A compact Gothic church and stone belfry remain the active worship centre of a congregation reshaped by union and modern extension.
Quick facts
- Date
- Opened 1862; later hall additions
- Architect / designer
- Original designer not identified in the designation
- Type
- Victorian Gothic parish church
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB19893)
- OS grid reference
- NS 44074 63112
Architecture and continuing use
Stone walls and pointed openings form a straightforward Victorian Gothic church. A central feature on the main front rises into a small stone belfry, giving the road elevation a clear focus. Low additions behind provide later congregational accommodation without dominating the older façade.
Its story
The West church opened in 1862. Its congregation united with Elderslie East in 1977 and later became part of Elderslie and Linwood Parish Church. A hall extension was added in 2014–15, and major roof work in 2025 demonstrates continuing stewardship of the worship building.
Why it is included
Category C listing recognises an enduring village church whose architectural simplicity, belfry and continuing adaptation document more than a century and a half of worship.
What to notice
- The central front feature carrying the stone belfry.
- The scale and texture of the Victorian masonry.
- The lower rear accommodation beside the historic worship space.
Reading the surroundings
Visit for an advertised service or event and follow congregation guidance. Keep the entrance clear, respect worship and ask before photographing the interior.
Timeline
- 1862 The West church opened on Main Road.
- 1977 The two village worshipping communities formed a single parish body.
- 2015 A new hall extension expanded congregational facilities.
- 2025 The church completed a substantial roof-renewal project.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The denomination and active use are current, but service times and room access can change. The congregation’s website should be checked before visiting.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Elderslie Kirk (West), LB19893 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB19893 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Elderslie and Linwood Parish Church: our history — Current first-party account of the 1862 church, union, hall extension and 2025 roof project.
- OSCR: Elderslie and Linwood Parish Church — Current charity registration and active congregational identity.
Location
OS grid reference NS 44074 63112 · 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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