Restoration and Renewal
Old Saint Paul’s is one of Scotland’s most historic and influential churches. It is far more than just a place of peace and beauty. It is a working and lively parish, a haven of spirituality, a community at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and an architectural gem.
It also plays a hugely important part in Scotland’s religious history. Its origins go back more than 300 years ago to a breakaway group from nearby Saint Giles’ Cathedral. Old Saint Paul’s can claim to be one of the founding congregations of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Today, it continues to make an important contribution to the life of the capital. Its atmospheric interior - a fine example of Victorian high church design - has a transfixing beauty. People often remark on the presence of God in this unique place.
Visitors are captivated by its stillness, but Old Saint Paul’s is also a working church with a strong sense of social mission. The Eucharist is celebrated daily, the ancient offices are read or sung by a superb
choir, and our dynamic and growing congregation is engaged with the outside world through a committed programme of involvement and outreach.
Old Saint Paul’s is in danger. The structure of the building, dating from 1883, is falling victim to exposure from more than a century of wind and rain. The roof is no longer watertight and urgently needs attention. If we cannot fix this, then it puts everything that past and present congregations have built up and strived for at risk.
The urgency and importance of the restoration work has been recognised by Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. They have kindly provided grants amounting to £179,000. But the congregation has to match this amount to meet the total cost.
While this work is essential if Old Saint Paul’s is to survive as a vibrant and engaged community, it also provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity for renewal - to reach out more effectively to those around us, and to be more open, welcoming and accessible.
Victorian designers created a masterpiece, but the constraints of the site meant they could do little to make it architecturally distinct from the outside.
Those same constraints are with us today, but we would like to draw more people in - to experience the atmosphere, to take part in our splendid liturgy, or simply to explore, unwind and enjoy.
We would like to re-design our doorways, provide more accessible signs and improve internal lighting. This would encourage passers-by to venture in.
The Calvary Stairs which provide access from street level are much admired, but they are a daunting challenge for the elderly and disabled and make wheelchair access impossible. We want to provide access for all.
Our church hall is a versatile social and educational space and popular as an affordable rental venue in the city centre. But it would benefit hugely from modernisation and redecoration.
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Our initial target, including the roof repairs and part of the renewal programme, is to raise £250,000.
Can you help us? Any financial assistance you can give will be greatly appreciated - not only by those who presently benefit from this historic and beautiful building, but also by generations to come.
You can donate via our secure online giving facility.
Please return to this page for latest news and events about the project and fundraising activity.
