The focus of this section of our web guide is on faith, religion, and spirituality in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Faith and religion have always been an intrinsic part of Paisley's history, and, even today, the town is home to a variety of Christian denominations.
Paisley's patron saint is Saint Mirin who, according to legend, came to Paisley as a missionary sent from Ireland in the 6th century, and was responsible for bringing the relics of Saint Andrew to Scotland.
Saint Mirin is credited with founding a religious community that eventually became Paisley Abbey in the 7th century, not long after it had been abandoned by the Romans. In 1163, a priory was set up in Paisley, and dedicated to the Saints Mary, James, Mirin, and Milburga. Paisley grew so rapidly that it was elevated to the status of abbey in 1245.
Edward I of England had the abbey burned down in 1307, but it was rebuilt later in that same century.
King Robert II was born at Paisley Abbey in 1316 after Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, had fallen from a horse while heavily pregnant.
Following a succession of fires and the collapse of the tower in the 15th and 16th centuries, the abbey structure was left in a poor state of repair. While the western section was still in use, the eastern section had been plundered for its stone. Between 1858 and 1928, the north porch and easher choir were reconstructed on the remains of the ruined walls.
Paisley Abbey is the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland.
Worship services are conducted at Paisley Abbey every Sunday. Since the Scottish Reformation, the abbey has served as a parish church in the Church of Scotland, in the Presbytery of Clyde. A shrine to the saint erected in the abbey has become a pilgrimage centre.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Mirin in Paisley is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Paisley, and the seat of the Bishop of Paisley. Built in 1931 near the site of the original church, dating from 1808, the building is neo-Romanesque. The largest in the diocese, the church can accommodate up to 1,300 worshippers.
Other Christian denominations and communities have a presence in Paisley, as well, many of which were the result of the Industrial Revolution, which brought Protestants of various denominations to town.
Paisley is part of the Episcopalian (Anglican) Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, with its facilities centred at the Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas Church in the town centre.
There are also a couple of Baptist congregations, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a meeting place in town. Additionally, there is a Methodist Church of Great Britain, a Christadelphian Church, and others.
Places of worship and other topics related to faith and religion in Paisley are appropriate topics for this category, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.
Recommended Resources
Formed in 1991 by the unity of Paisley High Church of Scotland, St. John's Church of Scotland, and Paisley Congregational Church, and were joined by Orr Square Church of Scotland. Its history and developments over the years are set forth, along with the histories of the original churches. Its worship team, affiliated organisations, music ministries, and contacts are published on the site. Worship schedules, Sunday School, and a calendar of upcoming programmes and events are posted.
http://www.oakshawtrinity.org.uk/
Originating in the 12th century, the Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, located in the town of Paisley. Its history is outlined on the website, along with service schedules, policies for baptisms and weddings, and a calendar of upcoming programmes and events, community groups, and information on touring the buildings or visiting for the first time. Its gift shop and cafe are open Tuesday to Saturday, offering cards, gifts, jewelry, and books, and other items.
https://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/
Formerly known as Wallneuk North, the congregation has served the Paisley, Scotland community for more than a hundred years. Its location, Sunday church service schedules, a calendar of upcoming events, and announcements of special activities and events are published on the site, which includes a history of the church, church news, community outreach programmes and activities, and information about its policies on hall hires. Its address, phone number, and an online contact form are included.
https://paisleynorthchurch.org.uk/
Roman Catholic Church in Scotland Diocese of Paisley
The Diocese of Paisley is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church in Scotland. The diocese covers the historic county of Renfrewshire and is the smallest diocese by area in Scotland. The diocese is made up of thirty-three parishes served by thirty priests, and divided into three deaneries (St. Mirin's, St. Mary's, and St. John's). A Diocesan directory, departments, commissions, and consultive bodies are identified, and contacts are provided.
https://rcdop.org.uk/
St. Charles is a Roman Catholic Church in Paisley, Scotland. The layout of the church, the Tabernacle, Baptismal Font, Ciborium, and Lectern are described for those who may be attending for the first time, and an overview of what to anticipate is included. Directions, Mass times, Confession times, and other schedules are included, along with a church bulletin, a list of members of the pastoral council, office hours, contacts, informational videos, and other resources.
https://stcharles-paisley.org.uk/
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Situated in the West end of Paisley, Scotland, St. Mary's is part of the Diocese of Paisley. Contacts, a photo gallery, parish groups, and parish activities are set forth, along with an overview of its policies and schedules for baptisms, Holy Communion, weddings, and funerals. A pastoral letter from the Bishops of Scotland is posted, along with Diocesan news, information about contributing to the church, and downloads of the Sunday bulletin and other documents.
https://stmaryrcpaisley.com/
Formally known as The Cathedral Church of Saint Mirin in Paisley, the former parish church in Paisley Scotland is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Paisley and the seat of the Bishop of Paisley. Erected in 1947, the current building replaced the original parish church built in 1808. Its location, service schedules, Mass times, Confession times, and contacts are posted, along with a church bulletin and information about contributing to the church. Live-streaming may also be available.
https://stmirinscathedral.co.uk/
