QUEENSFERRY TO MUSSELBURGH.
It was erected only a few years ago in consequence of the congregation being
ejected from their old place of worship by a decree of the Law Courts in favour
of the Auld Kirk. The building is of a composite character, has a very
handsome tower topped by an open crown-like spire, after the manner of St.
Giles’ in Edinburgh, and is a great ornament to the town. The Episcopal
Church, however, is decidedly the finest structure of the kind in the parish.
It is in ihe light Gothic style, and cruciform, With buttresses along its side
walls, and a fine semicircular apse on the east gable. On the south-east side
is a massive and well-Groportioned tower, springing from the ground and
terminating in a spire of a peculiarly airy and graceful appearance. The
windows are all of stained glass, with beautiful figures of Scripture scenes and
characters painted on them; the furnishings are of the most handsome
description ; and it is said to possess a peal of bells the finest in Scotland.
The churches of the United Presbyterian denomination and the other Nonconforming
bodies in this quarter are all of an humbler character, although
that of St. Andrew’s Place in the Links, and Great Junction Street, on the
margin of that broad and much frequented thoroughfare, are both very large
and massive structures, and internally not quite destitute of very comely and
effective ornamentation.
In North Leith, likewise, there are a few very stately and attractive
ecclesiastical fabrics. The United Presbyterian Church in Coburg Street,
near the Citadel, is a conspicuous erection, with a Gothic front, central
pediment and balustrade, and flanked with embrasured turrets. St. Ninian’s,
a little further to the north-west, looking into Dock Street, and quite adjacent
to the old Saxon arch which formed one of the entrances into the Citadel,
is also an interesting structure. It is of the early Gothic, with handsome
doorway and main window, sided by two small octangular towers with
pinnacles. The history of this church, if we were at liberty to give it, is well
worth relating. The North Leith Free Church in Ferry Road, too, is a
characteristic building. Not that we are quite pleased with it in many ways,
for it has always appeared to us rather dumpy and out of proportion,-the
faGade being far too heavy and massive for the rest of the edifice. Still, if
viewed quite in front, with its fine Gothic entrance, noble window of exquisite
tracery and stained glass, and tall stately tower and spire, i! produces a good
effect. The North Leith Parish Church, however, is confessedly the most
imposing structure of the kind in this quarter. Not that it has much to boast
of in the way of ornateness or elaboration ; it is rather a plain building, of an
oblong form, and distinguished for no particular style of architecture j but its
