Friday, October 5, 2012

Grange Church

This imposing red sandstone church dates from 1879. The architects were the brothers, William and Robert Ingram, the sons of James Ingram - the famous Kilmarnock architect who designed many of the well known buildings in the town, including the beautiful Palace Theatre and St Marnock’s Church.

William eventually became an architect in Glasgow but Robert stayed in Kilmarnock. He later designed the Burns Monument and the Dick Institute.

When Grange Church first opened it was described as a "handsome cruciform structure with a spire of 140ft. There are 860 sittings and a hall and classroom to the E has accommodation for 500 people."

A memorial stone can be found below the arch on the left side of the window above the entrance to the church.

There is a steel bell in the tower which is thought to be the largest in the country. Corrosion makes deciphering the date on the side difficult, but it is thought to read ‘1867’.

The stained glass window behind the pulpit was donated in 1896 by Miss M. Taylor in memory of her father, William Taylor.

In 1902, an organ was added and it continued in use until 2009.

I don’t know how long it has been since this church stopped being used for worship as I see that it is now closed up and there are signs outside which state that it is now for sale or to rent. It will be interesting to see what happens to it in future.

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