St. Matthew’s is unique within the Scottish Episcopal Church, having been founded in the late 19th century to serve the working-class area of North Glasgow. This church emerged during a period of rapid industrial expansion, as steelworks were established to support shipbuilding and the British Empire. The demand for labor brought waves of migrants from Northern Ireland and northeast Scotland, many of whom were Episcopalians.
Originally, St. Matthew’s congregation gathered in an upper room of a tenement, led by a lay brotherhood. As the population grew, the church relocated to newly built premises on Balmore Road in 1936.
Post-Industrial Challenges
In the 1980s, North Glasgow experienced severe industrial decline, compounded by a surge in drug-related issues. St. Matthew’s responded to these challenges by launching various rehabilitation programs and youth outreach initiatives. A major re-imagining of the site took place in 1999, when the church supported the establishment of a community center, which continues to be a vital resource today. However, despite local housing initiatives, the parish remains heavily affected by drug use, placing it among the most deprived areas in the UK.
Our Achievements
- Standing Up to Local Needs: St. Matthew’s continues to be a welcoming, supportive space for groups striving to promote well-being and flourishing in a deeply challenging environment. Particularly notable are our recovery groups and resilient, art-based projects that bring creativity to a region otherwise lacking in such activities.
- The Concrete Garden: Acting prophetically, we helped establish the Concrete Garden, now an independent charity. The garden promotes community gardening, permaculture workshops, outdoor play for young people, and offers numerous volunteering opportunities. It also connects with a growing network of women’s groups, as well as refugees and asylum seekers from across the globe.
- Partnerships: Since January 2024, our site has hosted staff from Faith in Community Scotland and the Glenkin Experience, both of which support development opportunities for young people throughout Glasgow.
- Spiritual Presence: We offer the Eucharist with care, maintaining a sacred space that serves as a center for celebration, prayer, and mourning—a beacon of hope in an often apathetic environment.
The Challenge
The main challenge we face—aside from ongoing issues with maintaining our buildings and human resources—is preserving this sacred presence in the community. The struggle is immense, yet St. Matthew’s continues to stand as a powerful symbol of hope.
