The Jubilee of the former Anderson Church, established in 1893, reflects on its history since the ‘disruption.’ Significant events include a tragic fire in 1871, the church’s rebuilding, and a decline in membership. Rev Campbell emphasizes the church’s dual purpose: spiritual preservation and outreach. The evening featured impactful speeches and choir performances, concluding a successful soirée.
The Blantyre Free Church celebrated its annual soirée and Jubilee event on February 17, 1893, marking fifty years since the Disruption. The Chairman emphasized the significance of the occasion, recalling the congregation’s struggle and resilience under their first minister, Rev. James Anderson, who remained devoted despite hardships.
On February 24th, a concert was held at Blantyre Parish Hall to support the newly opened Parish Church Halls, led by Rev. C. S. Turnbull. The Orpheus Choral Society performed a high-quality program, including notable songs and readings, concluding with community appreciation for the evening’s successful entertainment.
The content describes a notable aerial photograph of former tenements on Cemetery Road, located near the War Memorial and Cemetery. It highlights features like the long stone stairs and wide pavements with minimal traffic. The Parish Chambers, now High Blantyre Community Hall, is visible in the foreground, inviting memories from readers.
The High Blantyre Parish Church Halls, opened in the 1890s, included a community reading library. Community dissatisfaction arose over entry fees for the reading rooms. A suggestion was made in 1893 to separate fees for library and reading room access. Eventually, Blantyre established a public library with free book access.
Rob Thorpe’s painting of my Croftfoot house in High Blantyre, used on my book cover, holds personal significance. Built in 1730, it’s one of the oldest houses in the area, blending historical charm with modern functions. I’ve renovated it since 2012 and plan further changes in Spring 2025.
This painting, commissioned for a potential book cover, features the renovated Auchentibber Inn in 1908. Although not selected for the cover, it showcases the work of Rob Thorpe, who illustrates all covers in the “Journey In Time” series. The tranquil scene highlights the beauty of the past.