Innerleithen Church - The eccentric architect and a building in need…
Innerleithen Church has been the centre of Church of Scotland worship in the town since it was built in the 1860’s. The building replaced the old Church further up Leithen Road (only the graveyard remains) and was designed by Frederick T. Pilkington, a very notable architect of the day. Pilkington was known for his eccentric stylings, with chunky, rustic stone, gothic & eastern influences and a flamboyant way with details which enlivens several Scottish Presbyterian Kirks and mill owners mansions. We are fortunate to have a very fine example of his work in Innerleithen, with the whole eastern façade being pure Pilkington. Those of us living in Innerleithen probably don’t think much about it, but have a good look at the details on the sandstone the next time you go past. Take in the minaret windows, which wouldn’t be out of place in Venice or Istanbul. The trio of rose windows. And the main doorway and steeply slated roof of this striking building - it’s a place to cherish. Alas however, places to cherish by Victorian eccentric architects don’t always make for the easiest upkeep, and over the years the Church has required many upgrades with some very recent, significant surgery due to two of the ugliest words in the English language - dry rot…
Dry rot above the doorway to Innerleithen Church
Image: ITW Church
Work is drawing to a close to repair the building fabric and have the main entrance reopened, thanks to the expert skill of local tradespeople who have done an excellent job which will see the entrance hall good for years to come. Joinery work, plastering, electricians, painting & decorating, and even a new floor. This does of course come with a cost - a cost of around £15,000 which the Church did not have in their budget. As a result, Minister Fraser Edwards has today launched an appeal focused around a Gift Day for the congregation on Sunday, 15 September. Anyone attending Church on that day can leave cash or a cheque in envelopes marked ‘Gift Day’ to help raise some of the money required for this essential work.
I am sharing this appeal on my blog to try and reach a wider audience, many of whom may (like me) be only occasional ‘Christmas and Games Week’ church goers. Members of other congregations may wish to help or non Christians who don’t attend at all. The Church has been such a part of our community for more than 150 years that there can be few people who haven’t used the building or benefitted from its place in our town at some point - Fetes, Concerts, Baby Groups, Yoga, Lectures, Games Week events etc etc. If you can give anything to help the church with this significant cost, please consider doing so by using the just giving link below. Thank you :)
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dryrot
Christmas Carols with St. Ronan’s Silver Band
Did I tell you about the time I met Clare Balding? ;)
Clare outside the Church, you’ll observe the minaret windows, fine detailing and chunky sandstone. Clare and her producer Karen were both very impressed with Innerleithen Church.
Games Week, Kirkin’ Service
A day for the town to come together in the Church.
