Gazing at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, can you hear the echoes of 1854? That’s when this magnificent structure first opened its doors, a beacon of faith for the influx of Irish immigrants arriving in Leith after the devastating potato famine of 1846. St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church stands proudly on Constitution Street, a testament to the enduring spirit of community. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Leith, owes its existence to the architectural genius of Augustus Pugin, although sadly, he passed away in 1852 before seeing his vision realized. His son, Edward, and son-in-law, J. A. Hanson, stepped in to complete the project, ensuring Pugin’s legacy lived on in the grand design of St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church. The church we see today wasn’t always as it is. Initially, it lacked a chancel and north aisle, facing west. The north aisle was added in 1900, and the chancel in 1912, reorienting the church and creating the west entrance we use today. Look closely at the stunning stained-glass windows that adorn St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church. Many of these vibrant masterpieces were crafted by Barnett and Sons, a local Leith firm located just across the street on Constitution Street. Their artistry illuminates the church’s interior, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that dance in the light. Before St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church graced this spot, the land held a different story. Balmerino House, a grand residence built in 1631, once stood here. Archaeological digs in 2004 and 2006 unearthed remnants of this historic house, revealing layers of history beneath the church’s foundations. Even older than the house, a small burial ground was discovered, containing the remains of six adult males dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. These discoveries hint at the rich tapestry of lives lived on this very ground, long before the church’s construction. St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church is more than just a building; it is a living testament to faith, resilience, and the power of community.
Lt Allan Ker Stone
This Lt Allan Ker Stone stands as a testament. It honors a man who faced death. He faced it with