History

1819 The first institution for teaching Deaf and Dumb children in Glasgow established by John Anderson at Barony Glebe in the city.

1822 Anderson resigns after a disagreement with the directors, but opens a private school in St Andrews Square. The first prayer meeting held for adult Deaf people. Deaf Connections founded. It was then known as the Scottish Association for the Deaf and Dumb, Glasgow Branch. It is the oldest organisation for the adult Deaf in Britain.

1823 John Anderson leaves the organisation. Prayer meetings lapse.

1825-1844 The private school's work continues - however adult Deaf people continue to meet, but are dependent on their own resources.

1844 William Ure appointed to organise religious services in Anderstonian University and provide support for Deaf people.

1868 Glasgow Institute for the Deaf and Dumb opened for the education of Deaf children.

1872 First annual report printed. Football Club instituted (Glasgow Deaf Athletic: the oldest Deaf Football Club in the world).

1873 James Howard appointed as first missionary. Name of the Society changed to Glasgow Mission to the Deaf and Dumb (1873).

1874 Frederick Woodbridge appointed as missionary.

1876 Establishment of a reading room and penny savings bank at 126 Renfield Street. First annual excursion for members.

1878 Temperance Society established.

1879 John Henderson appointed missionary. He was to serve for 50 years.

1880 Paisley branch established.

1883 New premises at 65 Renfield Street.

1885 Hamilton branch established. Support given to Deaf people in Dumfries and Greenock. 1888 Plans for new headquarters drawn up.

1889 Name of the Mission changes to the Glasgow Mission to the Adult Deaf and Dumb to prevent confusion with the children's institute at Langside.

1891 Ladies Auxilliary formed. Grand bazaar organised to raise funds for new headquarters.

1893 Site of new Institute chosen at West Regent Street. 1895 Official opening of new Institute.

1900 Name of Bible Class altered to YM/YMCA.

1905 New Institute formed at Paisley.

1908 Name of Society altered to 'Mission to the Adult Deaf and Dumb for Glasgow and the West of Scotland'.

1920 Branches established at Clydebank and Dumbarton.

1922 Official centenary celebrations. An after-care educational supervisor is appointed to "assist women and girls medically and promote religious and moral welfare".

1927 Proposals for the building of a new church first discussed.

1928 Rover Scout Troop formed.

1929 Ranger Guides formed.

1931 John Ross Memorial Church dedicated by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland.

1932 Visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to the Institute. Helen Keller visits Glasgow.

1936 Workshops for employment scheme opened - tailoring and upholstery training offered.

1937 Gardens of Maudslie Castle purchased for horticultural training scheme.

1940 The Institute's large hall is requisitioned for the war effort.

1946 Appeal for eventide home launched.

1948 Premises at 16 Roman Road purchased for eventide home.

1949 The home - Craigholme - is opened. 1958 Service from John Ross Memorial Church is televised.

1962 Amalgamation with the Paisley Mission. 1964 Amalgamation with the Greenock Mission.

1965 Extensive modernisation of the Institute. BBC launches News for the Deaf.

1968 A society stalwart, the Rev J Stewart Lochrie, is awarded an MBE.

1969 Charity's name changed to Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for the Deaf.

1972 The organisation's 150th anniversary. Extension to Craigholme opened by Princess Alexandra.

1980 First use of sign language interpreter of Scottish Television's Scotland Today programme.

1982 Death of J Stewart Lochrie. Direct social work service for Deaf people introduced by Strathclyde Regional Council.

1983 Gordon Chapman appointed as Chief Executive.

1988 Proposals for the sale of the Institute and relocation to Gorbals library approved.

1990 Refurbishment of Gorbals Library complete. Society leaves home in West Regent Street.

1991 New Deaf centre officially opened by Her Royal Highness Diana, Princess of Wales.

1994 Major refurbishment at Craigholme.

1997 Hamilton and Paisley premises sold.

1998 Society adopts the title Deaf Connections as its operating name.

2001 'The City Silent', a history of Deaf Connections, published.
Deaf Connections is grateful to Robert Smith of Wishaw for carrying out the research which made this History possible.