St Columba's Church, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Columba's Church |
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| 51°29′48.4″N 0°9′48″W / 51.496778°N 0.16333°W | |
| Location | Pont Street Knightsbridge, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed building |
| Architect(s) | Sir Edward Maufe |
| Years built | 1884 (destroyed in the Blitz) Rebuilt 1955 |
| Groundbreaking | July 6, 1950 (new building) |
| Administration | |
| Presbytery | England |
St Columba's Church is one of two Church of Scotland churches in London. The church building is located on Pont Street in Knightsbridge. This area is close to the famous Harrod's department store. The building was designed by Sir Edward Maufe. In 1988, it was given a Grade II listing by English Heritage. This means it is a very important historic building.
Contents
A Look Back: Church History
Scottish people have had churches in London for a very long time. This goes back to 1603 when Scotland and England joined under one king. One of the first Scottish churches was built near Covent Garden. It is called Crown Court Church and is still used today. As more Scottish people moved to London, they needed a bigger church.
The first St Columba's Church building was built in 1884. Sadly, it was destroyed by bombs during the Blitz in World War II. This happened on the night of May 10, 1941.
The church was rebuilt in 1955 on the same spot. Sir Edward Maufe designed the new building. He also designed the famous Guildford Cathedral. The church is named after Saint Columba. He was a very famous saint from Ulster.
A special chapel was added to remember those who died in the war. It was opened on March 25, 1956.
A group called London Reels meets at St Columba's once a month. They meet from September to June to dance Highland Reels. It's a fun way to keep Scottish traditions alive!
Who Leads the Church?
The church's minister is Rev. C. Angus MacLeod. He started his role on June 7, 2012.
Churches Working Together
St Columba's Church also works closely with St Andrew's Church. This church is located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Both churches share the same minister. St Andrew's Church is on Sandyford Road and Grantham Road in Newcastle. The closest train station is Jesmond.
Important Leaders of the Church
Three ministers from St Columba's have held a very important job. They were chosen as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a top leadership role in the Church of Scotland.
- Very Rev. Robert F. V. Scott in 1956
- Very Rev. J. Fraser McLuskey in 1983
- Very Rev. John H. McIndoe in 1996
St Columba's on TV
St Columba's Church was shown in a TV show! It appeared in an episode of the BBC comedy series Absolutely Fabulous in 1996. The Assistant Minister at the time, Rev. Calum MacLeod, performed a wedding in the show. Mr. MacLeod is now the Minister of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
See also
- Church of Scotland
- List of Church of Scotland parishes
- List of churches in London
- Nordic churches in London
- St Botolph's, Aldersgate (Free Church of Scotland in London)
