The Old Laigh Kirk, constructed between 1734 and 1736 by local masons James Baird and John Hart, is an essential part of Paisley’s religious and cultural heritage. Originally Paisley’s second church after the Abbey, it was later altered by T.G. Abercrombie in 1901 and extended in 1926. The building was eventually converted into the Paisley Arts Centre in 1987, located on New Street.
Historical Background
As Paisley expanded, the Town Council sought to establish a new parish, requiring permission from the Earl of Dundonald, the feudal superior of the Abbey Church, and the existing presbytery. The council purchased land between High Street and Causeyside, laid out New Street, and in March 1734, auctioned 38 building plots, generating a profit. Subscriptions from townspeople raised £1,900, of which only £600 was spent on construction.
Architectural Features and Materials
The Kirk’s design, characterised by its T-shaped plan and Gothic windows, was already considered old-fashioned at the time of its construction. The T-shaped layout, which gathered the congregation around a centrally placed pulpit, had been popular in Presbyterian worship since around 1600. The plain Gothic style employed was reminiscent of the covenanting 1640s, in opposition to the classicism of the English Court.
The building materials likely included local stone, which was common in Scottish ecclesiastical architecture of the period, and timber for the roof and interior fittings. The craftsmanship of James Baird and John Hart reflected the skilled masonry and joinery typical of 18th-century Scottish church construction.
The church’s design featured broad short wings, with a central pulpit accessed via a stair from a porch projecting towards New Street. The southern windows, designed to warm the interior and allow the minister to monitor the congregation, flanked the church. Galleries in the east and west wings, accessible by double stairs from separate entrances for men and women, brought the seating capacity to 1,318. The church was topped with a birdcage belfry on the north gable, a distinctive feature of the period.
Cultural and Community Significance
The Laigh Kirk played a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of Paisley. Beyond its primary function as a place of worship, it was a centre for community gatherings, reflecting the town’s social dynamics during a period of rapid industrialisation. The church witnessed significant social changes, including the shift from an agrarian society to one driven by textile manufacturing, which was central to Paisley’s economy.
Notable Figures
Dr. John Witherspoon (1723–1794), the fourth minister of the New Burgh Kirk, is renowned in the United States for helping to frame the American Declaration of Independence and being the only clergyman to sign it. His tenure at the Laigh Kirk from 1756 to 1766 was marked by his efforts to enforce strict moral standards, making him a controversial figure. He later became President of Princeton College, New Jersey.
The rapid growth of Paisley led to the construction of the High Church in 1754 and the Middle Church in 1779, both located on Church Hill. These newer churches featured modern rectangular plans in a Classical style. As a result, the New Burgh Kirk became known as the Laigh Kirk or Low Church. Under the ministry of Rev. Robert Burns (1787–1869), the congregation grew significantly, prompting a move in 1819 to St. George’s Church in George Street.
The Evangelical Union and Subsequent Alterations
From 1819, the Laigh Kirk was leased for religious and public meetings. In the 1830s, it was purchased by a group of individuals to preserve its use for these purposes. The Evangelical Union, formed in 1835, bought the building in 1849. Due to the congregation’s small size, a floor was added at gallery level, reducing seating to 900.
The Laigh Kirk witnessed many turbulent meetings during the economic depression of the late 1830s and 1840s. It was a venue for Chartists and Anti-Corn Law League members, who engaged in heated debates over working-class representation in Parliament and Free Trade.
In 1901, Thomas Graham Abercrombie, Paisley’s foremost architect, was commissioned to alter the building. The north wing was divided from the main church, creating a hall with a seating capacity of 100 and additional rooms below. Further changes in 1926 extended the north wing, increasing the hall’s capacity to 250, while maintaining the architectural integrity of the original structure. The materials used in the extension, including the careful matching of stonework, ensured that the building retained its historical appearance.
Conversion to Paisley Arts Centre
In the 1980s, the local authority reacquired the building, converting it into the Paisley Arts Centre in 1987. Abercrombie’s basic layout remains, with the former church serving as a 158-seat theatre, a vestry transformed into a dressing room, and the gallery now functioning as a bar. The church hall has become a workshop, with a total building capacity of 300.
The conversion of the Laigh Kirk into an arts centre had a significant impact on Paisley’s cultural scene. It provided a dedicated space for theatre, music, and community events, contributing to the revitalisation of the town’s artistic life. The centre has hosted numerous performances and exhibitions, cementing its role as a cultural hub in Paisley.
Churchyard and Headstones
The churchyard was originally laid out in “lairs” (family graves) close to the church. These graves were marked by inscriptions on kerbstones, with headstones often added later. The first burial took place in 1742, with the last epitaph dating to 1840. The churchyard, primarily reserved for merchants and manufacturers in the textile industry, saw improvements in 1994, including the re-erection of headstones around the perimeter walls.
In the 1870s, part of the churchyard was reduced for road widening, and further alterations were made in the 1980s for the development of the Paisley Centre. Despite these changes, the graveyard remains a significant historical site, reflecting the town’s social and economic history.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
Throughout its history, the Laigh Kirk has undergone various restorations to preserve its structural integrity and historical character. The 1987 conversion into an arts centre involved careful restoration, ensuring that the building’s architectural features were preserved while adapting it for modern use. This included the retention of original elements such as the Gothic windows and the birdcage belfry.
Modern-Day Use and Significance
Today, the Paisley Arts Centre remains an essential part of the town’s cultural landscape. It is not only a venue for performances but also a community gathering space, continuing the Laigh Kirk’s legacy as a focal point for social interaction. The centre’s programming reflects Paisley’s rich cultural heritage while also embracing contemporary arts, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
The building was listed as a Category B structure in 1971, recognising its architectural and historical significance. Its continued use and preservation demonstrate the successful integration of heritage and modern cultural needs.
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