The History of Lochee

Old Lochee Book 1911.

From "Lochee" - As it was and is - by Alexander Elliot - 1911

Chapter 4

RELIGIOUS LIFE IN LOCHEE: PARISH CHURCH.

AFTER what might be termed the dissolution of Old Lochee, religious life for a time underwent little or no change. The people, whose abodes had been removed to another centre, continued to worship at Lift as their forefathers had done; and even after a church was built at Lochee to suit their convenience many clung to the ancient place of worship. Dissenters, however, were active, and forestalled the Establishment in the matter of progress. But whilst the dissenting body was advancing in numbers and influence it must not be assumed that the parent Church was looking on supinely or showing indifference to its interests. On the contrary, it was conversant with the actual position, and determined as far as possible to provide for the spiritual needs of its adherents. A Chapel of Ease, affiliated to and supervised by the Church of Liff, was accordingly erected. This fine building was opened by the Rev. Dr Addison, Liff, 7th February 1830. No pastor was appointed for a time, and services were conducted by individual members of the Presbytery and divinity students. In 1832 Rev. William Stewart, a native of Comrie, Perthshire, and a friend of the well-known Thomas Erskine, of Linlathen, received a unanimous call. His ordination took place on 4th April of that year. An enthusiastic evangelist, Mr Stewart's ideals of Christian life were strikingly manifested in the scrupulous uprightness of his own deportment. As a preacher he enjoyed wide popularity, and the church, seated for 1200 persons, was always crowded. At the Disruption Mr Stewart severed his connection with the Establishment, and became minister of Dudhope Free Church. This caused a division amongst the members, some of whom adhered to the views espoused by Mr Stewart, whilst others remained staunch to the Mother Church. The fabric having been built by public subscription, the right of possession was claimed by both parties. This unfortunate contretemps for the time being gave rise to a good deal of friction between parties. Ultimately, however, an amicable arrangement was come to, and the followers of Mi-Stewart abstained from further contention. It was during the dispute that Rev. Thomas Boswall Dodds, the nominee of the Free Church party, was inducted, the function occurring in the Chapel, 24th December 1843—three years before the opening of the Church over which Mr Dodds so long and ably ministered. Rev. James Forsyth succeeded to the pastorate of the Chapel of Ease in 1845, and discharged his clerical duties till 1870.- It was evident, however, that the strain involved affected his health, and steps were taken to provide a measure of relief. Rev. William Wright was accordingly appointed colleague and successor on 20th July 1871. From that year onward the whole of the work devolved upon that gentleman. In 1880 the Church was erected into an independent parish, and has since been recognised as Lochee Parish Church. Through the liberality of a gentleman who was interested in the church and its pastor, the entire building in 1883 underwent complete restoration externally and internally, about £5000 being expended upon its re-equipment. Since his appointment 110 clergyman has enjoyed in a fuller degree the confidence of his people, and few have sustained their responsibilities with more becoming aptitude. Par excellence Mr Wright is the minister of the parish. Outwith the limits of his congregation the duties he is called upon to discharge are numerous, varied, and onerous. To the claims of each and all he pays close attention, his aim being, as far as in him lies, to forward every good work, whether secular or sacred. To the poor, no matter the denomination to which they belong, he gives attention, and from that source he reaps a rich reward in heartfelt gratitude.

ST LUKE'S PARISH.

