Tranent Parish Church facts for kids
Tranent Parish Church is a church that belongs to the Church of Scotland. It is located in the town of Tranent in East Lothian, about 10 miles (16 km) south-east of Edinburgh. The church sits on the north side of town, in a small lane at the bottom of Church Street.
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History of Tranent Church
The church building you see today in Tranent was finished in 1800. It was built by John Simpson. People believe this is at least the third church to stand in the town.
Local stories say that a small chapel, dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, was here in the 8th century. It was connected to Lindisfarne, an important religious place. The town's old name, Travernant, means "settlement on the ridge overlooking a ravine." This suggests people lived here in the 8th century.
The first official mention of a church in Tranent was in 1145. It was started by a church leader named Thor, whose father owned land nearby. The church was given permission by Richard, who was a high-ranking church official in St Andrews. Later, Saer de Quincy, a local lord, also approved it.
Tranent parish became part of the area controlled by the monks of Holyrood Abbey. The church building was described as being better than most country churches. Even though a town grew around the church by 1251, it stayed under the control of Holyrood Abbey. Records also mention another chapel, dedicated to St. Peter, located on a ridge above a valley where coal was found.
Damage and Rebuilding
The church was badly damaged twice, in 1544 and 1547. This happened during a time called the Rough Wooing, when English forces led by the Protector Somerset attacked Scotland.
Tranent Parish Church then joined the Scottish Reformation. This was a big change when Scotland moved away from the Roman Catholic Church. Thomas Cranstoun became the first Protestant minister, taking over from the last Catholic priest, Thomas Moffat. The church of St. Peter became a reformed Protestant church.
After Somerset's attacks, the church stayed in ruins for a long time, even into the 1600s. We don't know exactly when it was fixed up. People said the church was restored and made bigger. But in 1799, the decision was made to build a completely new church. This new church opened in 1800 and is the one that still stands today, looking over the Firth of Forth.
In 1954, the church was greatly improved and refurnished. This cost over 10,000 pounds. While the work was being done, the church members met in the town hall. The church they returned to is very much like it is today. The church is considered a listed building of special historical importance.
Ministers of Tranent Parish Church
Here are some of the people who have served as ministers at Tranent Parish Church over the years:
- Rev John Sharp 1561 - 1562
- Rev Thomas Cranston 1562 - 1568
- Rev Alexander Forrester 1568 - 1597
- Rev James Gibson 1598 - 1602
- Rev Robert Wallace 1603 - 1617
- Rev Robert Balconquel 1618 - 1651 (First time)
- Rev Walter Balconquel 1651 - 1658
- Rev Thomas Kirkcaldie 1658 - 1662
- Rev Robert Balconquel 1662 - 1666 (Second time)
- Rev Andrew Barclay 1666 - 1671
- Rev William Meldrum 1671 - 1672
- Rev James Craig 1676 - 1681
- Rev James Gartshore 1683 - 1687
- Rev John Mutter 1700 - 1739
- Rev Charles Cunningham 1740 - 1783
- Rev Hugh Cunningham 1783 - 1801
- Rev Andrew Brown 1801 - 1805
- Rev John Henderson 1805 - 1850
- Rev Robert Stewart 1850 - 1851
- Rev Dr William Caesar 1852 - 1912
- Rev Andrew Hewat 1912 - 1942
- Rev Dr James Bulloch 1942 - 1953
- Rev Alexander Miller 1953 - 1983
- Rev Thomas Hogg 1984 - 2007
- Rev Jan Gilles 2008 - 2014
- Rev Erica Wishart Dec 2015 - Sept 2020
- Rev Katherine Taylor Oct 2021–Present
Worship Services
The church holds a service every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. The only exception is on Remembrance Sunday, when the service starts at 11:30 AM. This service follows a public event at the war memorial.
Children usually stay in the church for the first part of the Sunday service. Then, they are invited to go upstairs for 'J Club'. This club offers fun activities that are right for their age. These activities are linked to the Bible story being read that day.
If younger children find it hard to sit still, they can go to a special gathering area. Adults with them can still see and hear the service from there. The children are given activities to keep them busy. A creche (a place for very young children) is also available.
After every Sunday service, tea, coffee, and biscuits are served in the gathering area. This is a great chance for everyone to chat and get to know each other.
On the second Sunday of each month, there is a special service for all ages in the church.
Communion services are held at 11:00 AM on these dates:
- The first Sunday in March
- The first Sunday in June
- The first Sunday in September
- The first Sunday in Advent (the period before Christmas)
The Kirkyard (Churchyard)
The churchyard, also called the kirkyard, has many interesting old gravestones. These include the graves of the Caddell family from Cockenzie.
It is also the burial place of Colonel James Gardiner. He died during the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. This battle happened very close to Tranent Parish Church, and you could see his home, Bankton House, from the battlefield.
The kirkyard also has one of the oldest "doocots" in Scotland. A doocot is a special building for pigeons or doves. This one is shaped like a lectern (a stand for books) and dates back to 1587.
