Whispers of history echo from St Mark’s Church. Standing before this beautiful B-listed building you see its neo-classical villa style. It’s more than just a church. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community.
St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Portobello Edinburgh has a rich history. It’s one of the first Episcopal churches built after the Jacobite risings. The Penal Laws of the 18th century had suppressed the Episcopal Church. This church stands as a symbol of its revival.
Colonel and Mrs Robert Haliburton and Mr and Mrs James Rutherford funded its construction. Builder Robert Gray completed it remarkably fast. The land came from the Marquis of Abercorn in 1825. It opened in May 1826 and was consecrated in August 1828 by Bishop Sandford.
The original church was square. It was designed for Episcopalian worship. It had balconies on three sides. Later renovations changed it significantly. Hay & Henderson altered the building in 1892. They removed the side galleries reinforced the ceiling and added the chancel.
A tragic fire in 1967 caused major damage. The fire started in the boiler room. The heat melted candles on the altar. The Lady Chapel built in 1919 as a war memorial was destroyed. This chapel honored the 48 congregation members who died in the Great War.
Despite the fire St Mark’s was rebuilt. A vestry and small chapel were created in the basement. Alex and Ian Miller congregation members led this work. The Crypt Chapel is now used for winter services.
The stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy. The east and west windows are by Ballantine & Sons. They date from 1882 and feature Renaissance borders. The altar window gifted in 1919 depicts Christ Mary and St John. It replaced an earlier window likely destroyed in the fire.
The church organ has seen many changes. Originally built by David Hamilton in 1828 it was moved several times. A modern Wyvern digital organ replaced the original in 2007. Even the sacristy lamp holds a poignant story. It’s a memorial to F/SGT Hamish Ian Sandison who died in a 1946 air accident. His war grave is in the churchyard.
St Mark’s Church stands as a living monument. It reflects the faith perseverance and community spirit of Portobello. Its history is etched in stone stained glass and the memories of generations. Take a moment to appreciate this remarkable place. Let its stories inspire you.