Humble Origins

Remembering a Centuryin

St Brigid’s

Centenery Year 1996-7

ST BRIGID’SCENTENERY YEAR

1996-97

A Parish consists of the people of God in their community. The story of a parish is the story ofthat community. This story deals with the people themselves, working and making sacrifices intheir everyday lives, grasping the knowledge that only God’s love can bring meaning to lives whichwere often brutally hard.

The story will touch upon the priests who led the people. It will tell of the buildings and otherobjects which were lovingly constructed by the people and it will describe the civil community inwhich they lived and earned their living “by the sweat of their brow”.

It will, above all, show the continuity of the people. It will show that the impulse to live as God’speople, which drove the founders, remains alive and thriving a century later. The wish tocelebrate the achievements of our forebears is evidence for that but a stronger indication isthe willingness to participate in the life of our community today as we reach the end of the firstChapter of the story of St. Brigid’s.

Dear Parishioners of St. Brigid’s,15th July, 1997

I am delighted to have the opportunity of contributing this introductory letter to your very finebrochure commemorating the centenary of your parish’s foundation, not least as it was earliertoday that I saw it in draft form from Fr. Brannigan, your parish priest. I was very taken by theexcellent research that had been done in relation to the Irish and Celtic Saints who had such abig influence on this part of Scotland after the coming of Columba to Iona.

But I was scarcely less impressed by two other things. The first was the deep appreciation shownto the founding fathers of the Catholic community in Newmains, both clerical and lay people ofsuch significance that they are held in sacred memory to this day. The second was the importanceplayed in the life of your parish by outstanding lay people over the past half century. Two ofthese I remember well, the late John Brown and the late Willie Young. Indeed, you have beenblessed over the years in your teachers and preachers. In particular, I think of Father Stopani,a man whom I never knew, as he died in the year I was born, but whose name I well remember. Ithink of others whom I did know. Mgr. John O’Donnell and Father Colm Morris. Sadly, as I write,Canon J. Boyle remains very seriously ill.

But a parish community is much bigger than the individuals, even outstanding individuals, whofigure most in its history. A parish community is a living entity, made up of the great and thosewho are less great at least in the common estimation of people. But the Lord values the effortsof all, as he loves each and every one. So the contribution made by each person in a parish is ofreal importance. I am sure that you have begun again to appreciate this under the leadership ofyour new parish priest, Fr. Joseph Brannigan. I am delighted with the start that he has made tomake the Newmains of tomorrow outshine your past achievements. When the Holy Father cameto Bellahouston in 1982 he reminded us that we cannot rest on the laurels won by our parentsand grandparents. Instead, in a new age and in changed circumstances, we have to win our worldfor Christ. By “our world” he meant the immediate environment where we live, as families, asparishioners and as citizens. In other words, in the Church today all of us are called to bewitnesses, witnesses by our lives and actions to the One in whom all our hopes are placed.

Therefore, while I am delighted to offer you, on behalf of the Diocese, our congratulations onthis big occasion of your centenary, I offer you, in the name of the Lord, a still greater challenge,namely, to better over the coming years anything that has been achieved in the past 100 years.It will take some doing, in the light of what you have already achieved. Yet it is possible, but onlyif you are open to the power of the Holy Spirit, whose task it is to renew the face of the earth.As it happens, that is the most urgent task facing the whole of humanity today. May it begin inthe fine old parish of St. Brigid’s. Newmains.

With Every Blessing,Yours Devotedly,

+Joseph DevineBishop of Motherwell

Parish Priest - Father Joseph Brannigan

Father Brannigan was born in Airdrie in 1954. He was educated at St. Patrick’s High School,Coatbridge, later attending Blairs College, St. Peter’s College, Cardross and St. Andrew’s College,Drygrange.

After completing his studies he was ordained in Airdrie in 1978.

He worked in four Parishes; St. Monica’s in Coatbridge and St. Patrick’s, Shotts then, after threeyears as Professor at Blairs College, at St. Leonard’s, East Kilbride and Our Lady and St. Anne’s,Hamilton.

During the nineties he has been, and continues to be, responsible for religious education inschools, most recently concentrating on the Primary sector, and in that capacity has earned thespecial gratitude of teachers throughout the Diocese.

He was appointed to St. Brigid’s two months before the Centenary in 1996.

August 1997

Dear Parishioner / Friend of St. Brigid’s Parish,

In the past 13 months since I arrived in Saint Brigid’s I have come to the conclusion that everyparish ought to have a Centenary - at least once every ten years! That was not my reaction aboutthe 10th of September last year when I discovered, three weeks before the event, that St.Brigid’s was about to celebrate its 100th birthday. But I’ve learned a lot since then!

The celebration of our Centenary Year has been a wonderful opportunity, you might even sayexcuse, for all sorts of activity to take place in our parish. The Centenary Committee rightlydecided not to rush into organising a ‘big splash’ on our 100th birthday, the 1st October 1996and to disband immediately afterwards. Instead the Committee, under the chairmanship ofDominic Dale, opted to mark our Centenary YEAR. And what a year it has been!

The climax of our Centenary Year will be the Dedication of our church by Bishop Joseph Devineon the 30th September 1997, the last day of our Centenary Year. For two weeks before thatthe whole parish will in a special way Dedicate itself, in a Mission led by the RedemptoristFathers.

But the celebrations don’t end there. St. Brigid’s Social Group have organised a Parish CentenaryDinner & Cabaret to take place on the 17th October 1997. Organising such an event may seem arelatively simple task until you realise that 400 parishioners and guests will be present and theGroup have raised over £6,000 to subsidise the celebration. Needless to say, the many eventsorganised to raise that sum have themselves been wonderful community-building opportunities.The Parish Fun Day (when for the first time in 100 years the sun shone on Fair Saturday!) was aparticularly joyful day, and one which the Group hopes to make an annual event.

The presbytery has been totally renovated and the church upgraded during our Centenary Year.And all parishioners are to be congratulated for greatly increasing their donations to St. Brigid’sin order that we might re-pay the loan we received from the Diocese of Motherwell to completethis work.

To mark our Centenary Year, Saint Brigid’s was granted a Coat of Arms from the Court of theLord Lyon. That we are the first Catholic parish in Scotland to be granted Armorial Bearings isan honour. I’m equally delighted that the artist responsible for completing the work is a nativeof Saint Brigid’s, Claire McCrory.

North Lanarkshire Council have also agreed to honour Saint Brigid’s parish, by hosting a CivicReception to which 150 parishioners have been invited.

I have given you a flavour of some of the events which have taken place this year. I’m extremelygrateful to John Dougan for giving us much, much more than that. For in this publication he givesus an insight into 100 YEARS in Saint Brigid’s. John is to be congratulated and thanked for all hiswork and dedication in producing this brochure. Thanks also to the many businesses who havehelped us to control costs by advertising in the brochure. Please support them. What John hasproduced here will be of great interest to readers in 1997 - and a key resource to whoeverwrites Volume II in the year 2097!

Finally, I’m sure that you will enjoy reading this brochure.Thank you for your support of Saint Brigid’s parish.

Sincerely yoursRev Joseph Brannigan Parish Priest

Sister Maria Goretti

Our Pastoral Assistant, Sister Maria Goretti who joined St. Brigid’s in the Centenary Year wasborn in Govan. She was educated at St. Constantine’s School, Govan and later at LourdesSecondary

After completing her education she worked for a time at a city builders-merchants as areceptionist. But she was aware that this was not her final calling in life and in 1966 she enteredthe Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Merrylee Convent. Her final vows weretaken in 1973 in St. Constantine’s Church in Govan.

While a member of the order she completed a year-long period of spiritual training andafterwards took full training in nursing and as a nursery-nurse. She was extensively involved incaring work, both for the elderly and with the Society of the Innocents at their house inBothwell. She also worked as a Pastoral Assistant in St. John Ogilvies Parish in Burnbank foraround five years.

She currently lives in the Convent in Bothwell.

Marist Brothers Novitiate,P.O. Box 290NortonZimbabwe

Dear Mr. Dougan,

Your name is very familiar to me. I remember so clearly your old grandmotherDougan, a dear old, old lady with a bent back, a face with a thousand wrinklesand a beatific smile. She baked the most delightful griddle scones, a foot acrossand at least an inch thick. Then there was Charlie Dougan - your father.

I have a host of childhood memories but it’s now too late to include them inyour Centenery. I had been on holiday and only found your fax a few days agobut I would like a copy for I may well have some answers to questions I’ve alwayshad about St. Brigid’s and Newmains itself and its origins. e.g. When didColtness start? For my father was a steel dresser in it when I was only four. Fr.Stopani, when did he preside?

Names of my playmates! These are some I can recall - Jake Bradley, Jim Doyle,Charlie Wilson and his sister Molly, Wullie Burns and his sister Agnes, the twoTempleton brothers, Jessie Somerville (my cleek for a few years!) one of theKeegans and many others. And my teachers - Miss Clark in the baby class, MissDocherty (Healy), Miss McSloy, who could see you in her glasses as she wrote onthe board, Miss Campbell who, when offered a lame excuse for being late, wouldreply: “And the band played: Believe it if you like”, and proceeded to administerinstant justice. Then there was Miss Brogan, a new kind of teacher from thetraining school, bringing lots of bright new ideas which we liked. I had a crushon her too! (How I became a priest is a wonder). Then came Miss McGarry, whogave delightful sessions of reading on Friday afternoons - Tom Sawyer,Huckleberry Finn etc. I skipped the next class, Mr. John O’Rourke’s and went toOur Lady’s High in Motherwell where life became rather serious, with bothersomeexams and the blistering tawse (belt) which was not used on the few girls left atthat time, 1939. To me as a boy that was gross injustice.

Even today, certain places in Newmains appear in my dreams. And deliberately,of my own accord, I will recall people, places and events of my childhood.Another thing I remain grateful for - my parents. I had very good parents,liberal but not lax.

I do not expect you to be able to print this - it’s much too late. But please greetthe Parish on my behalf and especially my contemporaries who are still alive.And I really would like to have a copy of the finished brochure.

Best wishes and God Bless you all.

Fr. Gerry McEnhill

Our Local Member of Parliament, Mrs.Helen Liddell sends this message to theparish on the achievement of theCentenery

My Heartfelt good wishes go to the parishioners of St. Brigid’s.

The story of the Parish reads like the history of Lanarkshire itself the fierce commitment ofworking people to better themselves and their communities, not just for themselves but for thegreater honour and glory of God.

Children and their education, self-sacrifice and hard work are woven into the past of parish in away that points to the values we should embrace for the future, not just celebrate in the past.

St. Brigid’s has given much to Newmains, and still has much, much more to give. St. Brigid herself,honoured in flame for seven centuries has nurtured the fire of community in the parish thatmust never be put out.

Helen Liddell M.P.

Hymn to St. Brigid

Far above enthroned in glorysweetest Saint of our dear isle.See thy children kneel before thee,turn on us a mother’s smile,Sancta Mater hear our pleading,faith and hope and holy love.Dear St. Brigid, spouse of Jesussent to us from heaven above.

Dear St. Brigid, we thy childrenfar and near o’er land and seamid the world and in the cloisterfondly turn with love to thee.Sancta Mater soothe the mournershield the weary tempted soul.Sweet St. Brigid guide thy childrento their bright and happy home.

SAINTS AND SCHOLARS

Across the centuries, many saints apart fromNethan have been given particular attentionand reverence in this area.

The name of our postal town, Wishaw, mostprobably derives from a gradual shortening ofthe name Winstie’s Haugh. Those whoremember the pitch and toss school whichused to meet near Newmains will know that aHaugh is a forest glade. Winstie is anaffectionate shortening of the name Winfrid.(Another name for Boniface - patron Saint ofGermany - although St. Winifred, a WelshSaint was also widely known and revered)Winstie’s name lives on also in Swinstie Roadand Swinstie farm in nearby Cleland.

Winfrid’s best known legacy is his dedicationof the Fir tree as a Christian symbol,replacing the pagan oak and giving us the basisfor the use of Christmas trees.

A Celtic Saint, Aidan of Lindisfarne, waschosen as the patron of the parish Church inthe Parish of Cambusnethan. Another earlychapel was named for Michael, Archangel andvictor over the powers of darkness. TheAbbot Brendan, voyager and possible visitorto the American continent 1000 years beforeChristopher Columbus, was well known amongthem but had to await the 20th Centurybefore his name was included among localpatrons.

