Meadowbank and Willowbrae Church facts for kids
Meadowbank and Willowbrae Church is a church in Edinburgh, Scotland. It belongs to the Church of Scotland. The church building is old, built in the late Victorian era. It's located on London Road in Abbeyhill. This is about half a mile north of Holyrood Abbey. The building first opened in December 1900. It was then known as Abbeyhill United Free Church.
Contents
How the Church Began
The old Holyrood Abbey was once the main church for the Canongate area. This was until a new church, the Kirk of the Canongate, was built in 1688. In 1843, some people left the Church of Scotland. This event was called the Disruption of 1843. These people formed a new group called Holyrood Free Church. They built their own church near the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Joining Together
In 1915, the Holyrood Free Church joined with Abbeyhill United Free Church. They started using the building at 83 London Road. Later, in 1929, the United Free Church of Scotland joined with the Church of Scotland. At this time, the church became known as Holyrood Abbey Church.
The old Holyrood Free Church building near the Palace was used for storage for many years. In 2002, it was fixed up and reopened. It is now The Queen's Gallery. This gallery shows art from the Royal Collection.
The Church Building
The building at 83 London Road was designed by R M Cameron. It is a special building protected by law. This means it is a category B listed building. The church building was also updated in 2006 and 2007.
Recent Changes and New Names
In 2014, the minister of Holyrood Abbey Church left. He disagreed with a decision made by the Church of Scotland. He then led many people from the church to start a new, independent church. This new church is called Holyrood Evangelical Church.
Because there were not enough ministers, some churches in Edinburgh joined together. In February 2017, Holyrood Abbey Church joined with London Road Church. The combined church was then known as Meadowbank Church.
In September 2023, Meadowbank Church joined with Willowbrae Parish Church. After this, the church adopted its current name, Meadowbank and Willowbrae Church. A final service was held in the Willowbrae building in June 2025. That building is expected to be sold.
External Links
- Meadowbank and Willowbrae Church of Scotland website
- Holyrood Evangelical Church website
