OS grid reference NT328669 Country United Kingdom Website StDavidsDalkeith.co.uk Address Dalkeith EH22 3BQ, UK Dedication David I of Scotland Groundbreaking 1853 | Location Dalkeith, Midlothian Denomination Roman Catholic Founded 1853 (1853) Opened 21 May 1854 Deanery Midlothian Architect Joseph Hansom | |
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Province Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh Similar Holy Trinity Church - Chipping, Annunciation Church - Chesterfield, Church of the Immacula, St John's Church - Wigan, St Winefride Church - S | ||
St David's Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church in Dalkeith, Midlothian. It was founded in 1854 by Lady Cecil, the wife of John Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian and daughter of Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 2nd Earl Talbot. It was designed by Joseph Hansom and is a category A listed building.
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History
After she converted to Catholicism, Lady Cecil of Lothian decided to build a church for the local Catholic population. Joseph Hansom was the church architect and building started in 1853. On 21 May 1854, the church opened and a Fr Mackay was the first parish priest. In 1858, he was replaced by a Fr J. S. McCorry. In 1860, Lady Cecil invited the Society of Jesus to serve the parish.
In 1944, the Jesuits left the parish and handed over administration of the church to the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh who continue to serve the congregation.
Parish
The church has two Sunday Masses. There is one at 6:00pm on Saturday evening, the other is at 11:00am on Sunday morning. There are weekday Masses at 9:00am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Also in the parish is the St Luke and St Anne Church in Mayfield, Midlothian. It was founded in 1948 and the church was built in 1971. There is a Sunday Mass there at 9:30am on Sunday morning. There are weekday Masses at 9:00am on Monday and Wednesday.
The church has a relationship with St David's School. It was opened in 1854. In 1876, the Sisters of Mercy came from St. Catherine’s Convent in Edinburgh to take over the teaching. In 1940, they left the school. In 1966, part of the Loretto School in Musselburgh was moved to St. David’s. The school states that 'As a Catholic High School we aim to develop not only the academic and personal qualities of our pupils, but also their spiritual well-being in a caring and compassionate learning community.'