The Irish who came to Newmains broughtwith them devotion to the saints of theirnative land. They revered Colmcille who likethem had left Ireland to come to Scotland;Patrick too who may have made the journey inthe opposite direction and Brigid, Mary of theGael, a contemporary of Patrick. Brigid,Patrick and Columcille, this trinity of Celticgiants, share a grave, in Downpatrick,Co.Down.

It was to Brigid that the local Catholicsturned when they chose a patron saint for theCatholic Community in Newmains.

Our Patroness is often called “Mary of theGael”. In legend and folklore Celtic traditionis distinguished by the fact that so many ofits heroes are women. In the early days ofChristianity this tradition continued. Brigid isthe most admired of the Celtic Christianheroes after Patrick.

Brigid was born in Faughert around 1500years ago and her birth was marked by signsand marvels. Neighbours told of a “Fire thatstretched from Heaven to Earth” thatseemed to consume the house in which thechild lay but which vanished when theyapproached. They saw this as a sign of theHoly Spirit.

She was sent into the service of a wealthycattle owner as a herdswoman. An act ofpersonal self-sacrifice which saved hermaster’s cattle persuaded him to reunite herwith her home. But she was called to a greaterfamily. Her wish was to bring souls to God andsoon her life was given over to this purpose.But she did not lose her personally attractivequalities. She was loved and much regardedfor her strong and happy personality as wellas for her goodness and generosity.

Many of the stories told of Brigid are legendrather than history but it is the goodness andgenerosity that is their recurring theme. Sheis said several times to have multiplied foodto feed the poor and one story even has herchanging bath-water into beer to slake thethirst of some priests who had come to visitthe monastery she founded.

Brigid recognized the special gifts that thewomen of Ireland could bring to the work ofGod. She founded in Kildare a community ofwomen. This was the first religious communityin Ireland for women and she is usually calledIreland’s first Abbess. The Irish took hermemory wherever they went. She died atabout 70 years old and was buried in Kildarebut was later re-buried with Patrick &Colmcille at Downpatrick where they remainto this day.

After her death, we are told by Gerald ofWales (13th Century), a fire was kept burningin her honour for several centuries. May thisCentenary Year fan the flame of Faith in theparish named in her honour here in Newmains.

“vive ut semper vivas”

OUR VILLAGE

This is a short sketch of the village of Newmains. This is where our ancestors settled and this isa picture, although a blurred picture, of the life that awaited them.

St Brigid’sCentenery Year

1996-97

A TOWN AT THE CROSSROADS

The place which became Newmains after theIndustrial revolution has occupied a siteastride the great natural routeways ofScotland.

Here the routes between North and Southand between East and West meet. The greatbarrier blocking the North - South route hasbeen, since ancient times the River Forth.Until the 19th Century the engineering skillsrequired to build a bridge spanning the Firthof Forth did not exist. Those who wished tocross the river did so by ferry or travelled toStirling, the lowest point on the river where abridge could be built. Any natural route fromthe South towards Stirling would pass closeto Newmains.L i k e w i s eNewmains is atthe heart ofthe CentralL o w l a n d swhich runfrom West toEast acrossthe country.

In theirm o v e m e n t sbetween theHoly places ofScotland; fromIona, Lindisfarne and from Casa Alba themonks who brought Christianity to thecountry must have passed this way. Amongthem would have been Ninian, Aidan andColumcille.

The Roman armies had earlier marched here.It was only a little to the North that theybuilt the great rampart and ditch of theAntonine wall. In Newmains little trace is leftof their passing. A trackway through thefields, just North of the village, was known asthe Roman Road although whether there wasany real connection with the Romans mustremain a matter for conjecture. The roaddoes, however, follow a path which would havebeen a suitable one for anyone intending tocross the ravine which carries the RiverCalder

Elements of King Edward’s army as hemarched towards Bannockburn would havepassed here. Indeed Allan Stewart of Bonkyll(Bonkle) was killed in skirmishing before thatbattle. He left his name for the village ofAllanton. The Chapel built to commemoratehim gave its name to Chapel, a district inMorningside. Another member of the Stewartfamily, John, died at the Battle of Falkirk.

We know then that Newmains has played thepart of silent witness to many of the ancientand seminal events in the history of Scotlandbut the position we occupy was to have evenmore far reaching effects in the shaping ofour community in modem times and in thereestablishing of the Catholic /church there.Truly it was the cross-roads of Scotland.

E a s ytransportat i onlinks make a sitep o t e n t i a l l yattractive forheavy industry.Newmains hadthat. It had easyaccess to deep-water ports whichmade import-export of rawmaterials andfinished goodseconomically. Butadded to its

position it offered a range of attractive, evenvital, raw materials whose very existence wasa powerful lure for the “Robber Barons” whowould control industry.

Coal was found here in abundance, sometimeseven breaking through to the surface, (as thestrip mining industry of the 20th centuryshows). The name of Coltness, which meansCoal point, shows us that its availability hadbeen known for centuries. So, too, was ironore available nearby at Fauldhouse in greatsupply and good quality. But ore was availablenearer to hand even than that. Those whoremember the “Engine Pond” where WestCrindledyke playing fields now are willremember the “Coo Hill”. This was a spoil heapfor an earlier iron ore mine. These supplies,coupled with the favourable transportation

possibilities were more than enough toguarantee that someone would find Newmainsan attractive location for manufacturing theiron and steel to provide the skeleton of theempire on which the sun never set Such a manwas Henry Houldsworth.

Henry Houldsworth established the ColtnessIron company and provided a magnet whichdrew the impoverished and dispossessed ofIreland and Scotland to Newmains whileothers of their countrymen headed forAmerica and England or were transportedagainst their will. In the 19th Century theyflooded here to work in coal mines and ironworks.

The Irish, especially, found themselves theobjects of considerable hostility andprejudice. Most of the insults now offered toimmigrant groups were offered first of all tothe Irish. They, nevertheless, held togetherand weathered the storm. They had a burningdesire to improve their own lot and an evenmore deep-seated desire to improve the lotof their children. And they could see thateducation was a key to unlock many of thedoors closed against them. Allied to that wasa fierce desire to serve God in the way thattheir ancestors had done, through their ownCatholic Church.

But they found themselves in lowland Scotlandwhere the Reformation had almost wiped outthe Catholic way completely

EARLY TIMES AND CELTIC ROOTS

Scotland had experienced 1200 years ofCommunion with the universal church beforethe reformation. The influence of the CelticChurch had been strong throughout. This partof Lanarkshire had been dedicated to thecare of St. Nethan. It was part of the Parishof Cambusnethan.

Cambus indicates the bends and meanders ofthe Clyde as it passes through its flood plainon the way to the sea. Newmains stands at thehead of the slope leading down to that plain.The name of the Parish described its locationas well as placing it in the care of Nethan.

Nethan had been an influential figure inkeeping the Celtic Church in harmony with therest of Europe during times whencommunication between nations and evenregions could be fraught with difficulty. Hewas a king as well as a wise and holy man. Bede,from Tyneside, described him as such. (Bedealso recorded an encounter betweenColumcille and a monster in Loch Ness).Nethan’s greatest achievement was toprevent a split over the correct date for thecelebration of Easter. (Easter’s date isrelated to the Jewish Passover - the Sundayafter the full moon after the 21st March.) Heworked to persuade Scotland to obey thedecrees of the Synod of Whitby. Because ofthe influence of Nethan Scotland acceptedthe teaching of the universal church on thisand other matters -and continues to do so.

NEWMAINS, A HIVE OFINDUSTRY.The growth of Newmains as a centre forheavy Industry was swift. It rested, above all,on the decision by Henry Houldsworth in 1839to take advantage of the available raw-materials of an abundant local supply of coaland a nearby source of Iron-ore inFauldhouse.

Previous to this time any importance thatNewmains had was derived from its positionand potential transportation links. A one-horse coach, Watts Noddy which made thejourney three times a week, had been themain link of the village to Glasgow. Many ofthe local weavers would walk to Glasgow.However four times a week the Edinburgh-Ayr stage-coach would stop at the coachingInn, the Beilerophon, which stood where thePastoral centre now stands.

A route used by cattle drovers passedthrough the village and the area now known asToll Park was used as a gathering point for theherds and drovers who were unable to pay thetolls.

The arrival of Houldsworth was to change allthat. At first his raw materials were cartedbut the expense of this encouraged a heavyinvestment in the railway system which wasenjoying huge growth at that time. Thisrailway construction, the coal-mining whichwas attempting to respond to the increaseddemand Houldsworth offered and theironworks produced a powerful surge in thedemand for a strong and willing workforcewho could respond to the demands of heavymanual labour.

The potato famine in Ireland and in parts ofScotland had, at the same time, caused amassive pool of dispossessed and desperateworkers who flooded into the area seekingwork. They found it aplenty. They found,though, that this was no promised land. Thework was back-breaking and ill-rewarded. Theemployers often unjustly used the powerwhich the desperation of their workforcegave them.

That desperate workforce experiencedappalling conditions. As recently as the 19thCentury 12 year old boys were workingunderground in the mines.

Industrial death was ever-present andindustrial disease was simply a risk that hadto be taken.

The mines in the area were notorious formethane fuelled fires. The workforce wasexpendable and replacement workers could befound easily and in plentiful supply as theyflooded into the area.

Another source of power for employers wasthe company store system which operated andwhich was regularly castigated by the localnewspapers. Workers were held by a systemof debt and prices could be pitched at anartificially high level. Even community leaderswere involved. A.G.Simpson a local provostduring the 1860’s was involved in thisoperation in Carfin. But there were many.

It appeared, too, that any show of resistanceby the workforce would be ruthlesslysuppressed. Lord Belhaven evicted 96 familiesin 1856 following a 12 week strike. He wasassisted by police and dragoons. In the 1880’smany miners were imprisoned during industrialunrest. Many women were also imprisoned,some with babies.

It was into this cauldron of resentment andunrest that the first Catholics arrived insubstantial numbers. Their integration wouldnot be easy. The community was experiencinghard times and did not welcome competitionespecially competition which seemed tostrengthen the hand of the forces which werealready ranged against them.

THE ITALIANS

In the year 1896, as the Parish of St. Brigid’s,Newmains came into being a young, unmarriedItalian man, from the village of Filingnano inthe region surrounding Cassino, arrived in thevillage.

The region was to contribute much to worldculture. Another of its sons, a young singernamed Alfredo Cocozza, changed his name toMario Lanza and conquered Concert Halls andHollywood in equal measure. (some of hisrelatives are to be found not far fromNewmains.). Coia the Architect of renown, wasanother and Danny di Vito another conquerorof the world of film and TV.

Vincenzo Mancini‘s fame was to be more local.He followed a well established pattern andturned the Italian flair for food and especiallyfor Ice Cream to his advantage. He set up inbusiness in “The Terminus Cafe”, the buildingnow occupied by the Bank, which was thenclose to the tram stop. And he fed the sweettooth of thousands of Scots.

Other Italian families had already. They’vebeen in the area in Morningside, then athriving village community in its own right.Four main families provided the foundation onwhich our small Italian community was built.They were the families Matassa, Nardone,Jaconelli and, of course Mancini.

Vincenzo Mancini was to return temporarily toItaly, where he met his wife. But like theIrish the Italians were here to stay. They hadfound a new and permanent home and whilethey retained a fondness for the “old country”they played their part in the new.

The Italians, moreover, were more readilyaccepted by the population at large. Perhapsthey were fewer in number; perhaps theywere perceived as not being involved in theperennial controversies of Irish politics: forwhatever reason they were less readilyengaged in inter-communal strife. But eventhey were not to be totally free from thefear and prejudice sometimes engendered byoutsiders.

During World War II, when Italy was at war

with the Allies, the Italian community weretreated as aliens, and sometimes as dangerousaliens. They were removed from coastallocations and relocated inland. Thousandswere interned. Some of the Newmains ItalianCommunity were interned, even some who hadbeen born in the UK and who presented nothreat whatever. Charles Forte,multimillionaire and hotelier was interned. Butat last normality was restored and they couldreturn to their ice-cream parlours and Cafes.

They have contributed to the life anddevelopment of our parish and play their partin the community. A fine symbol of theirintegration is the fact that one of thedescendants of Vincenzo Mancini fromFilingnano now lives in the house occupied byour first Parish Priest, Father Humble on hisarrival.

