Standing before St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church, do you feel the weight of centuries? This is not just a building. It is a living testament to Dalkeith’s story.
St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church stands as a congregation of the Church of Scotland. It is part of the Presbytery of Lothian. The Church of Scotland traces its history back to St Ninian. He came to Scotland in 397 AD. Its story continues through the Scottish Reformation led by John Knox.
There has been a place of Christian worship here since at least the 11th century. The present building dates from the early 15th century. The church marked its 600th anniversary in 2020.
St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church was established in 1980. This happened because of the union of St Nicholas Parish Church and the West Parish Church. The united congregation chose the buildings of St Nicholas Church. Locals know it as “the Auld Kirk.”
The history of St Nicholas Church in Dalkeith mirrors the town’s history. It is believed a chapel dedicated to St Nicholas stood here since the early 12th century. The church gained collegiate status in 1406. This date marks the beginning of the present church’s building. Construction was largely complete by 1420. The architectural outline of the 1420 building resembles the present day one. The steeple is a notable exception. It was erected much later.
Let’s take a quick tour through some key moments in the church’s history.
In 1565 Robert Wilson became the first minister of the reformed church in Dalkeith. In 1590 the wall sealing off the Apse was erected. By 1592 Dalkeith Church was established as a parish by Parliament.
Cromwell’s troops stabled their horses inside the church in 1650. From 1660 lofts were constructed over the next 180 years. Various trades within Dalkeith used them. These included bakers and fleshers. Also, dyers, weavers, skinners, tailors, shoemakers, colliers, hammermen and gardeners. The Hammermen’s Banner is still displayed in the church.
In 1770 the Apse roof collapsed because of neglect. The church closed for extensive restoration in 1851. Worship took place in the new West Church. St Nicholas Church reopened in 1854 and West Church became a Parish Church.
Buccleuch Street Church was built in 1879. The present steeple and vestry were erected in 1888. This followed the fire of 1885. Restoration of the chancel including the current pulpit happened in 1936. Extensive work replaced damaged stonework in 2007. The interior of the church was repainted in 2020.
St. Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church is an ancient church with a modern purpose. Set in the heart of Dalkeith it seeks to serve God and its community in ways relevant to the 21st Century. You don’t need to know all the answers to belong here. All you need is a desire to experience the spiritual dimension of life more fully. All are welcome. There is also a coffee shop here.
Think of all the prayers and hymns that have echoed within these walls. St Nicholas Buccleuch stands not just as stone and mortar. It is a beacon of faith and community in Dalkeith.