A compact Gothic church links Bonnybridge’s worship, ironfounding families and High Street through stained glass, memorials and a prominent bellcote.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1877–78; hall extended 1881
- Architect / designer
- Alexander Watt
- Type
- Gothic parish church, hall and boundary wall
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB49997)
- OS grid reference
- NS 82075 80404
Architecture and continuing use
Buttresses divide the rubble walls into narrow bays beneath a steep slate roof. The entrance gable rises through a pointed doorway, geometric window, pinnacles and bellcote, while the timber-roofed interior retains pews, gallery, stained glass and memorial fittings.
Its story
Alexander Watt designed the church in 1877–78 and the hall was enlarged three years later. Founder George Ure connected the congregation to major local ironfounding enterprises. A later union brought furnishings from the High Bonnybridge church into the building.
Why it is included
Category C listing recognises a well-preserved local church whose architecture and memorial glass embody the social influence of Bonnybridge’s foundry owners.
What to notice
- Pinnacled entrance gable and small bellcote.
- Timber gallery carried on Corinthian columns.
- Ure-family memorial glass and entrance-lobby lantern.
Reading the surroundings
Check current worship or event details before entering. Respect services, pastoral activities and private rooms, and do not assume that an active charity means daily public opening.
Timeline
- 1877–78 Alexander Watt’s church was constructed on the High Street.
- 1881 The adjoining hall was extended.
- Late twentieth century A congregational union brought fittings from High Bonnybridge.
- 2026 The congregation remained registered as an active place-of-worship charity.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The church charity is active, but service times and room access can change. The designation’s congregational history does not define present governance in detail.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Bonnybridge St Helen's Parish Church, LB49997 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB49997 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- OSCR: Bonnybridge St Helen's Parish Church — Current active charity status, Church of Scotland relationship and place-of-worship purpose.
Location
OS grid reference NS 82075 80404 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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