The following article is reprinted from thebrochure commemorating the 5OthAnniversary of the building of the presentChurch. It is a personal reminiscence by thelate John Reilly a native of Cleland whobecame an active and faithful member of ourParish.

I REMEMBER

The earliest memory to which I can put adefinite date is the miner’s strike whichoccurred in the summer of 1921. It was alsothe time I came to realize that Cleland, whereI lived was not, as some people imagine, theonly place on earth. Somewhere there was aplace called Newmains, where my cousin, AnneMacDonnell was employed as a maid in theparochial house. The priest’s name was FatherO’Carroll and he did not have a church.However, steps were being taken to remedythat situation.

The houses which formed what was known inCleland as “The Square” had been demolishedand there was a plan to transport the stonesfrom these dwellings to Newmains and usethem in the building of a church. Sure enougha team of eight young men arrived to put theplan into operation. The stones were loaded ona motor lorry, a rare animal in those days. The

property of a Cleland man it served as a busat weekends. On Monday morning the top partwas removed and it became a platform lorry.The work went on for eight or nine weeks untilthe strike ended, and the miners returned totheir employment, defeated by want andprivation. Sadly, my cousin died the followingyear and being a small boy I soon forgot themen who had been loading the stones whichwere taken to this place called Newmains.

Six years later, in August 1927 I came hereto live, and found that no progress had beenmade in the creation of a chapel, the term wegenerally use. The work had not even begun,the hopes remained unfulfilled, the dream hadnot come true. The stones can still be seen invarious parts of the grounds where they havebeen laid as kerb stones and as low walls toelevate parts of the garden. The only thingbuilt with them was a garage which used to beattached to the chapel house.

Michael Kearney is the sole survivor of thegroup that came to Cleland, the others beingJim, Tom & Pat Duffy, a lad named ChristyLynch and three brothers of Mary & SarahDiamond.

Early the following year, the Parish Priest,came to the school with a message we wereasked to carry home. Work would soon beginon a Parish Hall. He was obviously pleased withhis new development, but his “Good news” wasnot very well received. There was widespreadcriticism and complaint’. “A chapel is moreneeded than a hall.” The desire for a churchwas paramount in the hearts of his flock.Father Lyons pointed out that funds were inhand for a hail. A church would cost severaltimes more, and the hall would be used toraise funds for the great objective.

An annual event in those days was the parishreunion which always took place sometime inFebruary and was held in the local Co-op Hallin Manse Rd., a fine example of its kindtragically destroyed by fire. The parish wouldpreside and, after a repast, the considerablevocal and musical talents that we had wouldprovide the entertainment. Some of theartistes involved formed what became knownas the Regent Concert Party which flourishedfor a number of years. The last of these

affairs to be held in the Co-op Hall occurredon February 17th 1928.

During the spring of that year work on thehall had been steadily progressing and by Juneall was ready. It was formally opened byFather Lyons on the evening of June 7th withthe children providing a kinderspiel called“The Midshipmite”, a repeat performancebeing given the following night. In the ensuingyears the prediction of Father Lyons began tocome true. It was a slow business but withdances, concerts, social evenings and plays bythe dramatic club, the fund for the newchurch was gradually increasing. Those werethe days of high unemployment for many, withsocial security and the welfare state still along way ahead. The dawn of 1933 broughtnews that sufficient money had beengathered to pay for the new church TheParish priest by that time was Father WilliamStopani. Born in the Shetland islands, he hadcome here from St. Augustine’s, Coatbridgeand on a windy Sunday Feb 26th heceremonially cut the first sod to mark thestart of the work. This act was followed by aprocession and benediction. Now, at last, wewere under way.

The fact that there was ample space was dueto the foresight of father James Humble,Parish Priest towards the close of the lastCentury. A native of Liverpool he wasresponsible for the erection of the presentChapel House in 1897, and prior to that livedin the house near the front gate, now thehome of Mrs. Mancini (and the McCourtFamily). A special tribute is due to FatherHumble and his flock who, from small andhard-earned wages contributed not only tothe church but to the upkeep of the school.Our forebears were stalwarts indeed; noburden was too great to bear for the Rock ofPeter. Many people are greatly impressedwhen, for the first time, they see ourspacious grounds, enhanced by those splendidtrees, with the house, church, old school andhall, all self-contained as they say nowadays.When Father Humble left Newmains it was tobecome Rector of the Royal Scots College inValladolid in Spain.

Throughout the summer of 1933 we watchedour new church taking shape. Economics

decreed that, like the hall, it would be a brickstructure. The day of the large stone edificewith its spire pointing to the sky had gone forever. As a contribution to the church, PatrickGallagher, who was a stonemason, made abaptismal font, still in use, and two otherfonts which stood, for many years, at theinside entrance doors. A labour of love andskill. Due to the generosity of a Parishioner, anew altar had been installed in what is now theCathedral in Motherwell. The altar taken out,a fine piece of work in carved oak, was giftedto the parish. A motor lorry was provided bythe local Co-op. Society, driven by a Mr. Scottof Newton Drive. Four men went with him.Fortunately it was in sections which helped agreat deal! Everything went well and the altararrived safely and was put in position in goodtime for the great day which had been set forSunday Oct 8th’. The four men involved wereMichael Kearney, Michael Burns, John Burnsand John McGarry

The opening ceremony was to be performedby the then Archbishop of Glasgow. DonaldMackintosh, a native of Lochaber Lone beforehe was Father Stopani cuts the first sod onthe site of the New Church at St. Brigid’s inFebruary 1933. In the background is the“Wee Hall” (now demolished) in which so many

of the fundraising events for the church hadbeen held due to arrive, a large crowd hadgathered in the grounds, many of themformer parishioners. When he arrived, HisGrace made a circuit of the grounds blessingthe people, and then opened the door with agolden key. Solemn High Mass followed, thecelebrant being Father Courtney. The clergywere well represented as they usually are onsuch occasions. Among the notables presentwas a former headmistress of St. Brigid’s, thefamous or notorious Miss McCluskey. In theafternoon the Archbishop administered thesacrament of Confirmation. Sponsors for thechildren were the headmaster Mr. Henvey andMrs. Larkin who, as a girl, had been presentat the opening of the school chapel in 1871.

In 1935 a local man. John O’Rourke joined theteaching staff at St. Brigid’s and formed afoot- -ball team. With only twelve boys oldenough and big enough to take part, hisresources were slender. What happened wasnothing short of incredible. Success followedsuccess, we wondered when defeat wouldovertake them. It never did. Sixty matchesthey played without a reverse. Large crowdswere there to see them play. There was greatexcitement and even greater joy when in theirred jerseys they were carried shoulder highthrough the streets. Some of those boys arestill with us. Some are not.

In 1937 Father Stopani died. Since his timewe have had a long list of clergymen, bothparish priests and curates. Such is the way ofthe Church. Priests are sent here and there.They come and go, but the high regard wehave for our clergy ensures that thesechanges cause only the merest ripple. Most ofour curates are still on duty, but Father DenisHoban died in South Africa. We rememberFather Thomas Kelly who wore round his neckthe mark of wounds received in the GreatWar while serving with the H.L.I.

The altar so carefully brought fromMotherwell has gone and with it the altarrails, due to decisions made by the Councilconvened by John XXIII, the first Pope ofthat name for more than -six hundred years.It is a point of interest to us that JohnXXIII was the Pope who in 1320 receivedfrom a Scottish Parliament the famous

Declaration of Arbroath. The hall of 1928 hasbeen pushed into the background. The oldschool with its memories of the legendaryMiss McGarry and Miss Clark has become thenew hall.

At considerable expense and effort it hasbeen altered to comply with the many rulesand regulations required by the local authorityand credit is due to those who workedtowards that end.

Throughout the years we have had manyardent workers who gave long and willingservice in the organizations, in the choir andon the committees formed to handle numerousprojects I’m afraid I cannot be included intheir number. “Lord I am not worthy” anexpression we all know so well.

So this year marks the Golden Jubilee of ourmodest brick church. Fifty years can be a longtime in certain circumstances, but it is a shorttime in the history of the Catholic Church. AsLord Macauley wrote:

“No other institution is left standing whichcarries the mind back to the days when thesmoke of sacrifice rose above the Pantheon.She was great and respected before theSaxon set foot on Britain, before the Frankhad crossed the Rhine. When we reflect onthe tremendous assaults and cruel wounds shehas survived, it is difficult to see how she isto perish.”

Many of those mentioned have, as we know,departed from this life. May they knoweternal joy.

Another fund-raising event gets under way inthe ‘Wee Hall’ Most of the people in it are now“departed this life” but a few remain.

BUILDINGS

This section deals with the need to use buildings in the service of God, as gathering places toWorship Him, as places where the young could be educated and as places where the communitycould meet together socially.

St Brigid’sCentenery Year

1996-97

BUILDING A CHURCH

As the number of Catholics living in Newmainsgrew arrangements for their spiritual needsbecame less satisfactory. Those needs hadoriginally been served from Hamilton. Laterthe responsibility was taken by the Parishpriest at Lanark and as the growth continuedNewmains was included within the parish atCarluke.

But the institutional church drew ever closerto Newmains and at last in 1857 ourforefathers found themselves included withinthe boundaries of the mission at Wishaw. Sonumerous were Catholics becoming that abuilding might be considered to serve theirneeds in Newmains. But another 14 years wereto pass before that need could be addressed.

HOPES AND DREAMS

The aspirations of the growing CatholicCommunity in Newmains were indicated bytheir choice of building.

They saw a choice between two needs, bothexpensive to fulfill, and especially in thecircumstances of the poverty and want theysuffered.

They had a burning wish for a church in whichthey could practice the faith they hadbrought with them into their new home butthey had also a burning wish to ensure thattheir children would be given the opportunityof education.

They found a way of reconciling these choicesby deciding to build one building which wouldfulfill the function of both church and school.

A FIRST BUILDING

The first building to meet the needs of theCatholic Community in Newmains wasconstructed in 1887. It comprised a graysandstone building which stood near thecrossroads in the centre of the village. It wasdesigned to serve as a school and also to bethe venue for weekly masses.More than 150

children would attend the school. Thecongregation may be impoverished but thisbuilding demonstrated their lofty aspirations.It showed their desire to retain theirCatholic identity and to educate the newgenerations both in the ways of their faithand in the secular learning which mightprotect them from the poverty whichafflicted their parents, it was also astatement, carved in stone, that althoughNewmains was, for most of them, an adoptedhome it was to be a permanent one. They werehere to stay.

The school and Mass-centre served them wellbut still their numbers grew. In 1894 asanctuary was added to make the building amore dignified setting for the Mass. Alreadythey had been a station of the parish atWishaw for 23 years. Mass was celebratedweekly but there was still no resident priest.

In the 25th year of the period as station ofWishaw came the announcement for whichthey had waited so long. Father Humble wouldcome to live among them. At last Newmainscould be seen as a community in its own rightserving God.

The school was later to double in size and,following the 1922 Education Act the Parishwas relieved of some of its massive burden ofcosts. The building was leased from theChurch and maintained by the Local EducationAuthority as a Catholic school. It was nolonger required as a church after theconstruction of the new church in 1933 butcontinued to function as a school until in 1959with the construction of a new school inNewton Drive it seemed to have outlived itsuseful function.

But another role awaited. The parish hall, (nowreplaced by a car-park,) was small and notreally adequate for the needs of the parish.Under the leadership of Mgr John O’Donnella group of parishioners undertook the massivetask of converting the school building into ahall complex.

Two halls with an adjoining kitchen werefashioned and from the derelict building grewa useful, even vital social centre for theparish.

With Centenary celebrations continuingthroughout the year it is fitting that so manyof the events planned will take place in thishall which has occupied such a central role inthe life and times of the Parish of St. Brigid.

OUR HOUSE

When Fr. Humble arrived in the Parish amajor priority was to construct a house whichwould function not only as a residence for thepriests but as parish headquarters, receptionarea and office. This is the buildingconstructed for that purpose. It wascompleted in 1897, a year after his arrival. Itis a fine house, made of honey colouredsandstone but the century had taken its tolland it had deteriorated alarmingly. In thiscentenary year it has been restored to acondition in keeping with the last years of thetwentieth century.

The Church was built in 1933 under thedirection of Father Stopani. Its design wasby messrs Stellmac and similar churches areto be found elsewhere in Scotland, althoughfew have been favoured with the pleasant,spacious, woodland setting of St. Brigid’s.

