A HISTORIC Gourock church building has been made available to buy through Inverclyde property agency Bowman Rebecchi.
St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church sits on the hillside at Barrhill Road overlooking the Clyde and is a much-loved local landmark.
A declining congregation led to the 160-year-old B-listed building’s closure in July 2021.
The church boasts stunning features, including a chancel extension enhanced by a beautiful window depicting the Ascension designed by George Walton.
It also has a mural of the nativity on the west wall and a plaque of Dutch tiles in remembrance of the hospitality given to Dutch soldiers, sailors, and airmen during the Second World War.
A separate church hall in Binnie Lane was previously sold, also by Bowman Rebecchi, after falling into disrepair and is currently being developed into a luxury home.
Bowman Rebecchi director, Andrew Bowman said: “St Bartholomew’s is an important local landmark in Gourock, with its value to the local community being clear from its rich heritage.
“As a result of ongoing renovation works over the past decade, the property is in fantastic condition, with stunning uninterrupted views of the River Clyde.
“There are several potential uses for the Church, and we expect this to be a highly popular property which Bowman Rebecchi is delighted to support and oversee.”
In keeping with the Episcopalian design and architecture, St Bartholomew’s has a beautiful altar and relics, and it is hoped that many of these can be retained through local museums.
The Episcopal Church in Gourock emerged from a growing number of people moving to the town from the mid-1800s onwards, particularly from England.
A congregation was first formed in 1855 and, by 1862, the church building had opened. The opening of the Torpedo Factory brought a further influx from down south to St Bartholomew’s.
Offers over £80,000 are invited for the property.
