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St David's Church, Dalkeith facts for kids

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St David's Church
St. David's Roman Catholic Church, Dalkeith by Owen Proudfoot.jpg
Front entrance
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OS grid reference NT328669
Location Dalkeith, Midlothian
Country United Kingdom
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website StDavidsDalkeith.co.uk
History
Status Active
Founded 1853 (1853)
Founder(s) Cecil Chetwynd Kerr, Marchioness of Lothian
Dedication Saint David of Scotland
Architecture
Functional status Parish church
Heritage designation Category A listed
Designated 18 October 1976
Architect(s) Joseph Hansom
Groundbreaking 1853
Completed 21 May 1854
Administration
Deanery St David's East and Midlothian
Archdiocese St Andrews and Edinburgh
Province St Andrews and Edinburgh

St David's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Dalkeith, Midlothian. It was built in 1854 by a kind lady named Cecil Chetwynd Kerr, Marchioness of Lothian. The church was designed by a famous architect, Joseph Hansom. It is considered a very important building, listed as 'Category A' for its special history and design.

The Story of St David's Church

Cecil Chetwynd Kerr, the Marchioness of Lothian, was a very religious person. She followed a movement called the Oxford movement. Her spiritual guide, John Henry Newman, was a key leader in this group. Lady Lothian had already built another church, St John's church in Jedburgh.

Why Lady Lothian Built the Church

In 1851, Lady Lothian became a Catholic. She then decided to build a new church for the Catholic people in Dalkeith. Joseph Hansom was chosen as the architect for this important project. Building work started in 1853.

Opening Day and Early Priests

On May 21, 1854, St David's Church officially opened its doors. A priest named Fr Mackay became the first parish priest. In 1858, Fr J. S. McCorry took over from him. Two years later, in 1860, Lady Lothian invited the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, to serve the church.

Lady Lothian's Legacy

The church's founder, Lady Lothian, passed away in 1877 while on a religious trip to Rome. However, her body was brought back and buried right inside St David's Church. Her grave is at the foot of the altar.

Changes Over Time

In 1944, the Jesuits left the parish. The church's care was then given to the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. They have been looking after the church and its community ever since.

Life at St David's Parish

St David's Church holds regular services for its community.

Mass Times at St David's

There are two Sunday Masses each week. One is on Saturday evening at 6:00 PM. The other is on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. Weekday Masses are held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Other Churches in the Parish

The parish also includes another church called St Luke and St Anne Church. This church is located in Mayfield, Midlothian. It was started in 1948, and its current building was completed in 1971. St Luke and St Anne has a Sunday Mass at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Weekday Masses there are on Monday and Wednesday at 9:00 AM.

St David's School Connection

St David's Church has a special link with St David's School. The school first opened in the same year as the church, 1854. In 1876, a group of nuns called the Sisters of Mercy came from Edinburgh to teach at the school. They left in 1940. Later, in 1966, part of the Loretto School moved to St David's.

See also

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