The floor plan employed two aisles leadingforwards from the doors at the rear. Thispattern was abandoned during the sixties witha renewal and refurbishment programmeexecuted by Mgr John O’Donnell. At thattime new seating was installed. Following theliturgical reforms of the Second VaticanCouncil the geography of the sanctuary wasradically changed and the oaken backdropwhich once graced the altar had to beremoved. The altar furniture is nowconstructed of grey/white marble and thearched theme is in harmony with the archover the sanctuary itself.

Another restoration, involving heating,electrical installations and the lighting as wellas carpeting and painting has now taken placein preparation for the Centenery Celebrations.The capacity of the church under normal

circumstances is now around 400 people. TheSancutary Arch carries the Latin inscription:-

“vive ut semper vivas”which is our new motto and means “Live thatyou might live forever”

ST. BRIGID’S SCHOOL

Newmains R C. School which later came to beknown as St. Brigid’s School opened its doorsfor the first time in 1871 with a Roll of 137pupils and I under the leadership of MissMary Swift. The original concept was for anestablishment which catered for a completebasic education throughout the years ofcompulsory education. (5 -13) There wereseven Primary stages to be followed by anadvanced division.

In those times, more than a century ago, theCatholic population was drawn overwhelminglyfrom the “working” classes and theopportunity for university education or,indeed, any form of preparation for theprofessions was rare indeed. Only the mostfar-sighted and self-sacrificing parents wereable to aim for it. And many who would haveliked to aim that way were prevented bypoverty and want from doing so. The advanceddivision, therefore, was aimed at providing arounded basic education rather than at anattempt at University entrance.

Some of the pupils who showed promise couldbecome Pupil Teachers, moving fromclassroom attendance.

Pupils who did wish to progress beyondAdvanced Division had to travel to Motherwelland to Park Street to find a school whichoffered courses leading to recognizedqualifications. These pupils were few innumber.

By the end of World War II it had becomeclear that the school building was notadequate to fulfill the needs of a CatholicPopulation which was no longer willing toaccept the existence of a ‘glass ceiling’ tohinder the achievements of its children. In

1947 this inadequacy was recognized and theAdvanced Division disappeared. It wasreplaced by a centralized provision of JuniorSecondary Education at St. Joseph’sSecondary in Motherwell.

By the early fifties the inadequacy of thebuilding for even primary education wasbecoming obvious and negotiations began forits replacement.

James Dempsey, M.P. played a major role inthese. At last, in 1953, the LanarkshireEducation authority conceded that a newprimary school would be built and in Decemberof that year went further by agreeing toconstruct a Secondary department at thesame time. The latter was never to come topass. Plans were, however, put in hand for thebuilding of a new Catholic School.

In 1957 a fire which had broken out amongthe electrical installations at the WestwoodRoad entrance was spotted in time by aparishioner (Lizzie Welsh) and thedestruction of the building was avertedalthough only narrowly. This was to be almostthe last act in the drama of the old St.Brigid’s School and shortly afterwardsconstruction began on a new school sited inToll park, a short distance away.

The new school opened at Easter 1959 underthe guidance of Mr. Alfred Keenan who was,himself, to die suddenly in the summer of thatyear The new school year began with theappointment of Mr. Bobby Sherry installed asHead Teacher.

The provision of Catholic Education in thepost war years was complex. All pupilsattended St. Brigid’s primary until 12 years ofage when transfer to the Secondary tookplace. Following the “Quali”, or 11-plus as itbecame known south of the Border, therewere a variety of options.

Girls who satisfied the entrance requirementscould attend Elmwood Convent School inBothwell.

Boys could likewise attend Our Lady’s High inMotherwell. A few pupils chose to attend theCoEd Catholic Senior Secondary at Whiffletin Coatbridge

The others, either by choice or by notsatisfying the entrance requirements of thesecould attend St. Joseph’s Junior Secondary.

Thankfully all this was simplified with theprovision of All-through Comprehensiveeducation at St. Aidan’s in Wishaw from thelate sixties.

This pencil drawing of the Parish Hall wasdone by Robert Young in July 1997.

The building was the first one to serve theCatholics of Newmains, being built as acombined church and school in 1871 and laterextended and refurbished as the communitygrew in size. It originally accommodated 300people for Sunday mass and by 1894 had aschool population of 137 pupils. It wasextended first in 1895 (an extension openedby Bishop John Maguire, auxiliary Bishop toArchbishop Charles Eyre)

Later it was further extended andrefurbished by Father Bird.

It ceased to function as a church in 1933 andas a school was replaced in 1959.

It continues to be the social centre of theParish and in fact many of the events whichmarked the centenary of the parish wereorganized in it by the Parish Social Group.

The new St. Brigid’s School which was openedin 1959 on Newton Drive.

The Staff and pupils of St. Brigid’s Schoolwould like to congratulate our Parish inattaining this Centenary!

The staff in St. Brigid’s School recognize theresponsibility that working in this vitallyimportant part of the parish communitybrings. (We take some pride in the fact thatthe school was a “mature” twenty-five yearsold when the Parish was born.) We also areproud of the contributions to parish life madeby the teachers in the school throughout itshistory. They have instructed the children inthe Faith, have prepared the children for theSacraments and by their direct involvement inParish affairs have offered a role-model forthe children in their personal lives. These

examples offer a challenge and an example tothose of us working in the school at present.

We try to reach out into that Parishcommunity by inviting lay people to becomeprayer-partners at important stages in thelives of the children and by joining regularlywith parishioners at Mass in the Church. Wehave seen the enthusiasm with whichmembers of the Parish have joined with us inthe great occasions of school and Parish life.We have also been grateful for theparticipation of the priests of the Parish.These features we regard as signs of aproductive partnership between Church,Home and School.

May that partnership persist for anotherhundred years.

COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF LANARK

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

OFFICIAL OPENING

OF

ST. BRIGID’SROMAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWMAINS

BY

COUNCILLOR JOSEPH K. RUSSELL

ON

MONDAY, 27th April, 1959

at 11 a.m

Above is shown a reproduction of the front page of the programme for the official opening ofthe new school.

The speakers on this occasion included Mr. Alfred Keenan, the Head Master and Mr. John0‘Rourke an old friend, teacher and parishioner of St. Brigid’s

The opening was by another faithful friend and servant of Newmains of many years standing,Councillor Joseph Russell.

Children are the centre of any civilisedcommunity and so it was for the founders ofSt. Brigid’s. Their school was quicklyestablished and this neat and tidy’ group,under the care of their teacher Miss McGarryin 1916, conceals the poverty whichsurrounded many of their families. Thisserene and peaceful picture was taken whilethe horrors of a World War were taking placein the mud of Europe.

The little that their parents had was focusedon the well being of the children.

Few, if any, of this group are still living but ifyou know of one please tell us.

Over the years the children attending theschool have enjoyed considerable success inmany fields of human endeavour. Thisphotograph shows a team which won theLanarkshire relay Championship.

As if to celebrate the Centenary two majorsuccesses, perhaps the most striking in theentire history of the Parish, were achieved bypupils of St. Brigid’s School in Athletics thisyear.

On both occasions National Championshipswere won.

Mark Lennon took part in the Scottish Cross-country Championship at Kirkcaldy in theSpring. Having won events at local and evenCounty level it was expected that he might dowell, he did even better than that by beatinga field of 350 runners to become ScottishChampion.

St. Brigid’s Athletics Teams were coachedtowards these achievements by their teacherMrs. Agnes Dougan and by Mr. George Kyle

The National road-relay Championship tookplace in Grangemouth in October. It featuredhundreds of the finest young Athletes inScotland from as far afield as the NorthernIsles and the Borders as well as from theentire Central belt.

Anne Marie McGinnes, Donna Marie Hamiltonand Samantha McWhinnie were clear winnersin the race which stretched over three milesstarting and finishing in Grangemouth Arena.

OUR PEOPLE

It is not possible to chronicle every parishioner across the century. But to represent and give aflavour of St. Brigid’s some few of them have been chosen to represent the whole. The actualchoice of individuals depended upon reminiscences of parishioners still living. If someone in yourfamily is not here and should be remembered in this way please submit details and a photographand a page will be produced which can be added to your copy of the brochure.

St Brigid’sCentenery Year

1996-97

Patrick DuffyThis year spanning 1996-97 is truly a vintageone for St. Brigid’s and its people. Not only dowe celebrate our centenary as a parish butalso the contribution of one of ourParishioners to the missionary activity of thechurch.

The Duffy family are a well-known, well-regarded family in our parish and have beenwell represented for many years and severalgenerations in our congregations. Patrick isthe second of three children of Pat and EileenDuffy and the brother of Bernadette andJacqueline. His Grandmother, Maud (90),takes great pride in his work as do his Irishrelatives from Armagh, City of St. Patrick,and home town of Eileen.

Patrick was born in 1971 and attended St.Brigid’s School until, in 1982, he began hissecondary schooling at St. Aidan’s. Alreadythe call towards becoming a priest and servingGod among the world’s poor people wasbecoming clear to him and after only a yearhe entered the Junior Seminary of theXaverian Missionaries in Coatbridge where heremained until 1988 and where he completedhis Secondary education.

During the next two years Patrick studiedSociology and Philosophy at Chesters Collegeand Glasgow University while living in theXaverian House in Glasgow. The next stage ofhis education was to take him to Italy wherehe studied Italian and underwent the one yearNovitiate of his order.

Now a member of the Xaverians he was tobegin the work in the Third world that he hadwanted to do. In 1992 he was dispatched tothe Phillipines where he would work directlyon Missionary activity as well as continue hisstudies with a four year course in Theology.

That period is now over and Patrick is readyto make the final commitment of his life tothe people of God in the impoverished thirdWorld. The community in St. Brigid’s take animmense pride in the past successes of thislikeable and popular man and confidently lookwith him towards the future. We look forwardespecially and with mounting anticipation tothe day of his ordination. But for the presentwe can enjoy the blessing given to us by Godin our Centenary Year and pray for Patrick andthe vital work he will engage in.

Elaine PenriceElaine was born in 1972 and is the eldestdaughter of David and Ann Penrice and oldersister of Clare and Stephen. She moved to St.Brigid’s Parish at the age of 6 weeks followingher baptism in St. Patrick’s, Shieldmuir.

She was a popular and successful pupil at St.Brigid’s School and later at St. Aidan’s Highwhere she first made contact with theDaughters of St. Paul, a religious order whoserole she found attractive and stimulating.

The Order was founded by an ItalianTheologian Fr James Alberione at thebeginning of the 20th century. His new orderwas dedicated to continuing the mission of St.Paul in spreading the Word of God to allpeoples. As the Century and the technologyhas developed so too have the means ofcarrying out this task. The Daughters of St.Paul work in Radio, TV., Audio-Visualproductions, Music, Computers and theInternet as well as the Print Media. All theseare called into use so that everything themodern world offers can give glory to God.

Elaine gained a place at Duncan ofJordanstone College of Art in 1990. Sadlyillness interrupted her studies for two years,but after surgery and medical treatment she

was able to resume her career and gained anhonours degree in Illustration and Printingfrom Dundee University.

While in Dundee she continued to maintain thecontacts, first established during herschooldays, with the Daughters of St. Paul.She was also active in the life of theCathedral parish and University Chaplaincy asa Minister of the Eucharist and Sacristan.She was a member of the University ofDundee Catholic Society set up andmaintained by students to support andeducate students in their faith. She became‘Vice-President of the Society. During herfinal year Elaine became Director of Publicity.Elaine is described i.e. “a brilliant liturgicalartist” by the Chaplain to the University. Herillustrations of the Stations of the Cross aredisplayed in the new chapel.

Elaine has spent time, during the last year,living with the Daughters of St. Paul inLiverpool and London where her vocation tothe order was assessed. She has beenaccepted to join the Postulancy in October.Meantime she has worked as an auxiliary inLaw Hospital where she also worked duringholiday breaks in her student days.

John BrownJohn Brown lived his entire life in Newmains.He also, throughout his life, cared deeply forhis Parish. But he was a man of many interests.

He was a professional footballer with Airdrieduring the war years. At the end of the war,when the professional game began to re-organize, he was already in his mid-twenties.Later he became an avid golfer.

John was convivial and enjoyed the companyof his family and friends. He was a raremixture; the lifelong abstainer from alcohol(and member of the Pioneer Association) whowas tolerant and even enjoyed the company ofthe less abstemious. He had a pleasant tenorvoice and contributed to many occasions in theParish hall with a song or two.

