Queens Park Baptists is one of the most dynamic churches in Glasgow: it is constantly seeking new…read moreways of reaching out to the community, from public "healing prayer" through to "Street Pastors" who visit nightlife hot spots to hopefully defuse trouble. It has lots of different groups, for men, women, children, theologians and musicians. I went there once and was joined by a drunk guy who thought that the band playing hymns were a blues covers outfit, which gives some sense of the atmosphere. The services really vary in tone: sometimes they are traditional preaching, other times a guest speaker warms to his theme, be it ecological Christianity or the joys of being single: they have plenty of weeks where they break the congregation down into smaller, more intimate groups. Their theology is on the conservative side, although they don't make too much of this. They run regular Alpha Courses, too.

I can sort of understand your less extremist christians. Those that deep down know the events of…read morethe bible didn't happen, but nevertheless feel that the book champions a code of morals and ethics that lead to a more fulfilling life. Personally I think it just promotes hatred, but I understand others see it differently, and that's fair enough. Some of these baptists though, and I can't say this without sounding disrespectful, are utterly nuts. There was a guy at my school, who I'll refer to only as D.W, who point blank maintained, despite all the rational evidence to the contrary, that the world was actually made in seven days. Not in a metaphorical sense, that it ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Now this belief is quite common I expect, but it was D.W's thoughts on the dinosaurs that really took the biscuit. He claimed that they are a hoax, and were planted underground by Victorian scientists in order to give credence to their "lies" about evolution. This isn't religion. It's outright insanity. People like him may be disregarded as harmless eccentrics in Britain, but can easily get to positions of power in the USA. Be afraid.

This one is worth a visit. No crowds, no tourists, and garnering far less attention than it's big…read morebrother Glasgow Cathedral, this is what I like to see. Out of the way, lesser known stops that are equally stunning yet peacefully serene. A Neo Gothic Catholic church designed in 1814, the structure sits on the north bank of the River Clyde. A spectacular organ built in 1903 was relocated here in 1981, and the entire building was significantly renovated in 2009. A mirrored memorial stands outside the building dedicated to the Arandora Star ship disaster of 1940, the largest in the world dedicated to this disaster. Look for the 200-year-old olive tree in the courtyard near the memorial.

Situated on the banks of the Clyde, just across from the court, I have often popped in for a quiet…read morethink. Since my religious life has been reduced to visiting churches when the congregation are out, I haven't caught more than the end of a mass here, but I find it one of the more congenial spots for a little rest after shopping, a peaceful contemplation of life before going out for the night or a total tearful breakdown after getting dumped, again. St Andrews is nicely old fashioned: the pews are scattered with penitents and regular worshippers, spending time alone with their faith- or, as in my case, existential doubt. It has shrines, a sense of calm and plenty of spots for personal prayer. I find this an atmosphere far more conducive to prayer than the updating that many churches have embraced. It also has a good selection of prayer books and helpful texts at the back.

One of the finest designs by Glasgow's other great architect, GFC has a beautiful exterior that…read moredisplays Indian influences and a sharp, clear interior that expresses the rational revolution that inspired the Scottish protestant movement. Determinedly elegant and sparse, the austerity contributes to an atmosphere of calm, intelligent contemplation: perfectly in tune with the theology of the Free Church. Despite its city centre location, this is not a bustling church but one where thoughtfulness is valued: for anyone wishing to get off the increasingly kitsch treadmill of MacIntosh, it is more than worth a visit.

This was my #1 choice for Doors Open Day 2015. The grandiose, Greek façade of the GFC has peaked my…read morecuriosity for years, but I never thought to venture in as I thought it was closed to the public. The gravity of the building belies the warm welcome visitors receive from the congregation inhabiting the building. Like many a Greek temple, unfortunately this building is in need of some work. Entering into the vestibule, you'd be forgiven for thinking you are in just another church. It's fairly unspectacular & somewhat dated, but look at the pillars supporting the staircases at either end and you'll see the first sign that this building is a wee bit special. Entering through either of the double doors and you're immediately transported to a venue which could easily be a smaller sibling of Glasgow grand theatres. You're line of view is cut off by the overhanging balcony, before the space opens up in front of you. The yellow oak pews, striped with dark strips of mahogany, have buffeted by years of worshippers, the dark crimson paint on the walls has faded and is in need of retouching. The pulpit and organ are set on a stacked platform in front of the pews, the top of the organ reaching up almost to the gods themselves. The wooden frame of the organ has ornate carvings on either side and is peppered with a printed motif. What really gives this place it's character is the balcony and upper cornicing. As I arrived at the top of the stairs I came face to face with a small door (that's small to even to a person of my diminutive stature) which frankly looked like something out of a creepy fantasy/horror film. Turning away from the door to hell, I was immediately struck with the feeling of being in another place. Although I could look right down onto what would be the congregation and pulpit etc, the balcony feels abandoned and almost of a different era. Peeling paint, dusty piles of old forgotten books and broken handrails suggest that the upper levels aren't normally used by anyone. I really felt that I could be exploring an old, abandoned building, the light streaming in from the windows only highlighted the dust I was kicking up. Looking up, again I could see beautifully carved decorations running around the perimeter. Alexander 'Greek' Thomson was said to have been inspired by Greek & Middle Eastern themes, I saw hints of Asia (maybe that's just wishful thinking), whatever it is it's impressive. Sat upstairs, away from the crowds, so to speak, you get a real sense of the church's past. Looking up and down and picturing the yourself perched above St Vincent Street, you can only the gravitas the church must once have enjoyed, how different it once was to today.. Today the church is on a list of 100 most endangered buildings. The city has already been forced to buy and save it from ruin, I just hope that this rough diamond doesn't get lost to another developer or dilapidation.

