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ST.
ANDREW'S
& ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH
Originally two churches were planned, one at either
end of George Street as principal elements in the design
of the New Town by James Craig's (1774 – 1795)
St. George's was to be built on Charlotte Square (originally
named St George Square), to the west and St. Andrew's
Church was planned for the opposite end of George Street
at St. Andrew Square to the east. However, a wealthy
businessman Sir Laurence Dundas (1712 – 1781)
bought the ground for his mansion home before Craig's
vision could be realised. (See Dundas House)
St. Andrew's Church was built part-way along the north
side of George Street. Opened in 1784, this was the
first church to be built in Edinburgh’s New Town.
St Andrew’s Church goes down in history as being
the setting, in 1843, of the Disruption of the Church
of Scotland. Enraged by the Civil Courts’ infringements
on the liberties of the Church of Scotland, around
one third of the ministers present at the annual General
Assembly walked out, cheered by the public outside,
and formed The Free Church of Scotland.
Today the congregations are those of the Church of
Scotland.
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