He enjoyed an interest in horse-racingalthough he would have acknowledged astronger interest in greyhounds and an evendeeper fondness for football and for Celticespecially.

John Brown had been active for many years inparish affairs. He was a faithful member ofSt. .V. de P. and a pass-keeper. He waspromoter of a parish lottery, the “Cosy-Pools”for a time. He became one of the first layMinisters of the Eucharist in St. Brigid’s.

John Brown was born in 1921. His Universitycareer, like his football career, wasinterrupted by the war and he was sent towork in the Laboratory of the Munitionsfactory of Royal Ordnance at Bishopton. Hebecame a teacher in 1948 and finished hiscareer as Head Teacher at St. Columcille’s inRutherglen This followed spells as Head in St.Joseph’s, Tollcross and St. David’s, Plains.

John died ten years ago and is survived by hiswife, Liz, his three daughters and two sons,and several grandchildren.

Bridget McGarryMiss McGarry may well have been the mostwidely known parishioner in the history of ourParish. Her life was largely given to theservice of others in her own family, in theschool where she moved from being pupilteacher to a brief spell as Headmistressfollowing the death of James Henvey and inthe wider Parish Community where herkindnesses were concealed with the samethoroughness with made her successful in theclassroom.

She was in tune with the spirit of her age. Tospare the rod and thereby spoil the child was,for her, an act of betrayal which she wouldnot countenance. She preferred, however, tosubstitute her knuckles for a rod and many ofher former pupils bear testimony, to this day,of the effectiveness of the contact betweenher knuckles and a human head in motivatingpupils to learn. But she would not spareherself in serving them. She was even moredemanding of herself than she was of herpupils, and sternness did not conceal her carefor them. A lasting legacy of her life in St.Brigid’s was a song “Gliding” which generationsof children, now become pensioners, know.

(The song is reproduced in this publication)Bridget McGarry never married. This was dueto a promise she made to care for thechildren of her dead sister, Maranne. She didthis well too. Both boys were seen throughtheir education as was another nephew,Henry, the son of her dead brother. In

addition to this, around 1928, she travelledregularly by bus to Kilmarnock after her harddays work in school while nursing her brother,Jimmy, through his final illness.

Her determination to overcome odds andsucceed is also well illustrated by a situationduring her studies. She required to achieve astandard in Piano technique to complete herqualification. Her family, on the other hand,was not able to provide a piano. Bridget solvedthe dilemma in a quite remarkable way. Shetook chalk and drew the piano keys on a chest(kist) in her house and practised on that. Sheachieved the standard, out-performingbetter-off students who did have the piano intheir own homes.

Seeing much poverty around her was difficultto bear. She arranged regularly with a localgrocer to deliver a basket of groceries tosome needy family with the instruction thathe was to say only that “someone” had sent it.This emerged only after her death.

Bridget’s Grand-nephew, James, is a priest ofthe Salesian Fathers serving, for the present,the parish of St. Clare’s in Easterhouse.

Bridget McGarry was born in Newmains in1882 and lived throughout her life in theParish. She died in 1969 at 86 years oldleaving a legacy of memories and preciselyfour shillings in cash after funeral expenseswere paid.

The four shillings was used for candles.

Patrick GallacherFor as long as the stones that he cut anddressed remain in our church PatrickGallacher (above right) will be a symbol of thedebt that we owe to our forebears in theearly days of the parish. He put his skills instoneworking to the service of God and hisfellow-parishioners.

Patrick was involved in the attempt by FatherO’Carroll to gather materials to build a fittinghouse for the worship of God in Newmains.Although that attempt did not succeed helater worked at the building of the churchthat we now use.

He is pictured with one of the Holy waterstoups that he fashioned and which were partof the set that included the Baptismal fontnow restored to an honoured place in ourchurch

Patrick Gallagher was born in Motherwell in1881, later moving to Newmains. He marriedBridget Kearney in 1908 and his work as astonemason supported his wife and the fourchildren born to them. Both of his daughters,Alice Cook and Margaret Macdermid, remainin the parish as do his grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren. Patrick died in 1951

Peter ClarkThose of us who remember Peter willremember him as a comforter in times oftrouble. Peter Clark devoted himself to theservice of the poor in the St. ‘Vincent de PaulSociety for many years. When bereavementcame Peter Was first to offer bereavedfamilies the comfort and consolation ofprayer. Few were the families who did notturn to Peter to lead the recitation of theRosary in their own homes. He was a man ofgreat generosity of spirit and gentleness ofmanner.

Peter, who was born in 1901 was a miner. He ispictured here with (Big) Jim Ryan, anotherstalwart but one who is fortunately still withus although he now lives in Wishaw.

Peter Clark died in 1977. He left no directdescendants but nephews and nieces continuehis service to St. Brigid’s and a multitude ofhis friends remember him with affection andgratitude.

Sister MagdaleneThe image of an elderly Nun, wearing thehabit of her order, but with the addedfeatures of a crash helmet and goggles whichshe wore while riding her motorbike is onewhich remains vivid for many residents ofNewmains.

This was Sister Magdalene. Practical as evershe had made the decision that themotorcycle offered cost-effective andflexible transportation.

But Sister Magdalene had more surprises instore. A trained scientist who had taughtscience in a Glasgow secondary school sheentered the Helpers of the Holy Souls Orderin 1936.

It was in the order that she found what wasto be her highest calling. Her vocation wasdirected towards helping those dealing withthe end of life, whether their own or that ofa loved-one. Sister Magdalene prayed for thedead; she comforted the dying; shecomforted the families of the dying; and in afinal act of love and humility she washed andprepared for burial the remains of the dead.Families all over Lanarkshire found Godbrought to their homes by a gentle nun withthe gift of offering the comfort ofunconditional love.

She had, too, a great love for children. Whenthe rule of her Order permitted SisterMagdalene took up a post as a teacher inprimary Schools, first in St. Ignatius, Wishawand, for a period of six years in St. Brigid’s.She retired in 1977 aged 67 years. Havingspent 28 years in the convent in Newmains,Sister Magdalene moved to Govan in 1982 andto Hamilton in 1987 all the while continuingher offer of friendship and support wherethey were needed.

But more than any other activity her life wasgiven to prayer.

Sister Magdalene was born in Coatbridge in1910. She graduated B.Sc. from GlasgowUniversity and entered the Helpers of theHoly Souls in 1936. She served with them inFrance, England and Edinburgh as well asLanarkshire.

She remained in the order for more than 53years until her death in 1990.

Pictured above is a family group showingBobby Young with two of his grandchildren.

Bobby YoungBobby was a willing and tireless worker in ourparish and a well-known figure in his nativevillage. His contemporaries knew him as apractical joker on the grand scale and as anabundantly witty man. During his working lifein the Coltness Ironworks he contributed tothe folklore of the village with many innocentbut hilarious pranks, in the days also whenbetting was an illegal but ever-presentindustry Bobby “lifted lines” for hiscontemporaries and there would have beenmany occasions when his good humour andgood reputation protected him from the over-zealous application of the law.

Bobby Young was born in 1890 and marriedJoan McLeod from Arisaig. Only one of thethree children of their marriage remainsactive in the Parish, Willie became a well-known figure in his own right but died duringthis Centenary year and Bobby died quiterecently in Wishaw. Meg remains a member ofthe parish.

Bobby (Sir) himself died in 1968 at the ageof 77

His grandchildren and great-grandchildrenremain part of our congregation every Sunday.

James HenveyJames Henvey was a man who left an indelibleimprint on St. Brigid’s. This was all the morecurious because he had never lived in theParish.

Born in Glenboig and one of 19 children, hewas educated in St. Mungo’s School inGlasgow. He served in the Royal Navy duringthe first great war with H.M.S. Amethyst ,H.M.S. Defiance and H.M.S. Victory.

After the war he became first of all ateacher in St. Brigid’s school and was laterappointed Head Teacher. While Head Teacherhe was sponsor for all boys (Bridget McGarryfor girls) on the first occasion that theSacrament of Confirmation was conferred inthe new church in 1937.

James composed a hymn, still used in theparish, to St. Theresa. His daughter Theresaspent her entire teaching career in St.Brigid’s becoming Assistant Head and a well-known and much loved figure in her own right.Together they gave over 60 years of serviceto St. Brigid’s. Theresa, although retiredprematurely, still contributes regularly to thelife of the school.

James Henvey, born on 27th of Dec. 1890died on May 25th 1937 while still serving asHead-teacher.

Denis and Mary JacksonMary Jackson was married to Denis for 32years but remained known in her native villageas Mary Moulds. Such is the way in a villagecommunity.

Mary’s family were well known in the parish.Her first husband was killed when his ship wastorpedoed while escorting a convoy in 1941She was no stranger to tragedy. Her brother,Paddy, a policeman, had been killed in a trafficaccident while engaged in points duty.. Maryworked with the Co-operative and later in LawHospital. The Catering skills she learned therewere put to the service of her Parish. Only afew weeks before her death she worked at afunction in the Parish Hall. Mary was a leadingfigure in the activities of the Women’s Guild.

But not only St. Brigid’s was to benefit fromher energy and enthusiasm. She worked in theConvent of the Helpers of the Holy Souls onBonkle Road. She was deeply involved with theAssociates there.

Denis Jackson, her second husband, had beenborn in Berryhill and had already worked withthe St. V. de P. Society in St. Ignatius Parish..He had been in the Royal Artillery during

WWII and was by training a carpenter. InNewmains he joined the St. V. de P. society,becoming its President. He worked endlesslyduring the conversion of the old school toParish Hall. He was a quiet, unassuming andtransparently good man. His free time andskills were given without fuss and withoutseeking prominence. He was for many yearstreasurer for Meals- on-Wheels, and was afounder member of the Community Council. Herepresented his parish on the Christian AidCommittee for a considerable time andwillingly worked for the relief of poverty inthe third world.

Denis was a member of a family who haddistinguished themselves in the service of thechurch. His brother, Pat, had been like Denisa lifelong member of the Saint Vincent de PaulSociety and a stalwart of the boys guildmovement. Pat Jackson was honoured by thePope for his life’s work. The signature on thedocument conferring this honour is that ofPope John Paul I whose papacy lasted only 30days.

Denis and Mary Jackson were born in 1913.They married in 1953. Mary died on 19th April1985 while Denis died on 1 June 1991.

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William YoungWillie died during the Centenary year. Thesuddenness of his death was stunning and thecommunity knew that great change had takenplace in its midst.

Willie Young was part of the landscape of St.Brigid’s. Mass-goers had come to expect tosee him. He was a Minister of the Eucharistand a reader; he was a pass-keeper and Life-long member of the S. V. de P.; he drove thesick to mass and had done so for more than20 years; he would lead prayers in the churchwhen required.

Most of the men of the Parish “of a certainage” remembered him as a devoted official ofthe boys guild. They remembered him for hisgood-nature and unfailing courtesy. (One ofthem, Councillor McKendrick, rememberedhim in a practical way by arranging for astreet to be named after him.) Theyremembered the time he had given to themand to their interests.

Willie led the saying of the Rosary at manyfunerals in recent years. He had been a longterm member of the CMS in the Parish.

All of these functions were important,perhaps even vital in the life of the Parish butthey are not the only reasons forremembering him.

During World War II Willie Young servedwith the R.A.F. on the Island of Malta wherehe experienced the intensive bombingcampaign that the island sustained. He metand married his wife, Mary, there. After theend of the war he returned and set up homein Newmains.

Willie had no harsh words to say. In public andin private he was amiable and good-humoured.A smile was never far away whether he wasdiscussing football, race-horses or moreserious (?) matters. He was ever ready to talkand, more unusually, ever ready to listen.

As the son of a “Bookie” he had a long-terminterest in horse-racing and enjoyed a“flutter”. He had a lifelong interest in thewell-being of a football club in the East Endof Glasgow and enjoyed the company of a widecircle of friends but was never happier thanwhen with his family.

Willie Young was born in 1920. He became ateacher and ended his teaching career withspells as Head teacher in St. Patrick’s, Shottsand finally in St. Serf’s Primary in Airdriefrom which he retired in 1985 and where hecontinues to be remembered with affection.Even after his retirement he represented theChurch as a member of St. Brigid’s SchoolBoard.

Perhaps, in a lifetime of achievement, theachievement which he most valued was thepresentation of the Award - Bene Merentiwhich he received from the Bishop in 1994 inrecognition of his lifelong contribution to thelife of the church.

