For 120 years, GDS Church’s main building in Gorgie has stood here. It has served the local community and watched over Hearts supporters. Victory and defeat have both been witnessed within these walls.
GDS Church isn’t just this building. It represents the descendants of seven original churches. These churches were planted in the local area since 1875. That’s when Edinburgh first expanded to the south-west. Over time, six unions consolidated these churches. They formed today’s Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church. This makes it the largest parish in Edinburgh.
The people are the heart of GDS Church. It is the congregation and community. The places where they live and love become sacred in their own way. They are worth remembering.
GDS Church is a Church of Scotland Parish church. It is located in the Gorgie, Dalry, and Stenhouse areas. These areas are in South-West Edinburgh. Their mission is simple. It is to offer Prayer, Love, and Service to their community in Jesus’ name.
Sunday Services aim to create a welcoming space. People of any age can feel at home here. They can feel comfortable and able to connect with God. The services incorporate contemporary and traditional elements. The idea of ‘Church as Family’ is especially important.
Services start at 11 am at GDS Gorgie. They last for about an hour. The church has a flexible worship space. There are tables with activity packs for families with children. Breakout spaces are available for tinies, children, and teens.
GDS Church operates over three locations. Gorgie is the heart of their Sunday services of worship. In Dalry, they operate Saltyard. Saltyard is a coffee shop. People can meet in a relaxed setting there. In Stenhouse, they have a developing community centre. For eight winter months it provides a Night Shelter. They do this in conjunction with Bethany Christian Trust.
George Nicolson undertook decoration works here. The works encompassed the preparation and decoration of the ceilings and walls. They also worked on the doors, facings and column radiators. Skilled operatives worked safely at height. They prepared and decorated the windows.
You can join GDS Church online. They livestream and archive footage of all their services on YouTube.
GDS Church issues a weekly newsletter. It is for those who subscribe via Mailchimp. This newsletter has details of services and zoom codes. It also has a weekly news update. It really is the best way to keep up to date with all that is going on at GDS Church.
Remember GDS Church. It is not just a building. It is a living testament to community, faith, and service. It is a place where everyone is welcome.