Special guest

Govan & Linthouse Parish Church celebrated the 150th anniversary of the current building during 2023, culminating in a celebratory service on October 22.

The service was attended by special guests including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his brother John. Their father, the Rev Dr J E Brown, was minister of the church from 1943-54, while it was known as St Mary’s Parish Church.

The local MP and councillors, former ministers, the Presbytery Clerk of Glasgow and pupils from Govan High School were also invited.

During the service the congregation reflected on the past, present and future of the church through different voices and stories, including an archive cine film of a mid 1950s Sunday School trip, including Gordon and John Brown as children with their parents – a film which they had never seen before.

A further film also depicted the redevelopment of the church in recent years. Added to this, was a range of music reflecting faith, hope and love and a call to renewed vision for the future.

Gordon and John Brown are pictured with church minister, the Rev David Gray.