Talk:Roxburghshire Towns and Villages G

Galashiels

Holy Trinity Church (CofS is a very recent name (2007) for what was originally the 1844 United Secession Church, (also known at assorted dates as St Columba's Church and East United Presbyterian Church). The original 1844 structure was enlarged in the 1860's. In 1928 new halls and changes to interior fittings were made, the halls being built on what was the smallest burial ground in Galashiels.

Old Parish and St Pauls Church was built to replace the existing Parish Church (built 1813) which had become outgrown by the growing population of Galashiels. Plans were drawn up during the 1870's by George Henderson to a Gothic Revival style, the church opened for worship in 1881. The site covers just over an acre, and funds for the construction were met in the main by the Manufacturers of the Woolen Industry.

Internally the church features many fine carvings on a wooden canopy, constructed below the organ pipes. Seating for 950 is provided amid open pews. Stained glass windows have been added throughout the life of the church, most recently in 2003. The porch was added in 1922.

Gala Aisle is all that remains of the Parish Kirk dating from 1617 to 1812, the aisle is in fact a burial aisle added to the original building, it is thought that two such aisles were added to give the kirk a cruciform shape. As the population of Galashiels grew the kirk became too small, it had been extended previously but at 70 feet long and just eighteen feet wide drastic action was needed. The building was also in a poor state of repair so the new parish church was constructed and the old kirk demolished in 1812. The kirkyard continued to be used as a burial ground throughout much of the 1800's, and is known as the old burial ground.

St Peter's like the nearby but later Old Parish and St Pauls Church is Gothic Revival style and attributed to Henderson and Hay. This particular building dates to 1853 and is set high within a lawned area and graveyard. The reredos is a much later addition, fitted around 1914, by chance the current organ was installed the same year as the current Parish Church opened.

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