Mary, his wife, still lives in the Parish as domost of his six children and manygrandchildren.

Katy and Jeanie ClarkThese sisters gave much of their lives to theservice of the Parish of St. Brigid’s.

They were the daughters of Thomas andCatherine Clark. Thomas had been a miner andon leaving the pits due to signs of arespiratory illness found work in the Ammoniaworks at Coltness Iron Co.

Jeannie and Katy, as they were known locally,were born in 1889 and 1896 respectively, thelatter being just a short time before thearrival of Father Humble.

They were educated at our school and Jeanniewent on to become a Pupil-Teacher, laterstudying at Dowanhill College for fullprofessional qualifications. After short spellselsewhere she was appointed to Newmains RCunder the leadership of the legendary MissMcCluskie.

Jean was dedicated to the all-rounddevelopment of the community she served..She trained Altarboys for the church. Shewas a catechist to those who wished to beinstructed in the faith. She played the organand worked with the choir. She also workedon school dramatic productions, one of these

being “Dan the Newsboy” which was presentedat the Pavilion (later the Plaza Cinema) inWishaw during the 1920’s.

Katy, who kept house after the prematuredeath of their parents, was equally active. Hergifts were practical and artistic. She was anaccomplished seamstress and maker ofvestments. She made the green velvet Altar-cloth, bearing the words “Sanctus SanctusSanctus” which became familiar to visitors tothe church before the re-shaping of thesanctuary.

The sisters moved from their home in RubyCres. to Wishaw late in life. Jean’s teachingcareer reached into the 1950’s as shecontinued, during an extended shortage ofteachers, to respond to the calls for helpmade to her.

Katy died in 1974 at 78 years old. Jean livedto the age of 94 and died, much mourned, in1983.

The young Sarah Diamond

Sarah (Diamond) RyanParish communities in urban Scotland fromtime to time produce the kind of lay personwhose entire life is focused on the church.Sarah Diamond was that type.

Living, as she did, through a period when therole of the lay-person in the church was lessstrongly highlighted she was content to puther time and her talents at the disposal of herparish and to do whatever she was asked todo.

Sarah was an accomplished seamstress andmade vestments. She maintained thosevestments. She made surplices forgenerations of small boys who aspired to bealtar servers. She was a highly efficientsacristan and could even turn her hand toelaborate floral arrangements for thoseoccasions in the liturgical calendar whichrequired decoration of the altar.

Later in her life, she became non-residenthousekeeper in the Parochial House andproved just as efficient in that role too.

Sarah, after her Husband Hugh Ryan died,lived with her sister Mary. Nevertheless shewas part of one of the large, extended familynetworks which are characteristic of villagelife. Although few of her direct family remainin the parish many parishioners will be awareof a family connection.

John BurnsJohn Burns was universally known as “Colonel”(as his father had been before him) and hadbeen part of our parish for his entire life. Noone, least of all himself knew the origin of thename but there were no military connotations.He was born in 1017.

John, formerly a moulder in the Coltness IronWorks, became a miner in Kingshill Number 3Pit. He was a popular figure in the parish anda loving and attentive parent to his own largefamily.

Like many others he took with him from themines a legacy of ill-health which he bore withgood humour and considerable courage. Heused his enforced leisure time for the goodof the community in St. Brigid’s by becomingHall Keeper. He spent his final years in thatrole and carried it out attentively. For severalyears John Burns seemed ever-present in theHall.

John Burns died in the summer of 1987 aged70 years. Many grieved at the passing of aman who was always ready with a cheerfulword. He left behind him his wife and familyand a steadily growing number ofgrandchildren, already active in the Parish.

OUR PRIESTS

We have been led by many fine priests. By men who had truly given up their lives to God. Not allof them are described here. Some left an imprint upon the parish more strongly and areremembered with greater clarity but all played their part. Let the few represent the many.

St Brigid’sCentenery Year

1996-97

Father Robert HealeyFather Robert Healey’s stay in St. Brigid’s wasa short but memorable one. When came to theparish after a period of ill-health he wasalready known to some parishioners from aprevious stay in St. Patrick’s, Shotts.

It was soon clear that we had been given apriest of rare gifts. He was a man of greatpersonal piety and his teaching from the pulpitwas relevant, well - focused and clear.

He was also a sociable man. He joined in thevarious activities in the hall and enjoyed thecompany of those he found there. He was, inparticular, a keen bowler.

He quickly earned the respect and affectionof the parish.

He was attentive to the needs of the schooland spent time there with the children.Indeed he showed great interest in childrenand young people generally and was especiallywilling to support the work of the Pro-lifegroup. He accompanied them on several visitsto Innocents House in Bothwell. The pictureat the top of the page shows him during onesuch visit.

Father Healey’s final mass in the Parish willprovide a lasting memory to those who werepresent. He was clearly in great distress andequally anxious to complete the celebration.His sermon was, especially with the benefit ofhindsight, particularly appropriate. He spoke

of the Risen Christ. The mass was completedbut at great cost to Father Healey in pain.

He was shortly afterwards taken into medicalcare and died the following day in LawHospital. Few events have made such a deepimpression upon St. Brigid’s parish.

We will always remember him as a man whoplaced upon himself demands that couldhardly have been fulfilled. His sense ofvocation was powerful. His image of the priesthe wanted to be was ultimately unattainable.

Father Bob, we are confident, retains aninterest in St. Brigid’s and will celebrate thecentenary with us.

Father Robert Healey was born in Hamilton in1951 and after his education in Holy CrossHigh and Strathclyde University trained forthe priesthood in Valladolid, Spain. He wasordained in 1978 in Cadzow and spent sometime in various parishes with another sixyears spent as Professor at Blairs College.

He came to St. Brigid’s in 1993 and died on13th March 1994.

Right Rev. Monsignor JohnO’Donnell‘Monsignor O’Donnell left his mark bothspiritually and materially upon St. Brigid’s. Hewas Parish Priest here between 1957 and1967. When the new school in Newton Driveopened leaving a derelict building atWestwood Rd. it fell to him to deal with thesituation.

With characteristic energy he re-inventedthe old school as new social centre andgathered a group of parishioners to make aconversion. He fashioned, from the hulk ofthe derelict building, a complex of two hallswhich would be more adequate to the needsof the parish.

The previous year he had welcomed the silverjubilee of the church by a completerefurbishment with new seats and a completeredesign of the interior.

He was chancellor of the Diocese but, even atlocal level, placed the parish on a firmerfinancial footing. He also introduced theScouting movement to the Parish.

Monsignor John O’Donnell was born inDumbarton in 1918. After Education at St.Patrick’s High School and St. Peter’s Collegehe was ordained in 1944. After leaving St.Brigid’s he became Parish priest in St.Ignatius, Wishaw where he remained until hisretirement in 1984. He died on 3 March 1989.

Rev Father HumbleFather James Humble, who was a Liverpoolman by birth, faced a daunting task when hisBishop appointed him as the founding fatherof the new parish of St. Brigid’s, Newmains in1897.

He found a congregation beset by poverty andwant. He would already have experienced theplight of the industrial workers in his previouscharge at Maryhill in Glasgow.

Squalor, ill-nourishment and industrialdiseases must have made it difficult tointroduce a spiritual dimension. But the peoplehungered for their church intensely.

Father Humble was a vigourous and energeticman who soon set to work in his new charge.He moved into the house which stands onWestwood Road at the gates of our presentChurch and by 1897 had completed thebuilding of the house which now stands in thechurch grounds.

He stayed for seven years before moving onto Scots College in Vallodolid, Spain, where hebecame Rector eventually and where heremained until his death in 1948. His portraitcontinues to hang there in the College, alasting tribute to his work.

Father Humble was educated at Blairs and inScots College.

Rev. William O’CarrollAs has been detailed elsewhere in thispublication Father O’Carroll will beremembered above all for his heroic struggleto build a suitable church for the worship ofGod in our parish. The Baptismal font in thechurch keeps that memory alive.

Father O’Carroll was a man whose onlypersonal ambition was to bring the souls in hischarge closer to God. He was a good naturedand tolerant man and is remembered not onlywith admiration but with affection by thosewho knew him.

William O’Carroll was born in Thurles, CountyTipperary where he was educated by theChristian Brothers. He studied for thepriesthood in Scotland and was ordained in1902 in St. Andrew’s cathedral in Glasgow. Hebecame our parish priest in 1916. His physicalstrength could not match his desire to serveGod and he died prematurely in 1922.

Doctor Cahill‘The Doc’, as he was widely known, wore hisHomburg hat at a rakish angle. With his blackcoat often flying wide he had the air of agunslinger of the old west - and something ofthe gunslinger’s attitude. He made severedemands upon the parishioners but thesedemands were as nothing to the demands hemade upon himself. He was a perfectionist.No-one who ever mounted the pulpit in St.Brigid’s outdid him in the matter of plainspeaking. But the unrelenting and oftenapparently harsh fervour of his public facewhen he would rage at his flock for theirfaults was counterpointed by a generosity ofspirit in a closer, more personal, setting whichwon over many of those who had resented, andeven feared, his anger. Some parishionersremember him for harshness; far moreremember him with affection. None who werealive during his tenure have forgotten him.And none doubt that he wanted to bring themto God!

Doctor Cahill, as we knew him, went on tobecome a Canon of the Diocese. He was bornin Rutherglen in 1905 and after education inSt. Aloysius, Glasgow and Blairs College hecompleted his education and training for thepriesthood in Scots College, Rome. Heachieved a Doctorate in Divinity. He died in1990 and parishioners from Newmains wereamong those who attended his funeral inHamilton.

Our oldest Parishioner, at time of writing, isStephen Friar of Woodside Crescent.

Stephen was born in Morningside in 1903, oneof a large family all of whom were faithfulmembers of the church. Among that familywas Mary Friar who became a member of theCarmelite order. (see elsewhere in thispublication)

He married Annie McQuade, a marriage whichproduced seven children of whom five stillsurvive.

Stephen’s working life began in the Spion Koppit in Morningside but in 1924 he joined theLNER Company and worked as a platelayer onthe railway. He later became a ganger,working mostly on the stretch of line betweenShotts and Edinburgh. Stephen remained for44 years with LNER and British Rail until hisretiral in 1968.

His wife, Annie, died in 1989.

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Some of our HistoryFrom 1896

The first person to be Baptized after theParish came into being was

Hugh Nicholas McCann

Son of

Henry and Catherine McCann

who was Baptized on 4th October 1896.

From 1896

The first couple to be married after theParish came into being was

Lawrence Mullen of Newmains

and

Agnes Murphy of Kirkudbright

who were married on 14th October 1896.

These are the ruins of DuraKirk, above Allanton whereMass was said for itinerantIrish labourers working onrailway construction gangsduring a period when nopermanent Catholic Churchwas available to them in thearea.

Three Little MaidsIn 1898, only two years after the parish cameinto being the play “The Mikado” by Gilbert &Sullivan was performed by young people of theParish. The play had been premiered onlythirteen years before in London.

These “Three Little Maids” are:- Susan Ryan:Julia Keenan and Lizzie McFadyen.

In charge of production was teacher Mrs.Davies.

This is the house on Westwood Road in whichFather Humble, our first Parish Priest livedwhen he came to Newmains

1890-1900

1900-10A curious child looks directly at the camerafrom his playground, the back courts ofNewmains.

Behind him towers the Coltness Works wherehe will probably seek future employment.

1910-20

War and Peace

Some of our parishioners would have been in this happy procession marching in anticipation tothe 6th Gala-Day in 1914. It was to be a memorable day for these children as Gala-days had beenfor children before them and would be for generations of children after them.

Storm clouds were already’ forming, however, that summer.

Only 6 weeks later the “War to end wars” as it was promised to be began on August 4th.

The Boys Guild has a long and varied history in the Parish. This group, wearing the now unfamiliaruniform, were photographed beginning a day-trip to Lanark during the years immediately prior tothe World War of 1914-1918.

The Bagpipers are the brothers Nevins. As well as our oldest Parishioner, Stephen Friar (4thRow Second from left) are representatives of other family names well known in the Parish –Diamond, Brannigan, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Foy and Egan.

1920-29

Newmains has a tradition of amateur theatre which extends to the earliest days of thecommunity above is the assembled cast of

“The Green Bushes”a St. Patrick’s Night production for 1924.

