St. Matthew’s Possilpark began as an experimental mission in 1893 to address the needs of the rapidly increasing population in north Glasgow, drawn from other areas of Scotland and Ireland as the locality became, almost literally, a ‘furnace’ for the empire; its foundries producing steel & locomotives for the world and supporting the local shipbuilding industry.
The mission was lay-led, by four members of St. Andrew’s Brotherhood (2 from St. Peter’s, Braid Street; 2 from St. George’s Maryhill), calling on clergy from St. Mary’s (not yet the cathedral) in Great Western Road “when needed”.
From rented rooms off Saracen Street (probably behind a shop in Bardowie Street) it grew and a two-story mission hall was built in 1898 in Ardoch Street with the ‘upper room’ ordered for worship.
Larger premises were again required and the congregation migrated to the present site in November 1935; the first Eucharist being celebrated on 14th February 1937 but the actual Dedication of the Church took place in Easter Week (3rd April 1937) when the bishop had returned from his travels in India.
By 1937 there was mass employment in the foundries and the area was dubbed a place of ‘Booze and Barter/Pride and Poverty’ – there was violence and poverty but a strong sense of community where people looked out for each other.
By the 50th anniversary of the building in 1987, there was the mass unemployment of post-industrialisation and the effects of the influx—described as a ‘flood’ of drugs into the area. St. Matthew’s responded by beginning the local work of rehabilitation and care for those struggling with addictions. Building work was undertaken to adapt to new needs, with a vision for the wider community.
At the 100th anniversary in 1993 of the setting up of the mission, further plans were being made for redevelopment looking towards the new millennium, and strong ecumenical links were forged.
By 1999 a refurbished building was opened, supported by the national Urban Grant and the Scottish Episcopal Church ‘Million for Mission’ grant—in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop Richard Holloway.
The St. Matthew’s Centre was emerging from local initiatives such as Oasis Youth Club and Drama Kings and Queens—engaging many young people in creative activities, alongside addiction recovery work initiated by members of St. Matthew’s congregation using ‘The Place’. The St. Matthew’s Centre was registered as a Charity with Constitution in September 2000 and the Recovery work morphed into Addaction Scotland, which had to relocate in 2007 after the withdrawal of funds for redevelopment by Glasgow City Council.
The Diocese appointed a ‘community priest’ in 2007 in the face of possible closure of all current outreach work. Faith In Throughcare took over ‘The Place’ Place and supported ex-offenders for 15 years. Covid Lockdown had a serious knock down effect on the congregation and the work here but we have been delighted to welcome ‘Faith in Community Scotland’ and the ‘GK Experience’ to ‘The Place’ and into the new chapter of our service to the local community and beyond.
Today, with our new Centre Manager Ashley, we are blessed in being able to provide a safe, welcoming and encouraging place for the International Women’s Group, the Women’s Integration Network and the Chinese Recreation Association, alongside continuing recovery work, and creative and well-being groups. This includes English language teaching for asylum seekers, provision for celebration and (very importantly) mourning, as well as encouragement towards all that builds up social cohesion at a time of polarization in societies throughout the world.
Alongside all this, this vision of community gardening and Outdoor Play continues in our vision shared with The Concrete Garden. Saint Matthew was called out by the Lord to something new, Last year on St. Matthew’s Day our Diocese met to pray for a new Bishop—what a privilege it is to welcome Bishop Nicholas today. Enjoy and Explore!