Historic Gourock Church Made Available To Purchase

St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Gourock

A historic Gourock church has been made available to buy through the Inverclyde property firm, Bowman Rebecchi.

St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, which sits on the hillside at Barrhill Road overlooking the River Clyde, is a much-loved local landmark and closed in July 2021 after 160 years of operation.

Its tight-knit congregation took the difficult decision to close, with the Episcopal Church now placing the category B-Listed building on the market.

Designed originally by J C Sharp of Gourock 1867 and extended by H D Walton in c.1895, the church boasts stunning features, including a chancel extension enhanced by a beautiful window depicting the Ascension designed by George Walton.

The church 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 heritage and 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 an influx from down south to St Bartholomew's.

The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican union but has its own separate history from the Church of England, with the church keeping the system of governance of bishops as opposed to the presbyterian model.

Now St Bartholomew’s Church is set for a new lease of life under new ownership and is available to purchase with offers over £80,000 invited.

For more information click here.