Robin Chapel
| The Robin Chapel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thistle Trust | ||
Consecrated 1953 | | |
| Architecture | ||
| Functional status | in use | |
| Heritage designation | Category A listed, Historic Environment Scotland | |
| Architect(s) | John F Matthew FRIBA | |
| Architectural type | Arts and Crafts style | |
| Groundbreaking | 1950 | |
| Completed | 1953 | |
| Laity | ||
| Organist(s) | Morley Whitehead GRSM FRCO LRAM ARCM | |
| Verger | Dr.Teodor Borz | |
 | ||
The Robin Chapel is an ecumenical Christian place of worship in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh, Scotland. It was built in memory of Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery, who was killed in the closing days of World War II. The chapel sits within the grounds of the Thistle Foundation, a housing complex originally built for disabled armed forces personnel.
History
The Thistle Foundation was established as a charity in 1944 by Sir Francis and Lady Isabella Tudsbery to provide housing and care for disabled war veterans and their families. Nowadays, the charity offers a variety of services to people with disabilities and health conditions, and has an additional base in Renfrew.
In 1950 the
'The Robin Chapel is dedicated to the glory of God, and to His service, by all Christians and by all denominations of Christ's Church. Every Service held within the Robin Chapel shall be open accordingly to all Christians of any denomination.'
Design and construction
The chapel was designed by John F Matthew, of the architectural firm Lorimer & Matthew, in the Scottish Arts and Crafts style. Many craftspeople were involved in the finish of the interior, including Sadie McLellan, who created the stained glass windows which feature scenes from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.[2] The inscription over the entrance to the chapel is also taken from The Pilgrim's Progress: "Come In, Come In, Eternal Glory Thou Shalt Win". The oak panelling and choir stalls show carvings of animals and birds, a reminder of Robin Tudsbury's love of animals and the countryside surrounding the family home of Champfleurie in West Lothian. Many of the carvings were worked by Thomas Good (who also did much of the carving in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall).
Worship
The chapel holds weekly services of Choral
Her Majesty The Queen attended the sixtieth anniversary service of the dedication of the chapel in July 2013, accompanied by Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex. The Sovereign's Standard of The Blues and Royals was laid up in The Robin Chapel on 4 October 2015, at a special service to mark the occasion.[4]
See also
- List of Category A listed buildings in Edinburgh
- List of post-war Category A listed buildings in Scotland
References
- ^ Edinburgh Doors Open Day pamphlet
- ^ Newsletter of the Diocese of Edinburgh
- ^ Robin Chapel
- ^ Order of Service booklet, on the occasion of The Laying Up of The Sovereign's Standard at The Robin Chapel, 04/10/2015, The Robin Chapel