East Calder and Kirknewton

Acts of worship in Kirknewton stretch back for many centuries. In 1246, the men of St Cuthbert’s of Edinburgh built a church in Kirknewton and the remains of this can be found on the site of the cemetery. The current church building in Kirknewton, to the west of the village, was the original parish Church built in 1750 to serve the two villages of Kirknewton and East Calder. However, for five hundred years, until the union of the two churches in 1750, East Calder and Kirknewton enjoyed the status of separate parishes. The union remained until 1776 when a group at East Calder seceded and opened a separate place of worship. In 1886 the present Church in East Calder was erected to serve as a United Presbyterian Church and, later still, the United Free Church. In 1929 the United Free Church became part of the Church of Scotland. Kirknewton and East Calder were re-united in 1943. In 2024 the church building in Kirknewton was sold although we’re grateful that it is still used for worship by an evangelical congregation.

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Ratho

Ratho Church is a picturesque, listed building situated in the Conservation area of Ratho Village. The Church is surrounded by the Kirk Yard which is steeped in history. Evidence has been found there of an Anglian settlement dating approximately between 8th and 10th centuries.

 

The Church was dedicated to St Mary by the Bishop of St Andrews in 1243. The Church was known as St Mary’s Parish Church Ratho up until the late 1980s. There were three St Mary’s - The Parish Church, The Roman Catholic Church (now sold) and The Episcopal Church, St Mary’s Dalmahoy. In 1969 the charges of Ratho and Wilkieston were united.

 

The Ratho Parish covers a wide area including Gogarbank, Long Dalmahoy, Wilkieston, Clifton, Ratho Station with Ratho situated in the centre.

 

Over the years changes have been made to the interior of the Church to accommodate current needs and meet accessibility for all requirements. There is easy access for wheelchairs and/or prams, a designated area for babies and toddlers where adults can be with their children and be part of the service.

 

East Calder, Kirknewton and Ratho Church of Scotland

On 1st November 2024 and as part of the Edinburgh and West Lothian Presbytery’s Mission Plan, Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church and Ratho Parish Church united to form East Calder, Kirknewton and Ratho Church of Scotland.

 

Our story continues!!