IT was the first Catholic school in Scotland's largest town run on ecumenical lines and funded by Protestant businessmen.
Now the 200-year story of 'The Paisley School' has been celebrated in a new book, the proceeds from the sale of which will go to the Mary's Meals charity.
Established in 1816 and was run by a committee of 12 Protestants and 12 Catholics, a cooperation highly untypical of its time and place, early teaching at the school was provided by two French priests who had fled to Paisley as refugees from the French Revolution.
They also provided private tuition for the offspring of Paisley’s emerging Protestant entrepreneurs, while at the same time undertaking pastoral work among the growing Catholic population.
One of the priests, Abbe Despraux, saw the need for a school while several local businessmen, Protestant clergyman and professionals shared his vision and responded to his local appeal.
The book 'The Paisley School' marks the 200th anniversary of the school’s founding in October 1816 when it occupied a building in Dyers Wynd, with 57 day and 46 evening scholars.
It moved to Orr Square in 1822 and was eventually taken over by the St. Mirin’s mission in 1845.
The Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan, said: "“The very existence of the Paisley school was due largely to the support of the Protestant population of the town, something which could not have been predicted a few years earlier.
"This book provides an illuminating insight into 19th century Paisley with its religious landscape and legacy, illustrating how the work of these far-sighted pastors could break down barriers to promote what we would recognise today as Christian unity.”
The book's author. retired teacher Tom Higgins, said: “From the outset, the education of the Catholic poor in Paisley was beholden in good measure to the goodwill and the financial support of the local Protestant community. The collaboration between Protestants and Catholics provided opportunities for friendships and alliances to be formed in other areas of local cooperation. Paisley priest, Fr. John Bremner found a regular ally in the Rev. Patrick Brewster, Minister of Paisley Abbey in his political activities.”
“As the school was established to educate the poorest in society, I am delighted that all proceeds will go to Mary’s Meals who provide food to some of the world’s poorest children every school day, allowing them to make the most of their education.”
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