Glasgow church in Partick saved from demolition

The building on Crow Road which is owned by the Baptist Union of Scotland, was used by the West End branch of the Queen's Park Baptist Church and as Partick Baptist Church before lying dormant for the last few years.

The Glasgow Times previously reported that the building was to be knocked down after a building warrant application was approved by Glasgow City Council in 2021. 

However, the 1927-built church has now been bought by the New Life Christian Fellowship and will continue to operate as a place of worship.  

Paul Sweeney MSP, who previously fought for the demolition to be u-turned in 2021, said: “I am delighted to hear that the beautiful and architecturally important Partick Baptist Church on Crow Road will not be demolished and will continue operating as a place of worship.

"In 2021, I raised my concern that the owners, the Baptist Union of Scotland, sought permission to demolish the church but after meeting with them they made it clear that they preferred a buyer that would make use of the current building – as the New Life Christian Fellowship has now committed to doing.

“The architect, Andrew Black, was an influential teacher of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Partick Baptist Church was his last project before he died in 1927. It is likely the last neo-perpendicular gothic church built in Glasgow.”

Following the news, we hit Crow Road to see what locals thought about the U-Turn.

Mike Sutherland, 45 said: "I think it is a good thing that the building is being saved. 

"Especially if it is needed, then it is a good thing for the community. It's good to keep old buildings in Glasgow." 

Maureen Smith, 55 added: "It doesn't bother me if it stays, just as long as it is being used for something that is actually useful. 

"Whether it stays the way it is or is re-purposed for the community. It's a good thing for

Glasgow to keep these buildings." 

Similarly, Brian James, 70 said: "I think it is really good it's going to be saved - it's a nice building. 

"But, it obviously needs to get some use about it and hopefully over time, there will be. 

"I think it is important to save old buildings in Glasgow, but you have also got to move with the times too." 

Jeanette Clark, 57, from Knightswood, said: "It's a great thing that it's being saved because we don't want to be losing our old buildings, plus it is a church which is even more meaningful, isn't it? 

"So, yeah - I am glad it is getting saved." 

However, some locals are unsure that saving the building is worthwhile. 

Jonny McAllister, 35 said: "I'm all for the preservation of old buildings but it should serve a purpose within the community, I think. 

"So, if no one is really using it, I'm not sure. As long as it is refurbished for an actual purpose. 

"Someone gets something out of it, I guess but it could have been turned into something a bit more beneficial." 

Donald Clark, 57, added: "I'm not really religious anyways, so I guess it doesn't really affect me. 

"Yes for keeping old buildings but you know, the world is changing." 

A spokesperson for the Baptist Union of Scotland said: "We are delighted that the Partick

Baptist Church building has been sold to New Life Christian Fellowship - an active, multicultural church which we feel certain will be great for the community there."