As Glasgow's Jesuit church, this could either be seen as the hub of the secret organisation that…read morerules the world, or a rather elegant building that offers slightly more intellectually stimulating sermons and, on Sunday, services with a superior choir. It is the home church of the Jesuit school, and is often populated by students at their worship, but it is open all day to visitors who either want to perform their own religious duties or marvel at the recent, and rather fetching, redecoration. The building has been restored to its original grandeur inside, with clean, bright walls and some lovely fresco style illustration. The masses are usually about an hour long, and do offer a more intellectual take on Christianity. Yet even unbelievers will enjoy the restoration, and the oasis of peace the building offers, as long as the school is not using the space

st aloysius rc church is located in the centre of glasgow just north of sauchihall street shopping…read moreprecinct and therefore very handy for shoppers/visitors/tourists a lot of money has been spent in refurbishment in the past few years - on the organ and on the beautiful frescos - and last month celebrated the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone it is well worth a visit - beautiful renaissance design modelled on the 'church of the gesu' in rome - lots of varied coloured marble the nearby jesuit-run schools/college are famous for their teaching tradition since 1859 and their choir & musicians perform at various masses the church services at christmas/easter are especially worth a visit

This is an amazing building with great architecture and masonry work alike. It is centrally located…read moreon Clarkston Road for all of Cathcart, Mount Florida and even, some parts of, Clarkston. Despite, rarely walking past this place I have seen many weddings and funerals coming or going. Hence, it seems they are a popular church with a large congregation and most likely also allow non-church members to use this church as a venue for certain occasions. I've never actually been to a service here, but as mentioned above they appear to be popular with a significant number of people. They also offer Alpha Courses which gives the impression they are a teaching church not a 'grab and convert' number. Something which I have a lot of time and respect for being an ex-Theolgoy student.

Iconic building that's been modernized. Has a nice cafe, some Christian paintings, and a welcoming…read moreair. Great for a stop in to see how a church can be modernized.

On Buchanan Street, round about level with the New Look shop, there is a very attractive church;…read morethis is St George's Tron Parish Church. Although a very pretty building - it does look a bit like it's been left there accidentally. In an attempt to draw in more shoppers, perhaps, the Tron (as this church is often fondly referred to) have stuck a big sign on the front of the building that says "Book Shop - Free Entry." To be honest, I'm not really sure why they needed to add the second bit - isn't access to most shops free?! Inside, Gareth's right when he says the place resembles more of a community centre than a church. There are glass doors everywhere and the place feels a little bit, well, sterile. I can't help but think that in somewhere in the recent renovation - the Tron lost all it's character. I hope I'm not being too unkind by suggesting that maybe this place is best viewed from the outside.

The University of Glasgow Chapel is absolutely stunning. It's situated in the heart of the old…read moreuniversity building and holds regular church services. The chaplaincy which is based here provides a service to Glasgow Uni students. It is inter-faith where chaplains and advisors are drawn from faith communities which are members of the Scottish Interfaith Council and Christian churches. The University is the first HEI to appoint a Humanist to the Chaplaincy team as an Advisor for people from a non faith background. You can have your wedding or civil partnership here- although at least one of the couple must be a Graduate (or son or daughter of a Graduate), member of staff or current student (or son or daughter).

This gets five stars alone from me for being the first church or chapel in Scotland to conduct a…read morecivil partnership. Furthermore, as Catriona points out this chapel has an array of interfaith chaplains and advisers on hand. Hence, there is no discrimination or exclusiveness at all. Ok, to actually have a ceremony in it, you need to have some tie to Glasgow University. But seen as literary everywhere is a business these days what harm does this really do? You're still more than welcome to pop in, have a wander around or attend services here if you have no involvement with the University. This is a wonderful chapel with scores of history (both old and 'new' -e.g. the making of) and character yet practises a very contemporary and inclusive worldview. If only more religious venues were like this, the world would be a much happier place.