History of Saint James the Greater Parish
Saint James the Greater Parish was founded in 1956, and our beautiful church opened in 1961. This page takes a look at a special booklet that was issued for parishioners when the church opened.
Step back in time to our church’s grand opening in 1961
Read the messages from the Bishop and Parish Priest at the time, the original articles and a message from the church’s architect.
Letters to parishioners
A letter from the Bishop
“Such a goodly inheritance shall be handed down to our children not only intact but enhanced by our unshakable fidelity to the Faith of our Fathers!”
his lordship the right reverend James D. scanlan,
bishop of motherwell, 1961
A letter from the Parish Priest
“To-day as we admire the pleasing lines of our new church—the moulding on the ceiling, the graceful woodwork of the spacious sanctuary, the light and colour from the windows, it is not easy to translate our feelings into words.”
Rev. Peter McCann, 1961
Articles from the ‘Solemn Opening’ booklet
Our Patron Saint
“We have much to learn from the life of our Saint, who gave up all things to follow Our Lord and who, as an Apostle, gave an example of fearless, uncompromising loyalty to his Master, and an inspiration to succeeding generations of Christians everywhere. Truly we have a glorious Patron.”
EXTRACT FROM the 1961 ‘solemn opening’ booklet
The Catholic Church in the Monklands
“Thousands of newcomers came to the Monklands from elsewhere in Scotland and from Ireland. The Irish incomers included many Catholics, fleeing from poverty and persecution. With the arrival, the Church returned to the Monklands.”
EXTRACT FROM the 1961 ‘solemn opening’ booklet
Architect’s description
“The church of a modern Gothic character, is pleasantly sited. The main or south front, with its dignified tower, stands above the surrounding houses and is seen for a considerable distance from the Glasgow-Edinburgh road.”
Alexander mcanally, chartered architect, 1961