted to £741, the drawings from the three days’ bazaar in Hamilton in March last to £650, and adding thereto interest and some small sums subsequently received, the total amount was upwards of £1419; and as the various tradesmen’s accounts, with necessary expenses, cost of furniture, &c., amounted to £1,342 there was balance to credit the building committee of £77.”
“From this sum fell to be deducted cost of a piano, which had been got for the use of the halls, and one or two extra items. The result was highly satisfactory, and Mr Hurll passed a high eulogium on the ladies’ committee, who had so successfully managed the bazaar. He concluded by formally handing over the key of the front door to Mr M‘Pherson as representing the kirk session and the elected trustees.
In accepting the key Mr M‘Pherson paid a high tribute to Mr Turnbull for his action in bringing the halls to so triumphant an issue, thanked the various committees for their hearty co-operation, and especially the ladies’ committee for their excellent bazaar, and expressed the hope that the halls would prove a lasting benefit to the people of the parish, in enabling every good and philanthropic work to be carried on more thoroughly than before.
Mr Bannatyne read a few extracts from the feu charter, relative to the trustees and their powers and explained that the total feu-duty payable amounted to £2 1s per annum.
Dr Pagan, in congratulating the community of Blantyre on the acquisition of the new halls, humorously acknowledged that he did not know how in the world ecclesiastical buildings could be raised without bazaars, but he wanted to think that the Blantyre people had now a hall which it would be difficult to find equalled in Lanarkshire. The hall would be invaluable for Sunday School purposes, and he hoped the time was coming when it would not be necessary to teach the Sunday School children in the pews of churches.
The Rev. Mr Turnbull returned his thanks to one and all for the encouragement which they had supported him in the movement. It was his earnest hope that the halls would be the means, not only of promoting the highest religious welfare of the people, but also of cultivating their intellectual tastes, and so give them higher ideas of recreation and pleasures.”
“The attractive programme of vocal and instrumental music was then proceeded with, the audience frequently showing their appreciation. Two humorous readings, given by Mr Allan, Uddingston, an old Blantyre favourite, created much mirth. The usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.”
Incredibly this image from 1892, in the background shows the church halls in their final stages of completion. The ridges and slates being put on and the visible wooden crane jib on the left for lifting the final masonry.
