Our Timeline

St Michael’s Parish Church is a very significant 19th century parish church on a prominent site in western Edinburgh. It is ‘A Listed’ and generally regarded as the best church in Edinburgh of its style and period. Designed by John Honeyman and built in 1883, it ‘stands head and shoulders above the rest’ of the 19th century churches in Edinburgh, according to The Buildings of Scotland: Edinburgh (p.42). The great tower is a prominent and loved landmark; and the well-kept gardens surrounding the building are an appreciated local amenity.

There now follows a timeline presenting significant moments in the history of St Michael’s.

1876, The Iron Church

The districts of Dalry, Tynecastle and North Merchiston were growing rapidly. Mr James Hope of Belmont, Murrayfield (pictured), together with Mr James Adams Wenley, Treasurer of the Bank of Scotland and Mr John Hope Finlay, W.S. (Writer to the Signet) formed themselves into a committee with the intention of providing church accommodation for the local area.

One year later, the aforementioned gentlemen, with the help of the Home Mission Committee and St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church, erected an Iron Church on the corner of Ardmillan Terrace and Angle Park Terrace, diagonally opposite today’s St. Michael’s Parish Church.

1882, St Michael's Under Construction

The membership of the Iron Church had grown to over 800 far exceeding its capacity. However, the construction of St Michael’s, designed to hold in excess of 1000 people, had started the previous year. Once St Michael’s was ready for use the Iron Church was relocated to the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and used for worship there. It still stands today, see photo, and is still in use.

1883, St Michael's Opens for Worship

On Sunday 2nd December St Michael’s Parish Church was opened for public worship. The first minister was the Rev. George Wilson D.D.

Old image showing Harrison East Entrance to St Michael's Church

Old image showing Slateford West Entrance to St Michael's Church

1886, East Stained Window - David A Carnegie M.D.

St Michael’s was gifted the East Stained Window entitled “To the Glory of God – In beloved memory of William Pitcairn, Esq., of Burnhead, Dundee, died 1831, aged 68 years; Robert Dall, Esq., of Cedar Valley, Jamaica, died in Edinburgh, 1850, aged 62 years, and his wife Jane Pitcairn, died 1842, aged 51 years”.

1886, West Stained Window - David A Carnegie M.D.

St Michael’s was gifted the West Stained Window entitled “In beloved memory of Sir George Ballingall, M.D., Professor of Military Surgery, Edinburgh University, born 1780, died 1856; John Pitcairn, M.D., died in the island of Java, 1840, aged 40 years; David A. Carnegie M.D., Surgeon-Major (retired) Indian Army, born 1814, died 15th May 1887.”

1919, Rev. John E Hamilton M.C.B.A.

During Rev. Hamilton’s ministry Choir Stall Seats were installed along with Electric Lighting to improve the overall usability of the church.

1929, Rev. John MacDougall B.D.

1948, Rev. Adrian Watt M.A.

1980, Rev. Margaret Forrester M.A. B.D.

2001, Communion Table Fall with Pulpit and Lectern Book Markers

In April 2001, St Michael’s was honoured to receive gifts of a communion table fall, along with pulpit and lectern book markers. These were gifted in memory of one of our congregational members, by her family, and were designed and executed by the famous artist, Hannah Frew Paterson. The Lectern markers show the famous Alpha and Omega, meaning the beginning and the end. These symbols indicate that we have the whole gospel of salvation through Christ, in the Bible. The Pulpit markers show the Cross and the XP sign, which is the first two letters of the name of Christ in Greek. This symbolises that Christ crucified, is preached from the pulpit. Look closely at a map of the area and you will see streets named Primrose, Daisy, Lily, Violet, Almond, Holly, Myrtle, Ivy and Laurel Terrace etc. The markers are decorated with these flowers and leaves.

2001, The Connie Duncan Doors

In June 2001, the Duncan Doors, connecting the outer and inner vestibules of St Michael’s, were dedicated to the glory of God, and in memory of Connie Duncan who had left her fortune to the “five churches in which she had been happy”. The design of the glass is by Susan Bradbury and the wood is by Charles Taylor. The design echoes the doors of 1883, but they are definitely 21st century in design with different textured hand-made glass.

2000-2005, Funding Secured for External Restoration

Following on from the successful internal restoration of 1994-2000, there was an obvious need to replace much stonework which had become eroded by time and weather. Jocelyn Cunliffe of Gray Marshall & Associates was appointed as architect and professional adviser to St Michael’s and an extensive survey of the structural state was completed and a schedule of works drawn up. St Michael’s was able to find a contribution of £200,000 towards the final costs of £660,888.91. The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland were approached for support grants. Without their support, the Restoration would have been impossible, and St Michael’s acknowledges the generous support it has received from both of these bodies. Additional financial support has been given by the Baird Trust and the Scottish Churches Architectural Heritage Trust for which St Michael’s is also grateful.

2005, Rev. James Aitken M.A.

2005-2007, External Restoration Project Complete

After the survey, the project went to tender and the successful contractor was Cummings & Co. who started work on site in 2005 and continued until 2007. The stonemasons employed on the project showed that they were as fully able as the original builders of the church and can feel justly proud of their craftsmanship.

Our Timeline

1876, The Iron Church

1882, St Michael's Under Construction

1883, St Michael's Opens for Worship

1886, East Stained Window - David A Carnegie M.D.

1886, West Stained Window - David A Carnegie M.D.

1919, Rev. John E Hamilton M.C.B.A.

1929, Rev. John MacDougall B.D.

1948, Rev. Adrian Watt M.A.

1980, Rev. Margaret Forrester M.A. B.D.

2001, Communion Table Fall with Pulpit and Lectern Book Markers

2001, The Connie Duncan Doors

2000-2005, Funding Secured for External Restoration

2005, Rev. James Aitken M.A.

2005-2007, External Restoration Project Complete

2018, Rev. Andrea Price