Friends of St Columba's
Who are the Friends of St Columba's and what are our origins and objectives?
St Columba's is a congregation of the Church of Scotland, located in the west end of London. Its heart is Scottish but those who find their spiritual home here - be they members, adherents or visitors - include not only Scots but also those from other parts of Britain and the wider world.
This connection with the Church is not a formal one. For most, it arises from some personal link with St. Columba's which remains unbroken across time and distance. For others, their friendliness towards the Church stems from some service or support - however small, but not forgotten - which St Columba's has been able to offer, often during the experience of loneliness which is common in all large cities.
The original Church building, constructed in 1884, was destroyed during the Second World War, but the widespread friendship centred within the congregation was not destroyed, despite the loss of its “home”. The present beautiful listed building, whose architect was Sir Edward Maufe, was dedicated in 1955, and it was in this new home that the Friends of St Columba's was founded.
The Friends comprises a group of men and women, who are part of a wider congregation and who share a common bond expressed in our formal objectives:
- to build a spiritual friendship, through which the influence of the church is strengthened and increased.
- to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the Church Building.
Our spiritual dimension includes the remembrance of St Columba's in the personal prayers of the Friends, while the second objective is realised by the raising of funds to preserve the building for future generations and to contribute towards special projects which may not otherwise be funded.
Membership is open to all, and you are warmly invited to become a Friend of St Columba's.
Members receive an annual newsletter, and an invitation to attend the Annual General Meeting on the Sunday which falls closest to St Columba's Day [9th June].
Subscriptions are as follows:
Annual Member: £10
Life Member: £50
Members are, of course, free to make a donation at any time of their choosing.
Details can be obtained from The Honorary Secretary, The Friends of St Columba's at the Church address.