After the United Presbyterians vacated their old place of worship at High Street it was acquired by Mr Thomas H. Cox, a gentleman who on several occasions had manifested his interest in the ecclesiastical affairs of Lochee, and gifted it to the Church of Scotland. Thereafter the church was reopened for public worship in March 1874. In the following year it was endowed, and became a quoad sacra parish under the designation of St Luke's. Rev. Peter McLeod was appointed to the charge. In 1879 Rev. William May, an enterprising young preacher, succeeded Mr McLeod, who was translated to Neilston, Paisley, and ere long brought the church into unison with the progressive religious life of the time. As the state of the fabric was unsatis­factory, extensive restoration was effected in 1883. The interior was reseated, an organ erected, and an elegant pulpit and amplified choir enhanced the appearance of the auditorium. As the vestry was required for heating apparatus, a new one - was built on the south wall. In 1897 further improvements, also on an extensive scale, became imperative. These included an organ chamber, and the consequent setting back of the instrument, pulpit, and choir. By this arrangement the area was enlarged, and several new pews were added. At the same time the building underwent comprehensive renewal and repair. In 1910 still another scheme of renovation was undertaken, and the interior modernised. The small-paned windows that had been in use since the church was opened in 1827 were replaced by others of a different style, the frames being filled in with tinted cathedral glass. The whole of the fittings were re-embellished, an electric motor was adapted to the use of the organ, and the electric light installed.
Mr May, in every respect, has reason to be gratified with his ministry. A faithful pastor, he has built up a large and sympathetic congregation. As an evidence of sustained effort it may be pointed out that when he entered upon his duties the mem­bership was only about 350. Exclusive of adherents it is now close on 900. During his incumbency all the agencies—sessional and auxiliary—have worked with the utmost smoothness. In his ministrations Mr May is earnest and fluent. His discourses betray careful preparation and the studious research of the scholar. If he leans to any form of doctrine it is to the evan­gelical. In private life he is one of the most likeable of men, his geniality and kind-heartedness being only surpassed by his courtesy. Recognising his probity and personal worth, the congregation, who are thoroughly loyal to their minister, on his attaining his semi-jubilee on 25th September 1904, commemorated the event by presenting him with valuable tokens of appreciation, his lady at the same time participating in the honour in a similar complimentary way.

UNITED PRESBYTERIANISM — WEST U.F. CHURCH.

The religious life of Lochee may be said to have been largely stimulated by parties who entertained the principles of Secession as distinct from those that appertained to the Church of Scotland. Though Dissenters, as they were called, were fairly numerous, it was not till about 1822 that they assumed form and shape as a cohesive body in Lochee. Apart from the question of principle there were one or two causes that operated towards their ultimate combination, the most outstanding being a steady increase in number, the necessity for a suitable place of worship, and aspirations after mutual devotional fellowship. As a preliminary to the formation of a congregation, it was arranged that a series of services be held in Scott's Hall, High Street. These extended over two years, and their success encouraged the body to appeal to the Presbytery of Forfar to grant the privileges of an Associate Congregation, a request which was unanimously complied with. It was also agreed that the carrying out of the preliminary details be allotted to School Wynd and Overgate Churches. On 15th June 1826 the Lochee Associate Church was accordingly instituted, and in the following year a place of worship was erected contiguous to Weavers' Hall. In pursuance of this movement Mr James Scott was one of the most untiring agents, and it was mainly through that gentleman's endeavours that the new body was early placed on a stable footing. The building, severe in its simplicity, was seated for 500 persons. From an outside stair at the west gable the gallery was reached, whilst a door in the north wall and another in the south gave access to the area. The pulpit and precentor's desk were at the east elevation. Attention, too, was paid to the frontage, which was laid out in grass plots and planted with trees and shrubs. Mr William Reid, Gray Street, Lochee, was builder and architect, and the cost amounted to about £800. The Church was opened 1st February 1827. Mr David Marshall, a young licentiate, who had taken the usual literary course at the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, and had attended the Divinity Hall of the Secession Church, responded to a unanimous call. Ordained 26th December 1827, he entered upon a career marked by zeal, purposeful endeavour, and duty well done. In the course of time several minor improvements were effected. These, however, were inadequate to meet expanding requirements. A scheme of improvement on an extensive scale was accordingly projected. This was given effect to in 1856, and by the time the alterations were completed literally a new Church was evolved. The entire auditorium was remodelled, and provision made for about 300 additional sitters. The outside entrance to the gallery was taken down, and the pulpit removed to the west gable. A new front, ornate and neat, formed part of the extension. By this arrangement a large vestibule, from which, stairways on either side led to the gallery and belfry, was provided. The cost of the alterations amounted to about £1200, and the church when finished was regarded as one of the best equipped within the bounds of the Presbytery. Mr Marshall's ministry covered close upon half a century, and few men enjoyed more widely or more fully the confidence and esteem of his people. The friend, the guide, the whole-hearted adviser, he unselfishly devoted his life to his calling and in the furtherance of the temporal and spiritual welfare of his congregation. This venerable pastor died on 24th December 1873, at the age of 76, and in the 46th year of his ministry.

