The focal point of this part of our guide is on faith and spirituality in Bearsden, Scotland.
In large part, this will consist of ministries, churches, and other places of worship in Bearsden.
Bearsden, a suburban town in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, has a rich heritage of historical and religious traditions. The area has been influenced by various religious practices over the centuries.
Before the arrival of Christianity, people in this area likely practiced Celtic polytheism, with evidence of spirit and well worship. The Christianisation of Scotland began in the 6th century, primarily through the efforts of Irish Scots missionaries. This period saw the establishment of monastic life, with priests conducting baptisms, masses, and burials. During the medieval period, the Cult of Saints was prominent, with shrines dedicated to local and national figures like Saint Andrew. The Reformation in the mid-16th century, influenced by Calvinism, revolutionised religious practices, shifting the focus to sermons.
Today, Bearsden is home to a variety of Christian churches.
New Kilpatrick Parish Church was built from local stone in 1649, although it was reconstructed in 1807 to accommodate a growing congregation. Over the years, it has undergone several extensions and renovations, including the addition of a tower in 1888. The parish itself was formed in 1649 from the eastern half of the original Kilpatrick parish, which dates back to 1227. The town of Bearsden was originally known as New Kilpatrick. It is part of the Church of Scotland.
Founded in 1897, All Saints Church is a congregation of the Scottish Episcopal Church within the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway.
Before Saint Andrew's Roman Catholic Church was opened in 1987, Bearsden Catholics attended Saint Mary's in Duntocher, the Immaculate Conception in Maryhill, or Saint Joseph's in Milngavie. St. Andrew's is on Roman Road.
The founders of Bearsden Cross Church met at a schoolhouse between 1886 and 1889, when the current North Church was completed. In 1973, North Church built a Church Hall at Baljaffray, which was replaced by a larger building in 1993. After years of planning, the congregations of Bearsden North and South Churches established the new Bearsden Cross Parish Church in 2006. It is affiliated with the Church of Scotland.
Affiliated with the Baptist Union of Scotland, Castlehill Baptist Church meets at Castlehill Primary School. Another Baptist congregation in Bearsden is Bearsden Baptist Church, on Roman Road.
Baljaffray Parish Church is a Church of Scotland congregation, as is Boclair Community Church, which was formed through the unification of the Killermont and Westerton congregations.
Other topics related to belief, faith, religion, and spirituality in Bearsden, Scotland would also be appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
All Saints is a congregation of the Scottish Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway. The inclusive and welcoming congregation is located in Bearsden, on the northern edge of Glasgow. A brief history of the church is presented, and its Sauer Organ is highlighted, including its history and photographs. Its policies regarding the use of personal data are explained, news and announcements are posted, and its e-magazine and archived copies may be viewed through the site.
https://bearsden.church.scot/
Situated in Bearsden, on the northern edge of Glasgow, Scotland, the congregation meets on Sunday mornings and at other times, as noted on its website. Sermons are recorded and are available on the church's Facebook pages. Its children's and toddler's groups, Prayer Ministry, Ladies Who Lunch, Craft Club, The Guild, Girls' Brigade, Boys' Brigade, Baljaffray Blokes, and other congregational and community programmes are featured. An introduction to its staff is provided.
http://baljaffraychurch.org/
The family-friendly church is located on Roman Road in Bearsden, Scotland. A crèche is always available during services, as is its Kidzone group for children from preschool age to P6. During services, its Crossroads group is run for young people of secondary age. The address, a map showing its location, telephone number, and an email address are posted on the site, which includes a calendar of events, announcements from its group programmes, and its care home and family services.
https://bearsdenbaptistchurch.com/
Associated with the Church of Scotland, the congregation was formed from the union of Bearsden North and South churches. The church is situated in Bearsden, on the road out to Loch Lomond. Its address, a map, and parking information are provided on the website, which includes worship schedules, and information on membership, communion, consultation, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and requests for home communions. Affiliated organisations, events, and news are included.
http://www.bearsdencross.org/
Boclair Community Church is part of the Church of Scotland and has two campuses, one on Rannoch Drive and the other on Crarae Avenue, both in Bearsden. Addresses and maps show their locations. Profiles of the church are provided, and its Sunday worship services, an event calendar, and its Acorn programme, a Church of Scotland movement to connect Christians with the work God is doing in others through conversation. Youth and community activities, and contacts are posted.
https://boclair.church/
The Castlehill Baptist congregation meets at Castlehill Primary School on Rosslyn Road in Bearsden, Scotland. Services are recorded and available for viewing online. The congregation's mission, core values, church leadership and structure, information for visitors, notices, and a calendar of congregational and community events are included. An online enquiry form is available for use in contacting the pastor, secretary, website editor, or family and children worker.
https://castlehillbaptist.org.uk/
With roots dating back to 1227, the congregation was formally organized in 1649 from the eastern half of the original Kilpatrick parish. The congregation is part of the Church of Scotland. Its history, interior and exterior photographs, photos from the church graveyard, and its windows are featured, along with service schedules, notices of upcoming programmes and events, and contacts for information about membership, baptisms, or weddings are included, with directions.
https://www.nkchurch.org.uk/
St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
Located on Roman Road in Bearsden, Scotland, the Church holds Masses from Monday to Friday at 10:00 a.m., Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m., and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. A calendar of events, church bulletin, and announcements of holidays and other special occasions are featured, with a photo gallery, youth ministries, meditations, online services, and an overview of its groups, videos, notices of current events at St. Andrew's Halls, and its policies on hiring out its halls.
https://www.standrewsbearsden.co.uk/
