You don't know what you have got until it's gone

[Sceptic]

This could be true for Portobello later this year. Plans are to close both St James' Church and The Old Parish Church, leaving St Philip's as the only Church of Scotland presence, which will be in Joppa.
I only found out on speaking to some people this week.
The parishioners at the Old Parish have rejected the Union, as it stands, as far as I know, St James' parishioners are meant to vote on Sunday. They werer meant to vote last Sunday, but they seem to have been denied this.
They could reject the Union as well, but it would seem that the powers that be will ensure this will not happen. What would Portobello lose by this? Two churches, a few church halls and a presence and somewhere for many clubs and organisations to meet. Do you go to a club at the halls?
When will this happen? In about six months time.

[Sceptic]

Just as an update, St James' rejected the principle on Sunday. More a hostile take over than a union, was one comment. Portobello & Joppa Parish would be St Philip's, run by those at St Philip's as St Philip's for the benefit of those who were St Philip's members and everyone else could either accept this or go elsewhere.
So the cafe at the Old Parish would close along with the halls at the Old Parish and St James'. Portobello would lose a lot of facilities that PEDAL and Portobello have used a great deal.

[theesel]

I'm not starting an argument, but I would suggest that some of your comments are not quite correct. The recent (non binding) votes related to proposals for a Place of Worship rather than for/against a Union, and further discussions will take place within the respective Congregations. Personally I think it's encouraging that people within Portobello and Joppa are discussing the issues, but 'Chinese Whispers' aren't always helpful.

[Sceptic]

Neither am I, only asking what will Portobello lose by this? What facilities would be lost and will it be a step forward?
Few seem to realise what is happening and/or what the consequences might be. The decision to go with St Philip's as a basis seems to be perverse to say the least as there is insuffient seats for the combined congregation for a start.

[Stephen Dishon]

As an outsider to the churches I don't know what the size of the regular Sunday congregation is. Any suggestions?

[theesel]

Apologies for the delayed response, but I would suggest existing numbers are about 250 spread between the 3 Congregations on a regular basis at present

[Sceptic]

Well, that's it, both the Old Parish and St James' have closed as places of worship. The Church of Scotland is now based in Portobello & Joppa Parish Church, formally St Phillips'.

[Sceptic]

So there we go, the St James Manse has been sold, the Church & Halls are up for sale. So, combine that with the Old Parish Manse sale, "Portobello & Joppa" will have about £1 MILLION Pounds in the kitty. What will they do with THAT? On top of that, the story is that the Old Parish will also be sold. Portobello will be all the poorer.

[Sceptic]

Well, here we go, Portobello sold down the river by George Whyte of the Church of Scotland, St Christophers' is to be sold to Tesco for MILLIONS!

[Chas]

Where's St. Christopers?

[Sceptic]

The nearest Church of Scotland Church to Portobello & Joppa. Craigentinny! It's to be closed, regardless of what the Congregation wants and taken over by Restalrig!