Reid Memorial Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reid Memorial Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 55°55′35″N 3°11′06″W / 55.9265°N 3.1849°W | |
| Location | Blackford, Edinburgh |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Founded | January 1935 |
| Relics held | Black Knight |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed building |
| Designated | 12 December 1974 |
| Architect(s) | Leslie Grahame Thomson |
The Reid Memorial Church is a beautiful church located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is part of the Church of Scotland, which is a major Christian church in Scotland. You can find this church in the Blackford area, on the south side of the city.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
The story of Reid Memorial Church is connected to some important changes in the Church of Scotland. In 1843, many ministers and members left the main church. This event was called the Disruption of 1843. They left because they disagreed with how ministers were chosen. They formed a new group called the Free Church of Scotland.
Key Leaders and Church Mergers
One of the first ministers of the "Free High" congregation was Dr. Robert Gordon. After he passed away, Robert Rainy became the minister. He was a very important leader. Over the years, different church groups joined together. In 1900, the Free Church joined with another group to form the United Free Church of Scotland. Later, in 1929, this United Free Church rejoined the larger Church of Scotland.
How Reid Memorial Church Was Built
The church was built thanks to a generous gift from a man named William Crambe Reid. His father, William Reid, was a successful businessman in Edinburgh. When William Crambe Reid passed away in 1921, he left his money to the United Free Church. He wanted a new church built to honor his father's memory.
Even though the churches had reunited by the time construction started, the money was still used for a new building. There were already many churches in south Edinburgh. So, the church leaders decided to move an existing congregation, the Free High Church, into this new building. Their old building was needed for a college expansion.
Opening Day and Recent Changes
The Reid Memorial Church officially opened on January 3, 1935. The first Sunday service was held on January 6, led by Rev. J Marshall Robertson. More recently, in June 2019, Rev. Alex McAspurren became the minister for both Reid Memorial Church and Craigmillar Park Church. These two churches now work closely together.
Exploring the Church's Design
The church was designed by an architect named Leslie Grahame Thomson. It was built between 1929 and 1933. The style of the church is called Arts and Crafts Gothic. This means it looks like older, medieval churches, with grand sizes and a similar layout to a cathedral.
Architectural Features
The church has a cross shape, which is called a cruciform plan. It has side aisles and a square tower on the south-east side. Next to the main church building, there's a cloister court. This is an open area surrounded by covered walkways. Around this court are rooms like vestries (where clergy prepare) and a church hall.
The windows along the sides of the church have beautiful stone patterns called tracery. Strong supports called buttresses go up the sides of the building, even taller than the windows. The three windows in the chancel (the area near the altar) have amazing stained glass art by James Ballantine. These windows show important scenes like the Nativity (Jesus' birth), the Crucifixion, and the Ascension.
Location and Protection
Reid Memorial Church is located in a unique triangular area. It sits between West Savile Terrace and Blackford Avenue, which is a steep hill. Because of its special design and history, the church was given a "Category A" listed building status on December 12, 1974. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
The Church Organ
The church has a large musical organ. It was built by a company called Rushworth and Dreaper. The organ adds to the beautiful music and atmosphere during services.
