History 

The church was originally built as Lansdowne Church in 1863. It is described by architectural historian Gordon Urquhart in his book about the building, A Notable Ornament, as an “Icon of Victorian Glasgow”. Its tall slender steeple, complemented by the steeple of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, forms one of the most distinctive architectural landmark features of Glasgow.

The building, considered to be Glasgow’s finest example of Gothic Revival churches, is also notable for its refined carved stone detail and its exceptional stained glass. When the church was completed, it was fitted out to the highest standard with a certain amount of good quality stained glass.

The large north and south transept windows were not adorned by distinctive stained glass at that time and it was not until 1913 that Alf Webster was commissioned for this purpose. The windows that he undertook have since been recognised as the culmination of the career of a creative genius, a career that was cruelly brought to an end when Webster died of wounds received at Ypres in 1915.

Restoration 

Local charity FACT THREE has been working tirelessly since 2015 to repair and conserve the building. FACT THREE was founded by the trustees of Four Acres Charitable Trust to secure its future. 

Over the years, FACT THREE has raised funds for the conversion of the property and repair of the side hall, running a theatre in a temporary form into the main sanctuary.

Previously in 2007 with support from the Pilgrim Trust the south transept window was saved from imminent collapse, illustrating some of the inherent restoration issues that will have to be addressed going forward.

A successful crowdfunding campaign was run by FACT THREE  in 2015 to garner support for the building’s future.

In 2017 a piece of masonry detached itself from the steeple and The Church of Scotland General Trustees stepped in to make good the steeple repair.

Working together and with support from funders and friends, it is hoped that the full restoration of this beautiful building will be possible in future. The Mapping Websters Project is a major step towards this! As part of the project a stained glass viewing gallery, with wheelchair access is planned.

FACT THREE is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland No. SC319714.

Recognised as a Charity, Scottish Charity Registration No.SCO38373.

�� Contact: Hello@webstersglasgow.com