Celebrating 175 Years of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Maryhill

That the Parliament recognises that 2026 marks the 175th anniversary of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Maryhill; understands that the parish was founded in 1851, originally as St Mary's, to serve Irish families who had fled the Great Famine and settled in the area to work on the construction and operation of the nearby Forth and Clyde Canal basin and locks; notes that the parish has played a significant role in the spiritual, cultural and community life of Maryhill across generations and has been described as the mother church of north-west Glasgow; further notes that the church has adapted and evolved throughout its history, including rebuilding following damage sustained during the Clydebank Blitz and later establishing its current church building on Maryhill Road in 1991; welcomes the parish's commemorations during its anniversary year, including the International Mass held in September 2026 in partnership with SCIAF, celebrating the diversity of the modern congregation, which includes people from more than 26 nationalities, and a service led by Archbishop Nolan at the Immaculate Conception Church on 8 November 2026; recognises the parish's commitment to building community cohesion, supporting families, promoting charitable activity and working closely with neighbouring faith communities through initiatives such as Together We Make Maryhill; commends Father Jim Lawlor and all current and former clergy, parishioners, volunteers and staff who have contributed to the life of the parish over the last 175 years, and wishes the Church of the Immaculate Conception every success as it continues to serve the people of Maryhill and beyond for many years to come.