Beginning in September 1956, Bible School and Worship services were held in the Hyvots Bank Primary School, situated off Gilmerton Dykes Drive. One thousand letters were sent out in the neighbourhood announcing the Bible School and on the first day 376 children were present. The following Sunday was an even bigger success with 413 in attendance. At the same time about 60 people enrolled in Bible Correspondence Courses, not only from Edinburgh but from the surrounding areas.
In 1957 negotiations were held to purchase land from the city council and the congregation was given two years to erect a building. Funds were raised and plans put together. The new meeting place was ready for use by the Spring of 1958. The official opening day was Sunday 9 February 1958. The congregation began to grow once the new building was complete.
Over 15 years on, by 1974, membership was down to just a few families and church memebers became disheartened, especially due to the constant vandalism and disruption during worship.
However, from the mid 70s onwards, a revival took place that saw the regeneration of the congregation and the meeting place. A number of visiting workers assisted the congregation and the membership increased rapidly, peaking at just over 80. The building, originally a timber structure on a concrete plinth surrounded by a brick finish, underwent a major facelift in the late 80s and early 90s, all the work being funded and carried out by the members themselves. The membership has settled at just over 40 since the mid 1990s but those involved remain as active as possible.
Over the years the congregation has resembled a true United Nations and currently includes members from Ghana, Canada, USA, England, Austria and Singapore to complement the Scots.
The church at Hyvots Bank is known for its warmth and generosity and over the years has financially supported many causes, both locally and abroad, including Operation Christmas Child (The Shoebox Appeal).
• Sunday services to which all are warmly invited are Bible class from 10.30am and the worship service at 11.30am. Midweek classes are announced weekly.
• The church celebrates 50 years serving God with an Open Day on Saturday 31 May from 1pm, to which all are invited and welcome to attend.
For more info, contact 664 5505 (answer machine) or
e-mail Helen at hnwilson@blueyonder.co.uk [4]