Saint Margaret's Church, Loanhead

Introduction

Saint Margaret's Church in Loanhead was the first church opened in the new Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. The church was solemnly opened by Archbishop Strain on Sunday, May 26th, 1878.

History

Saint David's, Dalkeith served Saint Margaret's for three years, with Mass every second Sunday until 1881. In 1881, Loanhead became a separate parish with Father E.J. Hannan as parish priest.

Architecture and furnishings

The interior was redesigned with a gothic arch of wood and plaster and a new sanctuary floor in oak two steps up. The wooden pulpit was removed and an ambo in wrought iron was installed, jutting out from the sanctuary steps on the Gospel side. A standing sanctuary lamp in wrought iron, which is moveable, replaced the usual hanging one. The memorial Rose Window to Bishop James Maguire was installed in 1947, the work of Edinburgh stained glass artist Mr. McGourty.

The Stations of the Cross are the work of Gabriel Loire, wood carvings in the form of a cross. Charles Goldie designed this simple rectangular church with lancet windows in 1878. The furnishings are thought to be by Scott Morton & Co. The red-brick hall behind the church is by Reginald Fairley, 1924.

Music and liturgy

At the opening, the archbishop sang High Mass, assisted by two priests as deacon and sub-deacon, and preached. The sanctuary was redesigned so the priest could say Mass facing the people, with the tabernacle placed on a podium at an angle.

Parish life

Friends of Sacred Heart and St Margaret (FoSHSM) was established in December 2005. FoSHSM provides long-term financial support for overseas health, education, employment and human rights projects, with 100% of money raised going to the projects. FoSHSM holds regular meetings and is open to all parishioners, who may suggest new project proposals.

Since 2005 the parish of Sacred Heart and St Margaret's has been extending a hand and a welcome to our 'neighbours' in small international development projects, complementing help for local neighbours-in-need in Penicuik and Loanhead. FoSHSM has an application process to consider potential projects, delivered by smaller voluntary, non-governmental, religious, and not-for-profit organisations, often with a personal link between a parishioner and the start of new project.

The parish catechist prepares children who do not attend Roman Catholic Primary Schools for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. In the nineteen fifties the parish cared for the new Southhouse building scheme, and the Catholic population almost doubled. During the nineteen fifties, the parish priest had the help of four assistant priests.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Those wishing to celebrate Marriage, Baptism, or adults wishing to complete the Sacraments of Initiation are asked to contact the parish priest for information on preparation.

Visiting

The church is located behind the presbytery house that fronts the street. The ambo includes a provision for placing the open Lectionary on it at the congregation's side outside Mass times, which is regular practice.