The world’s first official City Mission, Glasgow City Mission, is celebrating 200 years of service in Scotland’s largest city.
Established in 1826, Glasgow City Mission was founded by young Glaswegian David Naismith at just 26 years old. Moved by the poverty he witnessed in Glasgow, Naismith put the gospel into action by caring for people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
“From its earliest days, Glasgow City Mission has been marked by gospel action; lifting broken people out of destitution through spiritual renewal,” said Charles Maasz, chief executive of Glasgow City Mission. “Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and standing alongside those pushed to the margins have always been central to our ministry.”
“Mission has meant entering crowded tenements, cold streets, prison cells, hostels, and hospital wards. It has been lived out by countless volunteers, staff, donors, and supporters who believe every person bears God’s image and deserves dignity. This conviction has sustained the Mission through wars, social upheaval, and cultural shifts.”
Today, the Mission continues to pursue Naismith’s vision through three key initiatives: the Winter Project, which serves people suffering from homelessness; the City Centre Project, which focuses on providing for people’s immediate needs; and the Child and Family Centre, which offers support for children and their parents.
The Mission held a Thanksgiving Service at St Silas Church, Glasgow to thank God and its supporters for the last two centuries of its presence in Glasgow.
