On January 14, 1892, Prince Albert Victor of Wales, Queen Victoria’s grandson, died from pneumonia amid the influenza epidemic. His death sparked rumors regarding his personal life, including bizarre claims of being Jack the Ripper. His passing deeply affected the nation, with stores in Blantyre closing for his funeral as a mark of mourning.
I mentioned the other day about many couples during 1896 being married in the halls of public houses. Well, by stark contrast, was a high society wedding at High Blantyre, which following a church service, ended up back at Crossbasket House. This AI illustration, though struggling a little to recreate Crossbasket, from the article, gives […]
Taken not far from the entrance to Shott at High Blantyre, this is an unusual view of Blantyre Old Parish Church. Taken around 1980, this is before the modern housing estate was built at Craigmuir Road. Indeed, at the time this was taken the derelict High Blantyre Station site was behind those trees at the […]
Things have been difficult for Churches, Ministers and their congregations in 2020. The global health pandemic has prevented the usual close, face to face contact that is so important in communities all over Scotland. But like so many others this year, Churches have adapted and tried different things like broadcasting live services to ensure communities […]
Photographed from the direction of Douglas Street at Loanfoot, is a view over to Blantyre Old Parish Church at High Blantyre. Taken around 1975 by Drew Semple, this was an area fast changing in the mid 1970’s, with the construction of EK Expressway nearby, which would shortly after sever Craigmuir Road, which ran by the […]
Rev. Archibald McKenzie – Former minister of Blantyre Old Parish Church between 1934 and 1951. A native of Morven, Argyllshire, he was educated at Oban High School and served in the 1st Battalion, 9th Durham Light Infantry in the First World War. In 1925, he graduated a Master of Arts at Glasgow University and in […]
The Ladies of the Blantyre Old Parish Church Festival Group met in late 1978 to hold a very International evening. The purpose was to raise funds for the Church Festival to be held the following year, 1979. They held a programme of food, flowers and music from various countries. Here, ladies represent countries Italy, […]