Many of the names are familiar around the village but most, although not all, are nowgone. The cast included. -

Dan McGuire; Hugh Mollachan: John Brannigan: Phillip Brown, Peter Kirley, Pat Thomas: Jim Foy;Pat J Brannigan: Peter Lynch, John Diamond, Michael Kearney; Sarah Diamond; Kate Lynch;Cathy Friar, Mary Kirley: Mary Mollachan, Annie McNernay; Mary Thomas.

Miss McCluskie with a gardening class in the1920’s

The year is in the late 20’s and this youthful group of parishioners are gathered in the TollPark, site of countless struggles in football and cricket. Behind them is Park Drive and they siton the site of the new St Brigid’s School which would be built here in about thirty years.

1930-40

This is the Baptismal font made by PatrickGallacher and now restored to an honouredposition in the church.

It bears an inscription which dedicates to thememory of Father O’Carroll.

Plans which were already generations old cameto fruition with the building of the church in1933. In style it is Neo-Gothic and it was setin spacious grounds.

For the first time St. Brigid’s had a buildingwhich was devoted exclusively to the worshipof God while the original building which hadserved the community well for aim act sixtyyears would now serve exclusively as a school.

The Funeral Procession takes the last remainsFather Stopani away from Newmains.

Father Stopani presided over theconstruction our church. He was born inLerwick in 1883 and after training for thepriesthood in Blairs and Valladolid he wasordained in 1911.

He served the people of St. Augustines,Coatbridge for 19 years, from 1911 - 1930.

He was Parish Priest in St. Brigid’s for theremainder of his life.

He died in 1937.

Men of the Parish died in various warsduring the century.

The centenary celebration will remind us topray for them.

This is the grave, in Baghdad, of Jim Smith.Jim was a member of the Royal Army MedicalCorps. He died in 1943.

Jim’s brother, Lindsay, lives on in the parishand has been one of its most faithful servantsthroughout his life.

“...here in this graveyard its still No Man’sLand. The countless white crosses stand mutein the sand..”

(Eric Bogle)

1940-50

During the post war years a fine Church Choir was developed in St. Brigid’s. This picture wastaken in the early ‘fifties at one of the many performances they gave. They are shown in thecompany of Father Maher and the Parish Priest father Kelly.

Their number includes: Back Row. ; T. Murphy; E.Kearney; M.Kearney; J.Curran; T.Clark; D.Muir;

Middle Row. T.Cullen; P.Donnelly; 7; T.McQuillan; J.Cullen; P.Calderhead; M.Thomas; J.Sneddon;

Front Row. P. O’Donnell; H McGuire; A.McGuire; J. McConville (Conductor). ?McGuinness; J.Ryan;A.McGuinness

1950-60The Silver Jubilee of the building of our church was celebrated in 1958. In the front row, besidethe centre aisle, kneels the distinguished guest for the occasion. Frank Pakenham, who laterbecame Lord Longford.

The Altar shown behind Father McKellaig has the oaken backdrop which became so familiarduring the first 30 years of the use of the Church.

It was given to the Parish by Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral after it is said, one of theirparishioner’s won a considerable sum of money on a football pool and provided a replacement.

After the introduction of the Pauline Mass with the priest facing the people it was felt thatthere was insufficient room in the sanctuary to retain it.

The Immigrant Experience

Many of our people have come from other places during the century.

This group prepares for the departure of a child to live with family in a new land.

Clementina Rea, our local family grocer, is thechild about to leave Italy for Newmains.

1960-70

Back Row: Mr. W Young; Father Peter Gorman; Hugh Kennedy; Martin Connelly; Robert Smellie;Eddie McKerr: Andy McQuade; James Moulds; John McKerr; Mr Hughie King;

Front Row: Ian Curran; Michael Donnelly; Willie McKendrick; Bob McKendrick: Gerry Burns; WillieMcQuade; Willie Young

The Boys Guild was a feature of adolescent life in the Parish for many years. This group enjoyedsuccess under the guidance of Hughie King during the middle sixties just as earlier groups haddone with the assistance of Phil Duffy and others.

With the group is the late Father Peter Gorman who continues to live in the affections of manyparishioners

The song printed below was taught to generations of children by Miss McGarry and hercontemporaries. If the parish of St. Brigid’s has an anthem, this is it.

Gliding

Gliding through the meadow, dancing o’er the greenRuns the merry brooklet with its silver sheenDay and night unceasing, swift its waters flowSpeeding quickly onwards humming as they go

Chorus

Gliding swiftly through the meadow,dancing gaily o’er the pebblesIn the sunshine or the shadowHear the murmur of the brook’s sweet song.

As it journeys onward, pass by rocks besetSpeeding quickly onwards, bounding onward yet.As its course grows shorter, waters quickly glideTill they reach the ocean mingling with the tide.

Chorus

Gliding swiftly through the meadow,dancing gaily o’er the pebblesIn the sunshine or the shadowHear the murmur of the brook’s sweet song.

Papal Visit 1982On Tuesday 1st June 1982 12 bus loads ofParishioners left Newmains to join in thejoyful carnival atmosphere at BellahoustonPark, Glasgow, on the occasion of the visitof Pope John Paul II to Scotland.

They became part of the massive crowdthat awaited him, that stood patiently forhours in corrals and that enjoyed theglorious sunshine which bathed the park onthat memorable day.

It was a day the founders of the Parishcould not have foreseen and a day thatthose present will never forget. It was alsoa day that was shared with us by manymembers of other local churches whoaccompanied our parish contingent.

Some of the group inthe ‘Newmains Corral”enjoy the festiveatmosphere and theglorious June sunshine.

On 1st October1996 theCentenary Yearcelebrations beganwith a CentenaryMass in the Hall.This Mass tookplace precisely 100years after thefirst Mass, said by Father Humble, in the newParish of St. Brigid’s and in the same location.The building which is now the hall had beenboth church and school in the early days.

Preparations were now well under way for theyear and events were planned to reflect everyaspect of the life of a Parish.

On 19th July 1997, in the height of summer, aFun-Day would be held in the church grounds.

On 10th October North Lanarkshire Councilwill honour our community with a civicreception. This reception will be a potentsymbol of the good relationships that existbetween our Parish and the Civil Authority.

Bishop Devine was invited to Celebrate Massin the Church on 30th September 1997 andto conduct a service of Dedication of theChurch..

As a preparationfor this, theculmination of thes p i r i t u a lcelebrations, aparish Missionwould be conductedbetween 14th and27th September

1997 by priests of the Redemptorist Order.

The final event of the year would be a Dinnerand Cabaret for all parishioners to be held on17th October 1997. This concluding eventwould offer everyone in the parish theopportunity to show that the spirit ofcohesiveness and unity which brought it intobeing is still strongly present and that St.Brigid’s remains, above all else, a communityof God’s people working together in thecommon interest.

St Brigid’sCentenery Year

1996-97

The Centenary GardenA Permanent reminder of our Centenary Yearwill be the Centenary garden on which workhas already begun.

It is hoped that the garden will provide aquiet and beautiful place which parishionerscan use on fine days to meet their friends orjust to sit quietly and enjoy. It will also be aplace which we hope that wedding couples willuse for taking photographs as a permanentreminder of their big day.

The concept of this Garden was offered toBBC Television as a possible development fortheir Beechgrove Garden Series and indeedthe project reached the short-list for the1997 series. Some short-term help wasprovided by staff and students of MotherwellCollege under the supervision of Mr StuartAitken.

Much of the design work was undertaken byTommy Hannah while up to the presentcoordination of work at the site has beencarried out by Hugh McKenna withconsiderable assistance from Denis Burns andScotkleen. As of now, July 1997, much workremains to be done.

The Coat-of ArmsA further distinction is added to our historythis year as we become the first CatholicParish in Scotland to receive the award ofArmorial Bearings from the Lord Lyon-King-at-Arms.

The design of the bearings is intended toidentify the bearer uniquely and unmistakably.In the case of St. Brigid’s Parish it reflectsour history, our future and our ideals as acommunity of God.

The shield is green which reflects the factthat many of the earliest parishioners hadtheir family origins in Ireland. On that greenbackground there is a golden Chevron (anupside down “V”). This reminds us of thelegend that at the time of the birth of St.Brigid a great light shone uniting earth andheaven. Light was brought to her birthplace.

At the point of the chevron is a Fleur-de-Lys.a symbol of the Virgin Mary whom Brigidsought to imitate and after whom she wascalled “Mary of the Gael”.

Two straw crosses, of a type still found inrural Ireland and known as St. Brigid’s Cross,are at the upper part of the field flankingtongues of flame. The flames represent theflame of Faith, still strong here after onehundred years, the flame kept lit by thefollowers of St. Brigid in her honour and theflames of the furnaces which brought ourancestors to Newmains.

At the centre of the chevron is a symbolrepresenting a well. Like its counterpart onthe Arms of the Diocese and on the arms ofNorth Lanarkshire, our civil authority, thisreminds us of an original well, dedicated toOur Lady which gave its name to Motherwell.

The motto “Vive ut semper vivas” means -

Live that you might liveforever.

Clare McCroryThe artist responsible for producing our Coatof Arms is Clare McCrory.

Clare, daughter of John and FlorenceMcCrory is a member of our ParishCommunity. She was born in Holytown andattended school at St. Patrick’s Primary inNew Stevenson. When her family moved shetransferred to St. Aidan’s Primary Schoolwhere her mother was Assistant HeadTeacher. In due course she completed hersecondary education at St. Aidan’s HighSchool.

After leaving school Clare worked for a timein the Local Authority Parks Dept. in a clericalcapacity. In her spare time, however shepursued an interest in calligraphy. Eventuallyshe decided to seek an outlet for thesedeveloping abilities and interests. In 1984 shegained entry to the Art School in Reigate,Sussex, the only UK centre offeringinstruction in Calligraphy and the highlyspecialized art-form of Heraldry. She studiedthere for two years.

On leaving her college she worked as afreelance artist. Most recently she hasbecome attached to the Court of the LordLyon, again in a freelance capacity.

In working on the project of the award ofArmorial bearings to St. Brigid’s Clarefollowed a design brief prepared by the LyonCourt, after discussions with members of theCentenary Committee. Clare, herself,participated in these discussions and guidedthe Committee through the process.

Parish priests of St. Brigid’sDiocese of Glasgow

1896 -1903 Rev. James Humble

1903 - 1916 Rev. James Bird

1916- 1921 Rev William O’Carroll

1921 - 1924 Rev. Hugh McDonald

1924 - 1929 Rev. John A. Lyons

1 929 - 1930 Rev. Joseph Courtney

1930- 1937 Rev. William Stopani

1937 - 1940 Rev. John F. O’Donnell

1940- 1941 Rev. John Mcintyre

1941 -1945 Rev. William McGhee

1947 Parish becomes part of the new Dioceseof Motherwell

1945 - 1952 Rev. Thomas Kelly

1952 - 1957 Rev. Hugh Cahill D.D.

1957- 1967 Rev. John O’Donnell

1967 - 1976 Rev. Angus McKellaig

1976 - 1985 Rev. Thomas C. Morris

1985 - 1996 Rev. John W. Boyle

1996 - Rev. Joseph Brannigan

Assistant priests of St.Brigid‘sDiocese of Glasgow

1935 - 1936 Rev. Daniel Logue

1936 - 1937 Rev. Joseph O’Hagan

1947 Parish becomes part of the new Dioceseof Motherwell

1949 Rev. William Bradley

1950 - 1953 Rev. Michael B. Maher

1953 - 1954 Rev. Denis Hoban

1954 - 1965 Rev. John B. Healy

1965 - 1968 Rev. Peter Gorman

1968 - 1969 Rev. John Ward

1969 - 1973 Rev. Humphrey O’Mahony

1973 - 1983 Rev. Edward Glackin

1976 - 1976 Rev. Damien Murphy

1985 - 1988 Rev. John Kelly

1988 - 1992 Rev. John Doherty

1992 - 1993 Rev. John McMurray

1993 - 1994 Rev. Robert Healy

1994 - 1995 Rev. Colin Hughes

1995 - 1996 Rev. James Thomson

1996 - 1996 Rev. James Duddy

Pastoral Assistant

1997 Sister Maria Goretti

Organizations for the Laity inNewmains:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Women’s Guild

St. Brigid’s School Parents’ Assoc.

