First City Mission marks 200 years

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.”