Have you ever imagined a church dedicated to the patron saint of Wales, nestled in the heart of Scotland? You would be surprised to find such a building in Edinburgh, where we are now standing in front of St David’s Church. This magnificent structure, built in 1854 by Lady Lothian, stands as a testament to her faith and a beacon for the Catholic community of Edinburgh.
The story behind St David’s Church starts with the Marchioness of Lothian, a devout follower of the Oxford movement. Following her conversion to Catholicism in 1851, she was determined to establish a church for the growing Catholic population in Dalkeith. She commissioned the renowned architect Joseph Hansom to design a church, and the results were stunning. St David’s Church was built in a distinctive Gothic Revival style, a style that reflected the architectural trends of the time. Joseph Hansom, known for designing not only churches but also hansom cabs, combined the practicality of his inventions with artistic vision, creating a stunning structure that is still admired today.
The church was officially opened on May 21, 1854, and the first parish priest, Fr Mackay, began serving the congregation. St David’s became a center for the Catholic community in Dalkeith. Lady Lothian dedicated the church to St David, the patron saint of Wales, perhaps as a tribute to her lineage or her personal devotion.
The church has witnessed changing times and remained a vital part of the community, a testament to her strong will. She was buried in St David’s after her death in 1877, a final act of devotion to the church she had so tirelessly championed. St David’s Church still stands as a place of solace and spiritual guidance, a testament to both Lady Lothian’s unwavering faith and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.