Church Overview

Early in the nineteenth century population changes meant that new parishes were needed, and in 1837, the Parish of Kelso North came into being. A new building, the North Parish Church, was erected in Inch Road and the first Minister was the Revd Horatius Bonar, ‘The Prince of Scottish Hymn Writers’. A new Church, Kelso North Free Church, was later built in Roxburgh Street to a design by architect Frederick Thomas Pilkington. The front of the church is incredibly ornate, in the Victorian High Gothic style, with its three-stage tower and spire rising to some 180ft.

The building was extensively renovated in 1934 and then again in 1984-9. Although the exterior is quite massive, in contrast the interior feels neat and compact, with its steeply-raked gallery and beautiful open timber roof leading the eyes up to a striking central boss. It still retains its original gallery front and pews, now stained in a light, strawberry blonde hue. The organ is a Rushworth and Dreaper and is well-maintained.

Today’s congregation of Kelso North & Country Churches can trace its roots back by almost a thousand years. Our churches have a long history of linkage and union, as well as a combination of different strands of Scottish church tradition. The most recent re-organisation was in June 2024 when Kelso North and Ednam united with Kelso Country Churches. There are four church buildings as follows: Kelso North, Ednam, Stichill and Makerstoun

Services

Sunday 11.00am

Opening Arrangements

Open July and August, Monday to Friday 10.00 am-12 noon and 2.00 – 4.00 pm or by arrangement

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.