Occupying its prominent place on a Knightsbridge crossroads, St Columba’s has offered a place of worship and community for Scots and many others since 1884. Today it has a lively mix of nationalities, backgrounds, ages and life experiences, members and visitors. Following the destruction of the original Victorian church by enemyaction in 1941, seventy-five years ago, the foundation stone of the “new” St Columba’s was laid in 1950. From the ashes of war, a sign of hope, a loyalty to an unknown future.
Since then so much life unfolds here, every day of the week – school pupils play, support groups welcome, homeless guests find shelter, dancers twirl, food is cooked, music performed, and prayer offered. This November our doors will be open for the services for Remembrance Sunday, the
annual Bereavement Service, the monthly Sounds of St Columba’s music recital, our 75th Anniversary Laying of the Foundation Stone Service and ofcourse the St Andrew’s Book Festival, presented by Scots in London. St Columba’s is delighted to be the Festival’s principal venue for a second year, looking forward to the joint Book Festival service with Crown Court Church of
Scotland, on St Andrew’s Day.
All of that before December, and the cycle of charity carol services and seasonal celebrations. Keep an eye out for Pont Street Carols, this year in support of ScotsCare, our Scots in London partner. Creative collaboration lies at the heart of what we try to do.
Whether you are interested in an activity, seeking a quiet haven or a church community there is a warm welcome and much on offer at St Columba’s. As was once remarked: “People come to St Columba’s for one reason and come back for others.”
From whatever tradition of prayer you come, or none, you are very welcome.
www.stcolumbas.org.uk