In November 2022, we began a new stage in our journey as a worshipping community when Richmond Craigmillar Church united with Bristo Memorial Church.  It was agreed by both congregations that the name of the new united church would be Richmond Craigmillar Church.

The new church is excited about the future.   We have a congregation who are looking forward.    Both churches have a proud history of service and adapting to new challenges.  This page seeks to record some of the milestones of both churches.

The former RICHMOND CRAIGMILLAR CHURCH

When the slums and church in Richmond Street, Edinburgh, were due to be demolished, the people and congregation of North Richmond Street Church moved to the Craigmillar area.

The foundation stone of the church was laid by the Right Revd. P.D. Thomson, Moderator of the General Assembly, on 11 July 1934. The Duke and Duchess of York had been invited to lay the stone, but could not do so as the Duke was ill.  Mrs J. E. Stewart, wife of the minister of Richmond, laid a casket under the stone which contained signed documents and copies of leading Edinburgh newspapers of the time.

The church itself “Richmond Craigmillar” was opened and dedicated on 18 September 1935 and once again the Very Revd. P. D. Thomson did the honours (see the booklet Richmond Craigmillar 1935-1985 for further details)

During the ensuing years the church went from strength to strength and notched many ‘firsts’ and unique events.

The first team ministry in Edinburgh served at Richmond (as it was called locally) from 1970 – 1977 and consisted of secular and non-secular members.  A commercial café known as “The Brew” was opened, with the name reflecting local industries, but also referenced the yeast of the Gospel; however, it closed in 1977 when the team ministry ended.

Richmond called its first female minister in 1978 and this line of female ministers has continued to the present day, with the present minister being the Rev’d. Liz Henderson who has served Richmond for over 25 years.

In 1999, the community café reopened as the Richmond Café Project. The café offered a welcoming place to the community for  low cost food for 25 years.   It has recently undergone a refurbishment and is reopening as a centre for spiritual and mental health.   At the heart of this new era will be bereavement support for adults.   It is brand new but we believe it will grow and represent the future of our new church.

The Richmond Cafe Project has has always sought to live up to its mission statement, “Making the church a part of the community and the community a part of the church!”

MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED BRISTO MEMORIAL CHURCH

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