Gents’ Bowls

Ladies Bowls

Pass-Keepers

Hall Committee

CMS

O.A.P Committee

Caring Group

Finance Committee

Brownies

Social Group

Children’s Liturgy Group

Church Cleaners

Pro-Life Group

Centenary Committee

Altar Servers

Stall Keepers

Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick

Contact

Pat Douglas

Jetta Conlon

Paul McCrum

Joe Cavanagh

Betty Lynch

Pat Douglas

Pat Cahill

Joe Cavanagh

Cathie McQuade

Agnes Hainey

John Dougan

Mary McNulty

James Conlon

Moira Hamilton

Nancy Hinds

Agnes Dougan

Dominic Dale

Father Brannigan

Patricia McCardle

Agnes Dougan

Some of our parishioners haveoffered their lives to God inthe priesthood and religiouslife. These are some examples.

Rev Joseph HealyFather Healy was born in Newmains in 1904.His mother was a member of the Thomasfamily which had and continues to haveextensive links and branches in Newmains.Joseph’s parents moved to Lochgelly in Fifeand later to the USA. At the age of 14 hewent to Blairs College where he remained until1923.

He continued his training for the priesthoodin Scots College, Rome. He was a talentedsportsman with a special interest in football.During his studies he represented his collegeat the game where his opponents were oftenthe professionals of AS Roma the local clubwhich took an interest in the college.

During his spell in Rome he became Master ofCeremonies to the Papal Establishment, beinga personal assistant to Pope Pius Xl at theCanonization of St. Teresa. He was adistinguished scholar. He took a Doctorate (inDivinity) from the Pontifical University andlater completed his Masters degree.Strangely this record of achievement was toprove something of a handicap to him. Later,when invited by his Bishop to undertakefurther studies he had to work hard topersuade the Diocesan authorities that hisvocation was a pastoral one and that his onewish was to serve God’s people as their Parishpriest.

His ordination was originally directed towardsthe Diocese of New York and he served therefor a short time as assistant priest in LongIsland. He returned home, however, and theremainder of his life was spent in the serviceof the Diocese of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh.

His final appointment came when he wasCanonically installed as Parish Priest in EastCalder. There he stayed for 42 years.

In that community he was highly regarded byhis flock. He believed in doing good by stealth.When problems arose for them he attemptedto solve them and did so with the maximum ofdiscretion.

Nevertheless, his wisdom and learning servedScottish Catholics beyond the bounds of EastCalder. He was a close and trusted friend ofLord and Lady Wheatley and before that ofLord Wheatley’s father, John Wheatley, aninfluential opinion former in the early days ofthe Labour Party in Scotland.

One parishioner observes that his funeral willserve as his finest tribute. It was attendedby a packed congregation, many of whom hadgood reason to be grateful for Father Healyfor assistances he had given to them in theirtime of need. The poor and the powerlesscame; but so too did the powerful and wellknown. To Father Joseph Healy all of God’schildren were equal and they respondedequally to him.

He died in 1979, following his vocation andvision for the church to the end of his life.

Mary FriarMary Friar was born Musselburgh in 1907 but,at one year old, came with her family toNewmains. She attended Newmains R.C.School.

On leaving school she helped her sisters firstwith dressmaking (Margaret) and later withbaking (Catherine). She entered the Carmeliteconvent at 29 years of age on the feast of St.Teresa of Avila, living for most of her life intheir house in Langside where she became anextern, being one of those few sisters whokept contact with the outside world on behalfof the community.

Sister Agnes of Jesus was a member of theorder for well over half a Century. She diedin their house at Dysart, Kirkcaldy on 11 May1995 at the age of 88 years.

Many relatives survive her, one of whom (seeopposite) became a member of the Helpers ofthe Holy Souls.

Her surviving brother Stephen is the oldestmember of our Parish community at time ofwriting.

Mary KellyMary Kelly was born in Morningside, nearNewmains, in 1934. She was educated at St.Brigid’s P School and at Elmwood ConventSchool, Bothwell.

After school she worked for Newmains andCambusnethan Co-operative Society and gaveher spare time generously to the children ofthe Parish. When Monsignor O’Donnellintroduced the scouting movement Marybecame Akela in the Wolf Cubs, as they werethen known.

She entered the Helpers of the Holy Souls in1960, taking the name Sister Elizabeth Mary.She made her first vows in 1963.

Sister Elizabeth Mary has been engaged inSocial work in London, St. Anne’s, Lancashireand Edinburgh. She is, at present working inHuyton, Liverpool. Her brother, John, remainsa very active member of our Parish.

Sister Elizabeth Mary with her brother Johnand Sister in Law Mary.

Mary Josephine McAleavyMary Josephine was one of seven childrenborn to Thomas and Catherine McAleavy. Shewas born in 1929 and educated locally.

In 1950 at the age of 21 she entered theHelpers of the Holy Souls as a novice in theirhouse in South Shields. Nine years later shemade final vows in the Convent on Bonkle Roadin the presence of Bishop Scanlon.

Now known as Sister Ninian she went to theHelpers of the Holy Souls Convent at St.Anne’s-on-Sea

She became a qualified social worker and herwork for God and his Church was carried outin some of the most needy communities in theUK. She worked in the poorest areas ofLondon, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Sister Ninian died in London, surrounded byher community and her family, in 1988.

Teresa O’RourkeTeresa O’Rourke was born in Newmains in1901, a member of a family once well-known inthe village but now widely dispersed. Sheattended the local school.

Her brother, John O’Rourke, later became ateacher there.

She joined the Little Sisters of the Poor,After making her initial Profession in Francebeing first of all in their Glasgow House andlater in Dublin. As a member of that Order,one dedicated to poverty and prayer, she wasgiven the name Sister Pascaline of St. Bruno.

Tuberculosis was, earlier in this century, amajor and common threat to health. SisterPascalin contracted TB and, in an effort togive her the benefits of a better atmosphere,her order sent her to Perpignan in France.

Sadly, this was to no avail and she died in 1932Her aunt, Brigid McGarry had been at herbedside until shortly before her death. Sheis buried in a vault in Perpignan.

Mary WelshMary Welsh was born in 1891 in Newmains andbegan her education in the school.

She trained as a teacher at Dowanhill Collegeand qualified in 1913, completing herprobationary period in the summer of 1915.This having been achieved she began toconsider the direction her life was to take andthree years later she joined the Sisters ofNotre Dame, the order which had trained heras a teacher.

Her final vows were taken in 1927 and shecontinued with her teaching work while amember of the order. She served inNorthampton and Norwich before becominghead Teacher in St. Helen’s, where sheremained until her retiral in 1956. She isremembered by her colleagues as a devotedand talented educator and a good and faithfulfriend and colleague.

Her retiral was to the Convent in Dumbartonwhere she remained until her death in 1981.

Agnes FarrellAgnes Farrell who was born in 1914, attendedSt. Brigid’s School and Elmwood Convent.

Agnes was an accomplished Highland dancerand a winner of the Daily Record medal fordancing. Indeed, at the age of 18 she was inGermany performing as a dancer when hermother died. Soon after, her interest indancing took second place to the call to giveher life to God.

She became a novice in the Helpers of theHoly Souls in South Shields in 1939. In 1940an illness caused deafness and it was thoughtthat she would be unable to cope with thedemands made upon her. She was sent home.But the call to religious life was powerful andshe persisted with her request to beaccepted. And accepted she was. She madeher first vows three years later in 1942.

She was a community worker for a time inFrance as well as in Glasgow and Edinburgh.Later she worked in a factory to generateincome for her convent. Later still she waspastoral assistant to Father Fudge in CentralLondon and, in addition, became a catechistthere. Sister Agnes Farrell died in 1994. Herextended family remain in Newmains.

Sister Agnes with her sister; also aparishioner of Newmains

Patrick LeonardPatrick spent some ten years with the FrenchBenedictine Order before a serious illnessrequired his return home.

He was born in 1916 in St. Brigid’s, went toSt. Brigid’s School and at the age of 17 yearsentered the order. He was a member of thecommunity at St. Michaels Abbey.Farnborough during his stay except for oneyear spent at Solem in France. His physicalcondition at last made the rigours of thecommunity life impossible for him and hereturned home in 1943.

For the remainder of his life he adhered, asfar as was possible, to the vocation he hadaccepted. Although physically separated fromhis community he honoured their ideals andfollowed their rule..

Pat died in 1975 after living for many years inthe home of his sister Catherine and herhusband Pat Muldoon. Catherine remains aparishioner.

Thomas McArdleThomas McArdle was born in 1934, one of thelarge family of Dan and Isabel McCardle.

While a pupil at St. Brigid’s School he wasaffectionately regarded by his teachers andhis peers for his mischievous sense of fun.

He elected to join the Redemptorist Order asa Brother and did so in 1960, making his finalProfession of Vows in 1964. As a member ofthe Redemptorists he took the name BrotherMajella. His work with the Order was in theirhouse at Kinnoull in Perthshire where heundertook a variety of duties but becamesomething of a specialist cook.

Brother Majella had a fine and unusual tenorvoice which was heard and admired on severaloccasions in Newmains, in our church and hall.

At a relatively early age his healthdeteriorated and in 1990, at the age of 56years, he died.

Father Alex EastonFather Alex is a White Father currentlyworking in Uganda. He was born in 1932 toJohn Easton, a coal-miner from Shotts and hiswife Elizabeth. He was an only child. He waseducated at St. Brigid’s School but his familymoved to Glenboig while he was still aschoolboy.

At the age of 12 Alex Easton went to theJunior seminary organized by the WhiteFathers at St. Boswells. After remaining twoyears there he progressed to Bishop’sWaltham College near Southampton.

Having successfully completed this firstphase of his studies he was brought back toScotland to study theology and philosophy atMonteviot near Jedburgh where he wasordained in 1956.

That same year he went to the White Fathersmission in Uganda where he has remained eversince except for one or two visits home. Hismost recent was last year when he celebratedthe 40th Anniversary of his ordination

A colleague in the White Fathers hasdescribed him thus: Father “Alex is quiet man,undemanding, who just wants to get on withthe work he was ordained to do.”

Father Gerald McEnhillFather McEnhill was born in Newmains in 1926and educated at our own school and later atOur Lady’s High School in Motherwell. He wasone of three children born to Mr and Mrs.Jack McEnhill. His brother, Jack, now dead,became a Physicist in the Nuclear industry;his sister Josephine lives in Edinburgh. In1947, at the age of 21, he entered theSociety of Jesus being educated at HeythropCollege. He was ordained in the Convent of theHelpers of the Holy Souls in Newmains in1957 and took his final vows in the Order in1960.

Father McEnhill remembers his childhood inNewmains fondly, he grew up in StewartCrescent surrounded by contemporaries whoremain prominent in the life of the Parish,Willie and Agnes Burns, Jim Hinds and othersnow dispersed or deceased.

He is currently working in Mutoroshanga,Zimbabwe as chaplain to an institutionpreparing students for the religious life.

The Centenary Committee would like to offersincere thanks, on behalf of the Parish toeveryone who contributed to the success ofthe Centenary Year celebrations. Specialthanks are due to the members’ of the parishSocial Committee who promoted events andfund-raising activities which made it possiblefor every parishioner to participate in thecelebrations.

Our gratitude is also due to the Provost andto all members and staff of NorthLanarkshire Council for their participation. Itis especially due to Councillor DavidMcKendrick for his advice, his generousassistance and his goodwill.

We hope that readers will show theirgratitude, in a practical way, to all those fromthe business community who advertised in thisbrochure or who sponsored events andactivities during the year. They have showntheir friendship by their generosity. Pleasesupport them.

These include:-

Scotkleen Pressure Washers (UK) Ltd

L & C Rea

Tarmac Precast Concrete

A. Sherlock - Caterer

Harvey & Prater - Painters & Decorators

Anne’s Ladies Wear

Caledonian Carpets

M.Dougan - Motor Engineer

James Sherry - Funeral Service

Wm Howieson & Sons - Butchers

G McAllister - Funeral Directors

Brunton - Butcher

Cooper Brothers

Arctic Circle

Stepek Electrical Goods

Cafe Shabab - Indian Restaurant

Jordan Electrics

The Kilt Bar

Cambuslang Travel

Courtney & McMillan

J & S McFadyen

Seith Weir Autos

Noise Busters

John McFarlane - Caterers

Pizza a la Carte

Asia Tandoori

Teejays

Cummins Engine Co

Newmains Celtic Supporters Club

The Clean Zone - Hygiene & Cleaning

Products - Glasgow