Kings Cinema

In Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, in February 2012 the demolition of St Patrick’s Old Halls started; by June there was nothing left except an old stone cross and the name ‘St Patrick’s Church Hall’ cast in concrete - both of which were saved for posterity. During the demolition it became apparent that the drab grey roughcast, which had covered the outside of the building for generations, hid an impressive blond sandstone building.

This had been built as the United Presbyterian Relief Church in the 1770’s. The congregation of the Relief Church moved out after 120 years, in January 1893, to what is today The Anderson Church.

Later in the 189'0s the building was sold and became a variety hall and then the Kings Cinema.

By 1931, the proprietor and resident manager was M. Stark. The proscenium was 30ft wide.

In January 1933 there was a fire and extensive renovation works were necessary.

Mr Stark was still the proprietor in 1940, when the cinema had 500 seats. Later that decade a snooker room with three tables was added.

By 1953, the proprietors were Messrs M. H. W. Stark, C. Stark and J. Harvey Merriman. By then, according to the Kinematograph Year Book, the seating capacity had been increased to 640.

It is not known when the Kings Cinema closed, but it was purchased by Monsignor Patrick Macnamara, and used as a parish hall for the Catholic congregation of St Patrick’s until 2006.

Unfortunately, the cost of maintenance of the building became prohibitive. Planning permission was granted for a new hall and, after years of fund raising, St Patrick’s was able to oversee construction of their new hall in the summer of 2012. It was handed over on 31st May 2013 and officially opened on 6th November by His Grace Archbishop Leo Cushley.

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