Upon the Rev. Archibald Browning Connel, M.A., who was ordained colleague and successor to Mr Marshall on 10th July 1867, the duties" devolved. A man cast in a different mould— thoughtful, courtly, urbane—he upheld the prestige of the Church and added to its lustre. Between these two clergymen few congregations could show a record of success of such fullness. Under the former minister repeated enlargements had to be made ; but the inflow of members after Dr Connel succeeded to the charge was so great that the building of a new place of worship became imperative. A handsome edifice, architecturally artistic and elaborately appointed, was therefore erected on an ideal site at the junction of Coupar Angus Road and High Street. Mr James MacLaren, sen.. Dundee, was architect, and the opening ceremony took place on 24th September 1871. Ere long the church, which was seated for a thousand persons, was supplemented by other auxiliaries. A manse and set of classrooms were provided, and a hall for congregational, Sunday school, mission, and public use was added in 1882. The amenities of the congregation, too, were much enhanced by the addition of a peal of sweetly-toned bells, the gift of a member of the congregation.

In the arrangement of accessories Mr Marshall's memory was appropriately honoured, a richly stained glass window, a remembrancer of his life-work, being erected in the vestibule over the main entrance. A man of splendid attainments, and possessing a wide knowledge of literature, classical and general, Dr Connel held a dignified position in academic and intellectual circles. As an acknowledgment of his acquirements he was honoured ' by the Dundee University Club, by whom he was appointed President. The University of St Andrews, too, con­ferred upon, him the appointment of Examiner for the M.A. degree in Mental Philosophy. A further distinction was accorded in 1890, when the Senatus bestowed the merited degree of Doctor of Divinity. Apart from his clerical work, Dr Connel took part in affairs of public utility. From its inception in 1872 till near his demise he was an active member of the Dundee School Board, and lent valuable aid in laying the basis of our scholastic system. Of the various institutions in Lochee the doctor was a leading member, and held a number of honorary and official appointments. In the pulpit—in style, manner, and deportment— Dr Connel was a preacher of great refinement. His discourses were clear and crisp. Not a sentence was slipshod, not an idea crude. Each bore the impress of research, and his thoughts were elaborated in chaste diction. After years of labour, this pains­taking, cultured divine was stricken with severe affliction, which he sustained with a devout Christian trustfulness that had always marked his daily life. To the regret of his people, and the Church at large, Dr Connel died on 17th September 1904, aged 66 years.
Tablets, sculptured from Sicilian marble, were erected within the church to the memory of the Rev. Mr Marshall and Dr Connel, the dedicatory service taking place 011 28th January 1906.

ONLY TWO MINISTERS IN SEVENTY YEARS.

Lochee East U.F. Church has had a career of much prosperity, two ministers only being in charge since its inauguration. The first was Rev. Thomas Boswall Dodds, and the second Rev. David Thorn, M.A. Previous to entering upon the pastorate, Mr Dodds was associated with the Chapel of Ease (now Lochee Parish), to which he was inducted on 24th December 1843. Espousing the views of the Non - Intrusionists, Mr Dodds severed his connection with the Establishment, and until a church was built conducted worship in an adjoining weaving-shed and in Weavers' Hall. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 23rd June 1845, and it was opened 011 18th January 1846. The cost amounted to about £1500. A manse was built in 1852 at an additional expenditure of £600. After a lengthened ministry, Mr Dodds died on 5th January 1889, aged 72 years. Owing to Mr Dodds' failing health, Mr Thorn, who had been appointed assistant in December 1886, was invested with full charge in September 1888—previous to Mr Dodds' demise. In 1890, the interior of the building-underwent a complete change in design. In that year, in addition to other improvements, a gallery was partially constructed. A further extension of the gallery was carried out in 1902, and an organ was introduced. In 1890 the tower, which had been left unfinished, was completed, and a public clock, maintained by the Town Council, was erected in the belfry.

LOCHEE ROAD U.F. CHURCH.

