“Red sandstone,” I say. That is the first thing you notice about St James Goldenacre.
St James Goldenacre stands as a testament to faith and art. It is located in Edinburgh’s Goldenacre area. This Scottish Episcopal church has a rich history and stunning interior.
Rev. Edward Craig founded St James’s to ease overcrowding at St Paul’s Church. The congregation initially met in a building in Broughton Place. In 1883, they sold that building. They then moved to this site, which they leased from the Fettes Trust.
Robert Rowand Anderson won the competition to design the new church in 1885. John Beattie and Son built the church using red Corsehill stone. St James Goldenacre opened in 1888. However, it wasn’t consecrated until 1894 because of debt.
Originally, the main entrance was through an alleyway. It led to the nave through the baptistery.
In 1894, artist William Hole offered to decorate St James Goldenacre. He did this in his spare time and at no cost. Hole’s work includes a frieze with Te Deum words. Vines, peacocks, apostles, prophets, and martyrs are also depicted. He also painted the triptych above the altar. It shows Christ with St George and St Stephen.
Alterations to the chancel occurred in 1898. Sir John James Burnet designed these. They included a gilded triptych with paintings by William Hole.
A rood was erected in 1922 as a memorial to a former rector. Sir John James Burnet designed it. Sculptor Gilbert Bayes executed the design. The rood was later removed. The sculpted figures were placed in the entrance vestibule.
In 1923, a baptistery was added at the west end of the south aisle. Sir John James Burnet also designed this. The congregation began entering the church through a traceried screen here.
Major structural problems were found in 1985. This led to remedial work, including a new entrance. The new entrance improved access from the street. It led directly to the south aisle.
Problems with the nave ceiling were discovered in 2022. Services were temporarily held in the church hall. Plans for a major restoration project are underway from 2024.
St James Goldenacre also has connections to other churches. A mission congregation was established in Canonmills in 1895. This became St Philip’s Church in 1909. The joint charge was then named “St Philip’s and St James’”. Christ Church was linked with St James in 1971. However, Christ Church closed in 1980 due to fabric problems.
The church’s interior is particularly noteworthy. The chancel decoration is by John James Burnet. Henry Payne of Amberley created windows depicting the Good Samaritan. The baptistery contains a marble font by Charles d’Orville Pilkington Jackson. Douglas Strachan created the windows here.
In November 2023, the Bishop of Edinburgh blessed a Peace Garden in front of St James Goldenacre. The garden symbolizes hope and healing. It provides a place for rest.
St James Goldenacre has been led by many rectors throughout its history. These include Edward Craig, Charles J. Jenkins, and Jane MacLaren, the current Priest-in-Charge.
Today, St James Goldenacre continues to be a vibrant part of the community. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a true treasure. It is a place where art, faith, and community intertwine.