kids encyclopedia robot

Augustine United Church facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Augustine United Church
The United Augustine Church, George IV Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 638395.jpg
55°56′51.3″N 3°11′29″W / 55.947583°N 3.19139°W / 55.947583; -3.19139
Denomination United Reformed Church
Churchmanship Reformed
Website Augustine United Church
Architecture
Heritage designation Category B
Designated 14 December 1970
Architect(s) J, JM & WH Hay
of Liverpool
Style Freestyle
Groundbreaking 1857
Completed 1861
Listed Building – Category B
Official name George IV Bridge and 11A and 11C Merchant Street, Augustine United Free Church (United Reformed Church)
Designated 14 December 1970; 54 years ago (1970-12-14)
Reference no. LB26707
Administration
Synod Scotland

Augustine United Church is a special church building in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is part of the United Reformed Church family. This church also works closely with other churches. These include St Columba's-by-the-Castle and Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk. This teamwork is called a local ecumenical partnership.

History of Augustine Church

EdinburghgeorgeIV
A view along George IV Bridge, with Augustine United Church tower on the right.

The church's story began in 1802 in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The first group of worshippers met in a chapel on Chambers Street. As more people joined, the chapel became too small. In 1855, it was taken down to make space for the National Museum of Scotland.

Building the New Church

The current church building was started in 1857. It was finished in 1861. You can find it at 41 George IV Bridge. The building has a unique look. It mixes styles like Romanesque, Renaissance, and Classical. It also has a tall, three-tiered tower.

In 1970, the building was given a special status. It became a Category B listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected. More recently, the building was updated. It is now known as the Augustine Church Centre.

Augustine Church Centre Today

The Augustine Church Centre is a busy place. It is home to several charities and projects. These include groups like Christian Aid and Jubilee Scotland. It also hosts the Edinburgh Community Mental Health Chaplaincy. The centre is also where Augustine United Church holds its worship services. The Metropolitan Community Church of Edinburgh also meets here.

Community Activities

Many different groups use the centre throughout the week. Music groups, political groups, and other religious groups hold meetings and events. For example, the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union and Edinburgh Youth Choir practice here.

Every summer, the centre becomes a venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This is a very large arts festival. On February 12, 1997, a special event happened here. The first ever Fairtrade fortnight was launched at the church. Fairtrade helps farmers and workers in other countries get a fair price for their goods.

kids search engine
Augustine United Church Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.