St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Newlands

This Scottish Episcopal Church offers a building that invariably surprises first time visitors, and those that return are always uplifted. Designed in 1895 the church was built between 1908 and 1935 on a site gifted by Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Pollok. The architect was Peter MacGregor Chalmers who was apprenticed to John Honeyman. His practice was predominantly church work in the distinctive Romanesque style. This style was popular in Edwardian times, though St Margaret’s displays continental influences in its details – for instance it can be considered a German Double Ender, a basilica with a double apse. Visitors can be guided by a fully illustrated brochure, part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This depicts all 26 of the stained glass windows – with examples by Morris and Co (1920’s), Powell and Sons (1930’s), Gordon Webster (1950’s and 1970’s) and John Clark (2000’s) amongst others. The ceiling mosaics in both apses offer further beauty and admiration. This wonderful building is cherished by those who know it. Please visit. Enjoy its architecture, explore its hidden details and pause for some quiet reflection.