To the rapid growth of the eastern part of Lochee, and the area comprehended in Logie Street and Lochee Road in particular, the handsome place of worship, nearly opposite the old burial-ground, in a large measure owes its existence. Started originally as a mission, Lochee Road Church prospered, and the enthusiastic spirit shown by successive preachers placed it upon a footing of stability and resourcefulness. In 1890 a cottage with garden attached, at the west corner of Logie Street and Union Place (Cobden Street), was purchased by a few persons associated with the United Presbyterian denomination. The district was becoming largely populated, and it was evident that the spiritual needs of that part of the city were requiring attention. The cottage was converted into a preaching station, and on the second Sabbath of January 1891, it was opened for public worship by Rev. Dr John Young, Edinburgh. Rev. John Guthrie, an unordained preacher, was appointed superintendent. Mr Guthrie threw himself ardently into the work. Removing, how­ever, to another sphere of enterprise, he was succeeded, on 8th February 1892, by Rev. John Greenhill. In the beginning of June in the same year, the body, still showing development, Avas erected by the Presbytery into a distinct congregation. Still another change took place in 1892, when Rev. David Brown superseded Mr Greenhill. In June 1893 the efforts of the congregation were generously recognised, Mr James Logie, Dundee, who was interested in its welfare, presenting a valuable communion service. The first minister appointed to the charge was Rev John Bissett, Buckhaven, his induction taking place on 27th February 1894.

As a memento of the occasion, Mr George Carmichael, Taymount, Broughty Ferry, made a gift of a Pulpit Bible, Psalm Book, and Hymnal. On 4th March 1895, plans for a church were submitted, and these being approved, it was duly erected at a cost of £4500, accommodation being provided for over seven hundred sitters. The memorial stone was: laid by Mr Logie on 2nd May 1897, and the opening ceremony took place on Sabbath, 24th September 1897, when Rev. John Young, D.D., Edinburgh, officiated. Messrs G. & L. Ower, Dundee, were the architects. In. "1900, when the fusion of the Free and United Presbyterian denominations was consummated, Lochee Road congregation cordially entered into the union. Another important change affecting the affairs of the church occurred in 1903. In that year Rev. John Bissett was translated to Glasgow, and Rev. James Burnet, Pitcaple, Aberdeenshire, succeeded. He was inducted on 3rd June. At that date the membership was about 300. When Mr Burnet entered upon duty, apart from pastoral work, he undertook a heavy responsibility. A debt of £1600 rested upon the fabric. The cost of the site originally was £700, and an outlay of £450 was expended upon the hall. These sums, added to the cost of the church, made a total of £5650. With rare courage, assisted by the congregation, Mr Burnet determined to wipe off the obstructive liability. After repeated efforts this end was creditably accomplished, and in October 1910 all financial obligations were met as far as they could be applied to the church. Mr Burnet is a native of Edinburgh, where he had a successful University and New College career. In the early part of his ministry he gained experience in various fields of religious activity. This stood him in good stead in after life, and enabled him to bring to bear upon his work a well-trained mind and a capacity for heavy work. Under him the church has gone forward steadily.

"THE IRON KIRK" AND ST THOMAS'.

St John's Episcopal Church, generally known as the "Iron" Church, because the materials of which it was composed consisted of a framework of wood covered with corrugated iron, was situated in Logie Den. The congregation, an offshoot from St Mary Magdalene's and several of the Episcopal Churches in Dundee, in 1868 was formed into a separate church, under the title of St John's Episcopal, over which the Bishop of Brechin retained spiritual jurisdiction. Worship at first was conducted in Kimiaird Hall, and subsequently a schoolroom in Barrack Street attached to the works of Messrs Don, Buist, & Co., was secured. Still later a removal was made to Lindsay Street Hall. In 1870, whilst still retaining in a large measure their original formula, the congregation asserted its independence, and Rev. Joseph Mulkerns was elected pastor. An increase in numbers neces­sitated the erection of the "Iron" Church, which was opened for worship 22nd November 1874. Apart from Mr Mulkerns, Rev. Dr Lane, Rev. Mr Taylor, and Rev. Mr Jellibrand were successively associated with St John's.

