THIS WEEK, Ted McKie from the Innerleithen Community Trust looks at the history of the town’s Parish Church.

LAST year the National Trust for Scotland marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of Robert Smail’s Printing Works. 

One of the earliest pieces of printing work by Innerleithen printer Robert Smail is a commemorative copy of the first sermon preached by the Reverend Alexander Williamson in what was the new Parish Church on August 18, 1867, almost 150 years ago. 

It is also recorded that he printed the last sermon preached in the former church, a plain 18th century structure with a capacity of 350.

The new Parish Church, however, was said to be able to accommodate up to 800 worshippers. 

This was considerably larger and much more decorative than its predecessor. 

Built between 1865 and 1867 by the “eccentric” Edinburgh architect F T Pilkington in a style described as “unique Ruskinian Gothic”, the church came complete with a craggy roof and small spire. 

Pilkington designed many churches throughout Scotland as well as houses such as Stoneyhill and Sunnybrae in Walkerburn.

Between 1888 and 1889 major alterations were made to the roof which had structural weaknesses. The wee spire was replaced with a pagoda-like fleche, and the west end was extended. 

The architect was J McIntyre Henry who also designed the pulpit. 
It was at this time the nearby church hall was built: the cost, including alterations to the church, was £4,500.

Much of the original Pilkington exterior, however, can still be seen today.

The hammer-dressed base courses, the carved wall-head pediments and the lower parts of the north and south walls all survive.

The east gable, despite some weathering of the sandstone, shows the artistry of the architect. 

Crested by a sweeping pointed arch supported on corner pilasters the slightly recessed screen wall is pierced by three patterned circular lights above a row of Venetian Gothic lancets, the latter being repeated on the north and south walls.

Around 1920, the north-east entrance was replaced by a corner tower crowned with a Gothic cupola.

Time and weather continued to exact a toll and over 2014/2015 the entire roof had to be refurbished, necessitating a great deal of fundraising and grant aid. 

In order to generate some income towards the upkeep of this unique place of worship, the permanent pews were removed and replaced with chairs.

Services continue as before on Sundays but during the week the building can be quickly adapted as a venue for concerts, meetings and various indoor activities. 

Recently, the ground at the front has been converted to a spacious car park, adding to the amenity. The church hall has been sold to raise more revenue.
Innerleithen Church of Scotland today carries on the tradition of Christian worship that has existed here for over a thousand years.

Proof of this longevity can be found in the church foyer where the Runic Cross is proudly displayed. 

This is a fragment of a Celtic cross shaft dating back to at least the 9th Century.

It was discovered in 1871 in the foundations of the former Parish Church at Kirklands during demolition.