“A new chapter,” they said. That’s what the congregation of Granton Parish Church thought as they moved into their new building. The Granton Parish Church has a rich history. It stretches back to the 19th century.
The story of Granton Parish Church begins long before this building. In the 16th century, the English raided the shore. The countryside was flat and wooded. This led to country retreats for Edinburgh gentlemen. Granton Castle was one of these retreats.
In 1833, the Duke of Buccleuch started building Granton Harbour. By 1845, it rivaled Leith. A village grew to house the harbor workers. Around 1857, people wanted religious meetings. Rev. James Robertson was appointed to minister for nearly twenty years. Meetings were first held in the parochial school’s upper room.
In 1877, the Duke of Buccleuch built a church at the foot of Granton Road. He gave it to the Church of Scotland with an endowment. This original Granton Parish Church was built using stone from the Fordell quarry near Aberdour in Fife. The stone darkened quickly. In 1887, Rev. Thomas S. Goldie became the minister. In 1889, the church became a Quod Sacra Parish Church.
By the 1930s, a new housing area grew west of Granton Road. The old church was too small. A new Granton Parish Church was needed. The Home Committee acquired a central site. Building began.
On October 22, 1934, the Duke of York laid the foundation stone. The stone contained “The Scotsman,” “Life and Work,” and other documents. The new Granton Parish Church was built with stone from Craigmillar and Doddington quarries.
The church was designed by John F. Matthew. The first part opened on July 3, 1935. By February 26, 1936, the church was complete. The Moderator of the General Assembly dedicated it.
The War Memorial from the former Granton Parish Church was moved to the new building. It sits in the grounds to the east of the church.
Granton Parish Church also boasts a fine pipe organ. It enhances church services. Choral and congregational singing is well-known.
In 1977, Granton Parish Church celebrated its centenary. The church had only four ministers in those 100 years. The Stewardship Services in 1964 and the Centenary Service in 1977 were outstanding events. Today, Granton Parish Church continues to serve the community. It stands as a testament to faith and community.