Supporting the work of the church and the upkeeping of the building
History
For more than a century St Columba’s Church of Scotland has been a home for Scots in London and a welcome place of worship and prayer for people from a wide range of faith backgrounds. The building also a hub of activity for the local community on every day of the week, not just on Sunday mornings.
Homeless guests are welcomed for lunches and a winter overnight shelter. Alcoholics Anonymous are among organisations using meeting rooms during the week. Scottish dance groups enjoy their weekday evening sessions. The magnificent church organ has great appeal for performances by visiting musicians as well as our own church choir.
Image: St Columba’s Church, Pont Street view
Aims
The Friends of St Columba’s offers a chance to support the work of the church and the upkeep of the building.
The Friends is also a forum for fellowship, giving members an opportunity to socialise on days out and those who have moved further afield to keep in touch with old friends through newsletters and outings;
Visits to Westminster have strengthened links with Scottish MPs and peers and other friends in Parliament.
Image: Sanctuary at St Columba’s – View from Gallery
Sources and Uses of Funds
At the Friends’ AGM on St Columba’s Day, (June 6, 2024) we voted the following:
- £500 to support the Sunday School Pantomime
- £250 to the Church Magazine;
- £250 to The Flower Guild+
- £100 for a ramp to the Church side door to help the elderly and disabled
Image: Wellcome Collection
The Friends relaxing after a memorable visit to The Charles Dickens Museum.
We went to the nearby Lady Ottoline pub and were offered lunch in the VIP suite. Excellent food and company!
Image: The Friends relaxing after a memorable visit to The Charles Dickens Museum.
A Forum for Fellowship: Recent visits by the Friends
Winchester Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral; Chelsea Physic Garden, A Walking Tour of the City of London led by a Blue Badge Guide, Fenton House, Hampstead; plus a 3-day tour of SW Scotland, Dumfries and the Robert Burns Heritage site, the original home of the TSB, Ruthwell Church with its 8th century cross, and the early Christian settlement at Whithorn. In 2023-24 Hugh Pym led a visit to the BBC, we saw Charles Dickens Museum and the Museum of London in Docklands and enjoyed a splendid day in St Albans visiting the cathedral, the town and lunching in a first-class Italian restaurant.
Events for 2024/2025
Click below to view our programme for 2024/2025 Events
Preference is given to Members of the Friends – But it’s very easy to join! Only £10 annual and £50 Life Membership. Payment by BACS (please contact Church office for details at office@stcolumbas.or.g.uk) or by cheque made payable to Friends of St Columba’s to the Honorary Treasurer, Alan Lennox c/o The Church Office.
Image: Seraphic Synagogue, Bevis Marks
Becoming a Member
Annual Subscription: £10
Life Membership: £50
Donations always welcome!
Payment Details
BACS
If you would like to pay by Bank Transfer, please contact the Hon. Secretary or Hon. Treasurer (via the Church Office at office@stcolumbas.org.uk) for the relevant details.
Please ensure that you use the reference “Annual”, “Life” or “Donation” for your payment so we can allocate it accordingly
Pay by Cheque
Cheques to be made payable to “Friends of St Columba’s” Please send to:
Friends of St Columba’s
Honorary Treasurer
c/o St Columba’s Church of Scotland
Pont Street
London
SW1X 0BD
Please make a note at the back with Annual, Life or Donation
Contact Us
Isobel Carter,
The Honorary Secretary,
Friends of St Columba’s
St Columba’s Church of Scotland,
Pont Street,
London,
SW1X 0BD.
Tel: 07768 275 591
Email: isobel@in-carter.com
Joining the Friends
Please complete the form below. It will be sent to Alan Lennox, Honorary Treasurer, so that he has your personal details and to Isobel Carter, Honorary Secretary, so that she has you on the Membership List for all communication.
