ST JOSEPH'S, TOLLCROSS R.C. CHURCH

Historically, Tollcross formed part of the extensive St Mary's Parish from 1842 to 1857, St Mary's Church being in Abercromby St. From 1857, Tollcross was included in the area ministered to by the Shettleston mission.

The Catholic population increased significantly over the following years as industrial growth took place, particularly in regard to the Clyde Iron Works. It became increasingly difficult for Shettleston to provide for their needs and consequently it was decided in 1893 that Tollcross should be disjoined from Shettleston.

Two years later a chapel-school opened in London Rd, Old Monkland to serve the needs of the community. The chapel occupied a part of the buildings which was intended to facilitate the expansion of the school when required and until a separate church could be built.

In June, 1904 sparks from a locomotive passing on the nearby railway line set fire to the buildings which were almost completely destroyed. After having had to use a temporary wooden structure, the new substantial red sandstone chapel-school built in Easterhill St was opened for use in 1906. It was built far enough away from the railway to prevent a repetition of the earlier disaster.

It had always been intended that a church separate from the school would be built but it was not until over 80 years had passed that this intention became a reality. On a site acquired from Sisters of Charity, off Fullarton Ave, the present St Joseph's was built and formally opened by Archbishop Thomas Winning on 3rd May, 1976. The parish now approaches its 100th anniversary - in 1993.