Reid Memorial Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reid Memorial Church |
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| 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 the national church of Scotland. This church is found in the Blackford area, on the south side of the city.
Contents
History of Reid Memorial Church
The story of Reid Memorial Church is linked to important changes in the Church of Scotland. In 1843, many people felt unhappy about how ministers were chosen. This led to a big split, known as the Disruption of 1843. A new group called the Free Church of Scotland was formed.
How the Church Was Founded
One of the ministers who left was Dr. Robert Gordon. He became the first minister of the "Free High" church group. After he passed away, Robert Rainy took over. Later, in 1900, the Free Church joined with another group to form the United Free Church of Scotland. These churches then rejoined the main Church of Scotland in 1929.
The church is named after William Reid, a successful businessman from Edinburgh. When he died in 1889, he left his money to his four sons. His last son, William Crambe Reid, died in 1921 without children. He left his family's wealth to the United Free Church. He wanted a new church to be built to remember his father.
However, the churches had already reunited before building started. There were already many churches in south Edinburgh. So, the church leaders decided to move the "Free High Church" group into this new building. Their old building was needed for a college expansion.
The Reid Memorial Church was officially opened on January 3, 1935. The first Sunday service was held on January 6, led by Reverend J Marshall Robertson. More recently, in 2019, Reverend Alex McAspurren became the minister for both Reid Memorial Church and Craigmillar Park Church. These two churches now work together.
Design and Features
The Reid Memorial Church was designed by an architect named Leslie Grahame Thomson. It was built between 1929 and 1933. The church's style is called Arts and Crafts Gothic. This means it looks like older, medieval churches, with a grand design similar to a cathedral.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church has a cross shape, known as a cruciform plan. It has side aisles and a square tower on its south-east side. Next to the main church building is a cloister court. This is an open area surrounded by covered walkways. Around this court are rooms like vestries (where clergy prepare), a meeting room, a hall, and the church officer's house.
The windows along the sides of the church have special stone patterns called tracery. There are also strong supports called buttresses that go above the windows. The three windows in the main part of the church (the chancery) have beautiful stained glass made by James Ballantine. These windows show scenes like the birth of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the ascension.
The church is located in a unique spot between two streets, West Savile Terrace and Blackford Avenue. It sits on a steep hill. Because of its special design and history, the church was protected as a Category A listed building on December 12, 1974. This means it is a very important historical building.
The Church Organ
The church has a large musical organ. It was built by a company called Rushworth and Dreaper.
