A fire ripped through St. Philip's in December of 1998 but it is now beautifully
restored as a building and it is as vibrant as the congregation. The new stained
glass windows, designed by Douglas Hogg, won a Saltire Society Art and Architecture
Award for quality and originality. These windows are complemented by chancel furniture
which reflect the curves of beach and shells on the nearby sea. The furniture was
designed by a member of the congregation, Catherine Rennie. The worship space is
bright and modern, with no pulpit and with chairs that can be moved to provide a
contemporary worship space.
But it is the congregation that deserves the most recognition. They banded together
after the fire, restored the building and maintained their faith and their activities.
It has been suggested that nearly 1,000 people pass through St. Philip's sanctuary
and hall over the course of a week. There are organisations galore, both church
related and community based. There are organisations for children, youth, families
and the elderly. There are those that are tried and tested, like the Guild, and
there are those, like the Book Club, that discuss controversial and not-so controversial
novels in a local pub.
A recent report from Presbytery noted the vibrancy of St. Philip's. It is a church,
located about 20 minutes east of Edinburgh along the sea, which has a rich history
and a promise-filled future. We are full of life and energy and spirit, heeding
our call to bring the love of God and the love of Christ to our world. That we do
with joy, dedication and faith.
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