Church Overview

This beautiful Arts & Crafts gem was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer to be a country church in the heart of the city and replaced a temporary pre-fabricated church, or ‘Tin Tabernacle’, that had been erected on this site in 1891

Constructed in a cruciform plan from 1898-99, from rough and polished sandstone hewn from Hailes Quarry, this was the first church that Lorimer designed and he developed a number of his signature touches here that can be see in his later buildings. Despite his complete vision for the building never being fully realised, it is nevertheless perfect in its symmetry and acoustics.

Lorimer’s contribution to the building continued long after its opening service was officiated by Bishop John Dowden on the 4th March 1899. In 1912, the architect designed its handsome reredos, pulpit, chancel screen, lectern and other furnishings, which were created and installed by local wood carvers William & Alexander Clow and Nathaniel Grieve. The woodwork beautifully complements the exquisitely carved stonework to be seen around the in the sedilia and piscina, where visitors are always keen to view  the little squirrel!

The church also contains some wonderful stained glass, including windows by Margaret Chilton, Oscar Paterson and a modern window depicting ‘The Good Shepherd’. There is a fine 1884 Brindley & Foster three manual pipe organ which was installed in the church in 1905, rebuilt by Henry Willis IV in 1967 and fully restored in 2019-20 by Michael Macdonald Organ builders. 

The well-maintained garden outside the church also offers visitors a tranquil oasis to pause and rest amidst the hustle bustle of the city that surrounds the church, its mature trees regularly festooned with the colourful creations of local knitters.

Services

Sunday: Sung Communion 10.00 am Wednesday: Holy Communion 11.00 am. See church’s own website for details

Opening Arrangements

Open by arrangement

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.