Nigel's Photo Blog

  This afternoon I am reporting on a tour the interior of this famous church which is also known as the ‘Baptist Cathedral of Europe’. Key facts: Commissioned by the wealthy Coats textile family and opened in 1894. Gothic design by Hippolyte Blanc of Edinburgh. Can accommodate up to 1000 people. Ground plan in shape of cross. Vestibule contains 350,000 pieces of coloured marble to make up mosaic floor. Pulpit made from marble and alabaster. Finely carved communion table. Baptistry made from black-veined marble. In the chancel are three carved alabaster panels. Overall, a truly stunning piece of design and craftsmanship. Location is Paisley , West of Scotland. In light of a dwindling congregation and significant ongoing maintenance costs, the final church service took place in August 2018. Unfortunately, the building is in need of considerable funds for repairs and maintenance. The building is managed by the Coats Memorial Preservation Trust, and hosts weddings, proms and gra...

(Above image is an aerial view of Paisley taken from atop of Paisley Abbey.) A Brief History of Paisley First settled by the Irish monk, St. Mirin in the 6th century. He built a church by the ford on the White Cart Water . (Today, the town’s soccer club is known as St.Mirren.) The imposing Abbey  was founded in 1163 by Walter Fitzalan, the High Steward of Scotland and from whom the Stewart royal house of Scotland (and Britain’s present Royal Family) is descended. Paisley progressively grew and was made a burgh (incorporated or chartered town) in 1488. By the 18th century, hand-loom weaving was a major industry. In the 19th century major industries had developed, primarily thread-making but also dye-works, brickworks, soap making and whisky distilling. In all of these processes the White Cart Water was instrumental in providing power and water. Paisley is best known for its ‘Paisley pattern’ textiles which are based on a Kashmiri design. Today Paisley has a popul...