Historic St James Church building now under offer
Kirk bosses reluctant to identify bidder
05.07.2018 An historic Paisley church that closed as a place of worship in 2016 is “under offer”.
The Paisley Daily Express understands that a bid has been put in for the 19th century St James’s Church building which was put up for sale by the Church of Scotland for a bargain figure of offers over £125,000.
But Kirk bosses were yesterday unwilling to reveal the identity of the bidder.
It is also still unclear what use the building will be put to if purchased.
The Express can also reveal that the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland have applied to Renfrewshire Council for planning permission to remove the church’s war memorial and organ from the building.
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “The war memorial will be moved to another church building.
“There is no plan to remove the organ at present.”
Back in 2016 Paisley was dealt a major blow after it was revealed that its “mini- cathedral” was to close.
The architecturally-important building dates back to 1884 and has a 200ft spire.
A decrease in church attendance and the high cost of the upkeep of the building were behind the shock news of the closure.
The B- listed church is an architectural gem built in the early French Gothic style and was gifted in large part by thread-mill magnate Sir Peter Coats.
The building also possesses stunning stained glass windows dating from 1904, and an architecturally- important font, as well as the “Father Willis” pipe organ.
The church also housed the oldest set of hand bells in Scotland, dating back to the Victorian era. These have since been removed. The chu rch’s c u l t u ra l significance in the life of Paisley was also huge.
As well as being a centre of Christian worship in Paisley for more than 130 years, St James’ was home to the St James’ Orchestra, which is one of the best amateur music groups in the UK. There was also a well-respected choir.
Over the years, St James’ was renowned as a “preaching station” at which talented minsters of the Church of Scotland and others would come to give sermons.
The decision on whether to allow the organ and war memorial to be removed will be made next week.
However, the planning application will not go before councillors as the matter has been delegated to an council official for a decision.
A Church of Scotland spokesman confirmed that the building is under offer and that a planning application had been made by its trustees.