The congregation remained intact for several years, but previous to 1885, owing to supervening causes, overtures were made to the Presbytery of Dundee that it be affiliated to and incorporated with the Church of Scotland. In pursuance of that proposal, on the suggestion of Dr Colin Campbell, St Mary's, the church and congregation were taken over in that year, the reverend doctor raising the sum necessary to meet expenses incurred. Rev. Andrew Rutherford, B.D., at that time one of the assistants in Dundee Parish Church, was appointed minister. Mr Rutherford resigning early in 1893, Rev. John Colville, B.D., was elected in his place. Mr Colville in turn resigned in 1897, and Rev. William Hall, M.A., became his successor in December of that year.          
Soon after Mr Hall's appointment a new church was built at the junction of Tullideph Road and Lochee Road, the opening taking place on December 29th, 1902. The cost of the building was estimated at about £4600. Mr Hall has drawn around him a large and enthusiastic body of devoted people, who are ever ready to respond to the good work he has so much at heart; As showing the large extension that has taken place under his ministry, it is reckoned that the membership has risen from 200 to 700. The "Iron" Church was sold to the Directors of the Lunacy Board, and erected at Westgreen Asylum grounds.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptist Church in Lochee was built in 1865. Previous to that date those of the inhabitants who belonged to that body met for worship in Weavers' Hall. It is well equipped, having a commodious hall and classrooms attached. The first clergyman was Rev. E. 0. Wills, who was followed successively by Rev. T. D. Cameron, Rev. William Srnoldon, Rev. John Campbell, Rev. P. T. Thomson, Rev. William Clelland, and the Rev. H. R. McKenzie. The work of this congregation is conducted unobtrusively, but with a measure of success that is the outcome of earnest zeal and attachment to their tenets.

GROWTH OF EPISCOPACY.

Though Episcopacy in Lochee has been of comparatively slow growth, nevertheless it has been steady, and there are few churches better organised than St Margaret's. Bishop Forbes, who steadfastly kept the spiritual interests of his people to the. forefront, was the originator of the Episcopal movement in Lochee. About 1856 he established a mission in Stewart's Lane, Liff Road, and services were conducted in Weavers' Hall. In a year or two a church, dedicated to St Margaret, was erected in Marshall Street, the opening ceremony, at which the Bishop officiated, taking place on 11th December 1861. To this pretty edifice schools and classrooms were attached. Up till 1874 the services were supplied by clerics from St Mary Magdalene's, Dundee, with which from the first St Margaret's was more or less identified. In that year St Margaret's was raised to the status of a separate benefice. In 1888 a section of a new church was built in Ancrum Road from designs by Rev. E. Sugden, the former church meanwhile being utilised for educational purposes. The building, when finished according to the original design, will be octagonal in shape. A rectory adjoins the church. In 1895 commodious schools were provided. Under the different rectors a great deal of enterprise has been manifested, and all the agencies have been kept healthy and active. The Rev. J. Thompson, the first rector, was installed in 1874; Rev. T. Smith, 1875; Rev. G. Morris, 1877; Rev. J. A. Dunbar-Dunbar, 1878; Rev. T. Lennie, 1883; and Rev. J. O. Cater, 1898. The church contains several articles of interest, including an antique pulpit, a much valued wrought-iron chancel screen, and a unique baptismal font carved in Italy.

RECRUDESCENCE OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM IN LOCHEE.

Roman Catholic progression, or relatively what might be termed recrudescence, is one of the most interesting chapters in our local history. In its religious, educational, and social aspects the Roman Catholic persuasion has kept pace with modern development. Its adherents have become assimilated with, and form an integral part of, a large, busy community, citizenship to them in its truest sense being regarded as a cherished birthright. In the first decades of last century the Catholic population in Dundee arid adjacent neighbourhood was comparatively limited. Beginning with a few hundreds and slowly increasing, a long period elapsed before it reached anything like large dimensions. The earlier places of worship were situated in Hawkhill, Seagate, and Meadowside, and to these modest structures the people rallied from all parts of the town and suburbs. The spiritual needs of Lochee received early recogni­tion. With the approval of Bishop Carruthers and Bishop Gillis, his coadjutor, Rev. Stephen Keenan, a man of outstanding personality, and the clergy associated with him, purchased the property at Liff Road known as the Walton. The grounds were fairly extensive, being about thirteen acres. The mansion was commodious, and all accessories were in good order. There were trim gardens, and the parks were studded with fine timber. Aged people who had frequented it in their youth describe the Walton as one of the best kept and prettiest places in and around Dundee. It is understood, that early in the nineteenth century the ground was feued by Mr John Pitcairn, a Dundee merchant, who built the house as a summer residence. It was from the representatives of that gentleman that Father Keenan acquired the property, his primary and ostensible object being to adapt it to the combined purposes of an orphanage, mission, and academy. It does not seem, however, to have been used at any time as an orphanage. If it had it must have been only for a short period. Asa seminary for the board and education of young men who purposed to enter upon learned or commercial professions it was much made use of. Indeed, the demand upon its resources was such that in 1849 a new wing devoted exclusively to educational training was erected. Amongst the various rectors and professors associated with the Academy were Rev. John Carment, Rev. William Bennet, Rev. William Mackay, Rev. John Prendergast, and Rev. John Smith, afterwards Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. The institution, which educationally went under the designation of St Clement's Academy, was closed as such in February 1854.

