St. John the Baptist, Corstorphine

Introduction

Under Canon John Forsyth and Father Kieran Joyce, Saint Cuthbert's served the regular Mass first held in 1925 in the Public Hall in Corstorphine. Parish status in its own right came to Corstorphine in 1938, with Father William McLelland appointed as the first parish priest of Saint John the Baptist.

History

The district of Corstorphine lay within the parish of Saint Cuthbert's, which opened in 1890. After the parish boundary changed in 1933, the charge of Corstorphine passed to Saint Andrew's, Ravelston, where growing numbers made two Sunday Masses necessary. Services increased at once and included a Mass at the old Turnhouse Aerodrome. Hospital care took in the Royal Infirmary Convalescent Home at Beechmount, Corstorphine Hospital and Gogarburn Mental Hospital.

By 1958 the population had risen to 810, a priest had been appointed curate, and that priest was succeeded by one priest and then by another. Children of Mary, the Union of Catholic Mothers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides were brought into the parish's activities.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Bereavement support may include an invitation to an annual bereavement Mass in November, support at the funeral, cards and follow-up, visiting and practical help, and signposting to other help. Lay ministry developed by means of teams of Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Ministers to the sick. Over tea and coffee, parishioners can meet and socialise.

Notable people and events

Canon McLelland died on 2 January 1972; the title recognised his work as Inspector of Religious Education and the musical life and liturgy of the Archdiocese of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh.