Originally known as Stobhill Church this building has a fascinating history. Gorebridge Parish Church stands here as a testament to faith. It also stands as a community hub.
Let’s delve into its past. The church was built between 1837 and 1838. It was a mission church overseen by Newbattle Parish. The church aimed to serve the growing community in Gorebridge. This growth was due to new mine workings. Gorebridge Parish Church was the first of many churches. These churches were built under the Church Extension Scheme. Thomas Chalmers pioneered this scheme.
In 1884-85 the church was significantly altered. Edinburgh architects Henry Hardy and John Rutherford Wight led the changes. The result was a cruciform kirk. It features an octagonal spire. This spire became a prominent landmark in the former mining village.
A major reorganisation took place in 1975. The parishes of St Paul’s, Temple, and Stobhill merged. The new congregation centred on the Stobhill building. It was then renamed Gorebridge Parish Church. The Temple Parish was founded in 1143. David I, King of Scotland, gave land to the Knights Templar. They were an order of monks. After the reformation Temple joined the Church of Scotland. St Paul’s was originally a United Free Presbyterian Church. Established in the 1860s St Paul’s rejoined the Church of Scotland. This happened with the reunion of 1929.
Stobhill was established in 1837 as a mission Church. It was under the oversight of Newbattle Parish. It aimed to reach the rapidly expanding community in Gorebridge. This was due to new mine workings. It was the first of hundreds of Churches. These were built under the Church Extension Scheme. Thomas Chalmers pioneered it. The Stobhill Church building was retained in 1975. This was because it was the largest. St. Paul’s was for a time occupied by Struther’s Memorial Church. Now it is home to Newbyres Nursery. The original Temple Church building is now a ruin.
Outside Gorebridge Parish Church there’s a sign. It reads “Here for you because of Jesus”. This communicates why the church is here. It acts as a mission station. It reaches out to the local community. It shares the life transforming love of Jesus Christ. The mission is to live in the reality of Jesus’ love. The church encourages everyone to do the same.
Today Gorebridge Parish Church is a lively community. It welcomes new members and visitors. Services are held every Sunday. You can join at 10:45 am for worship and fellowship. Creche, Sunday Club, and youth activities are available. You can also watch live streams every Sunday.
Gorebridge Parish Church is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the community. It continues to serve and inspire.