Previous to the purchase of the Walton there existed no regular place of worship in Lochee for those who belonged/to the Roman Catholic persuasion. To supply that obvious discrepancy the coach-house attached to the mansion was converted into a temporary chapel, the number of Catholics in Lochee and district being about 200 at that date. Under the new arrangement services were systematically conducted until another church, suited, to meet the needs of an increasing congregation, was provided within the grounds. This was effected in 1857, provision being made for fully 500 persons. A day school, the precursor of the substantial array of schools at St Mary's, was opened about the same time. In a year or two, however, it was evident from the steady influx of people, that if the requirements of worship were to be adequately met, a scheme, based upon a generous scale, would have to be undertaken. Rev. George Davidson was then at the head of affairs in Lochee, and that gentleman, securing a suitable site, proceeded with the erection of the handsome structure that now adorns High Street and St Mary's Lane. The design was furnished by Mr Joseph Hansom, the inventor of the hansom cab, and an expert in ecclesiastical architecture. Sometime after the work was entered upon, Mr Davidson died. Rev. Francis McKerrell, who had been his assistant, succeeded, and the church was completed under the supervision of that gentleman, who, in reality, might claim to be its first pastor. The opening-ceremony was observed on 14th May 1866. The Right Rev. John Strain, who dedicated the church to St Mary, officiated. In con- junction with the church, educational affairs were not lost sight of, and soon after its inauguration a large school was built in St Mary's Lane, the premises at the Walton meanwhile being vacated. In 1872, when the Education Act came into operation, an addition was made by Rev. Peter Grant, who followed Father McKerrell; and subsequently a still further extension was carried through by Rev. Francis Beurms, an esteemed clergyman, who was successor to Father Grant. To that gentleman, too, the credit must be given for providing two large halls and supplementary recreation rooms. In 1896, when the Education Department insisted upon attention to higher ideals in school construction, another heavy outlay was entailed in giving effect to the recommendation. Father Beurms had, as successors, Rev. Peter Butti (canon) and Rev. Alphonsus Van de Rydt (canon), by whom the affairs of the church were ably administered. Rev. Canon Crumley is pastor in charge at present date, and under his guidance St Mary's Church and its numerous agencies are conducted with quiet efficiency.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR—WELLBURN: HOW IT WAS NAMED.

The Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, which has been established in our midst about half a century, is universally recognised as a meritorious ameliorative institution. Previous to the settlement of the Little Sisters in Lochee, a contingent of Sisters of Mercy from Derry settled at the Walton, a designa­tion which, by the way, they changed to the more appropriate name of Wellburn, the new term arising from the circumstance that a spring well and Lochee Burn were nearby. The Sisters of Mercy engaged in educational and missionary work amongst poor girls in one of the most congested parts of Dundee. Finding, after the lapse of a year, that Wellburn was too distant, they removed to Blackness Road, where they established a school near Wilkie's Lane. Eventually in 1863, Wellburn came into the possession of the Little Sisters of the Poor, in whom it is still invested. The good work accomplished by the Sisterhood cannot be over-estimated. It is as universal as it is unselfish. The aged, infirm, and needy are rescued from poverty and privation, and find within the walls of the Institution a con­genial retreat in their declining years. Wellburn has been frequently enlarged, and has become an imposing pile of buildings.