A YEAR after a devastating deliberate fire reduced a beloved church to ashes, its congregation has unveiled plans to rebuild on the very same site.
Cumbernauld Trinity Parish Church has announced it will construct a new worship centre where St Mungo's Church once stood.
Reverend James Gemmell, parish minister, shared the news during an open-air service on Sunday, August 2, held on the now-cleared site.
He said: "A year ago we stood in shock as we watched our church building burn.
"Yesterday, we stood together on the same ground, not looking back in despair but looking forward in hope.
"Our confidence is not in a building, but in the risen Christ, who has been faithful to us every step of this journey.
"We look forward to the day when a new church will stand on this site—a place where people will encounter the love of Jesus Christ, and a beacon of his hope and grace for our whole community.
"As plans for the new church move forward, the congregation does so with confidence that Christ, who has sustained them through loss, will continue to lead them into a hopeful future."
St Mungo's Church, a B-listed building, was part of the newly established Trinity Parish Church.
This parish was formed from the union of Cumbernauld Old Church, Kildrum, and St Mungo's churches in 2024.
The church, with its distinctive pyramid-shaped roof, had been a central landmark since the 1960s and was designed by Scottish architect Alan Reiach.
The open-air service to mark the first anniversary of the fire was held near a large metal cross at the site.
Blue hoardings around the area carried the message "a Church will be built here again."
The gathering brought together church members, residents, and community leaders to reflect on loss, express gratitude, and look forward with renewed hope for the future.
Attendees gave thanks for the support received over the past year from individuals, churches, and organisations.
They also prayed for those who had helped ensure that ministry and outreach could continue despite the loss of their building.
The service ended with prayers for the future, including blessings for the rebuilding project and a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to serving the people of Cumbernauld.
A New Build Group has been formed to oversee the project.
The congregation will also appoint a specialist manager to lead the development of the new church.
The fire broke out at around 7.37pm on August 2, 2025.
Flames quickly engulfed the roof and sent thick smoke billowing across the area, prompting safety concerns for nearby residents.
The church’s proximity to a sheltered housing complex meant that some residents had to be evacuated, while others were told to stay indoors for their safety.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service initially responded with two fire engines.
The incident quickly escalated, requiring seven appliances and specialist crews to bring the fire under control.
Firefighters worked through the night, but despite their efforts, the building could not be saved.
No injuries were reported.
A year on, the congregation remains committed to their mission and is now looking to the future.
Police Scotland have confirmed that their investigation has finished with no one being traced.
Any new information given to officers about the incident will be assessed.
