Holy Cross Church

“A church plant, you say?” a curious voice might ask, standing right here before Holy Cross Church. It sounds almost agricultural, doesn’t it? But that’s precisely how Holy Cross Church began its journey in 1896. A mission from St Mary’s Cathedral, planted in the burgeoning suburbs of Edinburgh. This wasn’t the first instance of faith taking root in this area though. Oh no, the Christian faith found its way here centuries ago, carried by the winds of history all the way back to Roman times. Imagine, a Roman fort standing not too far from here, in Cramond. After the legions departed, a church rose on that very spot, later dedicated to St Columba. It served as a vital link in the chain connecting Iona to Lindisfarne, a testament to the enduring power of faith. Holy Cross Church itself echoes this rich history. The medieval Cramond parish stretched its boundaries to encompass what we know today as Davidson’s Mains, once quaintly known as Muttonhole. And here stands Holy Cross, a descendant of that very parish, a beacon across the ages. It even boasts a connection to Canterbury – Archbishop Randall Davidson, hailing from the family who gave Muirhouse its name, can trace his roots back to this very parish. The church we see before us today, built of sturdy stone, was dedicated in 1913. It was intended to be just the first phase of a grander design. Sadly, the ravages of the First World War put paid to those ambitious plans. But Holy Cross Church, with its rich history and deep-rooted faith, continues to thrive. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of belief, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring legacy of faith in this corner of Edinburgh.