I wrote the book some twenty-eight years ago, at the time (1982) when the congregation of St James the Less, Penicuik were about to celebrate the church’s 100th birthday. That was quite an impressive milestone for a small church built out on the edge of a town in the Scottish Borders whose population were then largely paper mill workers, with a few miners and farm workers thrown in. Not forgetting, of course, the local Glencorse Barracks, home of the Royal Scots.
As is usual, the cost of the initial building work and of keeping the place afloat were a source of constant worry, and many means were tried over the years to keep funds flowing in. There were times when it seemed impossible to pay for this repair or that improvement, but somehow the clergy, the vestry and the congregation managed to find a way ahead.
Well, the church is still there; still a beautiful building, a credit and an ornament to the memory and the dreams of those who have gone before. A hundred and twenty-eight years later the congregation still enjoy the stained glass and the music, and will, I imagine, go on doing so for a good while yet.
The last chapter in the book goes into tremendous detail about the structure, ornamentation and furnishings of St James the Less; this chapter was written by Elinor Tavner for the Penicuik Historical Society, who kindly agreed to its inclusion here. The first chapter and foreword were written by Angus Palmer, who was Rector in 1982.
As well as some old photographs and postcards which have been added for this edition, a number of new photographs have been taken for the cover and interior by Jon Redpath. The original drawings created by Jon, our children and myself are reproduced here too.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy the book.
From the Back Cover
This is the story of the first hundred years in the life of a small Scottish Episcopal church in a beautiful Midlothian setting, in the former “Paper-making Town” of Penicuik.
After so many years the small town has grown out of all recognition, and now has the largest population in the county, although the mills have been silent for some time.
But the little church continues onward, much as ever.
(added by author)
About the Author
Most of my books are available for Kindle and in paperback. If you want to read reviews, you’ll find those and more information, along with sample chapters to download, at my web site at this address: sites.google.com/site/imwrbooks1982/home
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