Second coming: Bid to save church
AN ‘architectural marvel’ which has formed part of Paisley’s skyline for more than 100 years could be saved from ruin.
A team of experts wants to raise £1.5 million for the preservation of the Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church building, which dates back to 1885.
Described as an ‘exclamation mark’ on the town’s skyline, it needs a new purpose since holding its final church ceremony in August.
It is hoped the latest development would see it become a tourist attraction once again.
It’s hoped the revival, led by philanthropist, businessman and Paisley native, Ian Henderson, would see the building compete with the likes of Glasgow’s Oran Mor and Edinburgh’s Mansfield Traquair as a multipurpose venue.
Donations from communities across Scotland and the rest of the world will be crucial to its future success.
Mr Henderson, of the Coats Memorial Steering Group, said: “Coats Memorial is an architectural marvel.
“As proud local people, the team holds a firm belief that if we do not do everything in our power to save this magnificent building then we have failed our ancestors and future generations who have and will go on to create wonderful memories here.
“If we achieve what we have set out to do in the New Year, Coats Memorial will be the exclamation mark in grand gatherings.
“We have a host of events planned as part of our campaign to safeguard the building, and look forward to announcing those in due course.”
Built by Hippolyte Jean Blanc in the Gothic Revival period, Thomas Coats Memorial Church has a capacity of 1000. Its features include a vaulted ceiling with paintings of angels, mosaics, stencilled decoration, carved marble and alabaster. The church is also home to a rare 3,040 pipe organ designed by William Hill & Sons.