Robin Chapel
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Robin Chapel is an inter-denominational Christian place of worship in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh, Scotland. The chapel sits within the grounds of the Thistle Foundation, a housing complex for disabled people.
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[edit] History
The Thistle Foundation was established in 1944 by Sir Francis and Lady Isabella Tudsbury to provide housing and care for disabled war veterans and their families.
In 1950 the foundation stone for a chapel was laid in the grounds of the Thistle Foundation. The chapel was conceived and built by the Tudsburys[1] as a memorial to their only son, Robin, who, as a 25 year-old lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), was killed in the last days of World War II. It was completed in 1953, and was dedicated in the presence of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. The chapel holds historical importance as a war memorial and as a pioneering home of inter-denominational worship, devoted to "furthering the spirit of unity and concord among Christian people". This spirit is further repeated in the short statement which can be found at the opening of the service sheet:
"The Robin Chapel is dedicated to the glory of God, and to His service, by all Christians and by all denominations of Christ's Church.
Every Service held within the Robin Chapel shall be open accordingly to all Christians of any denomination."
[edit] Design and construction
The chapel was designed by John F Matthew, of the architectural firm Lorimer & Matthew, in the Scottish Arts and Crafts style. Many craftspeople were involved in finish of the interior, including Sadie McLellan, who created the stained glass windows which feature scenes from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan[2]. The inscription over the entrance to the chapel is also taken from The Pilgrim's Progress: "Come In, Come In, Eternal Glory Thou Shalt Win". The oak panelling and choir stalls show carvings of animals and birds, a reminder of Robin Tudsbury's love of animals and the countryside surrounding the family home of Champfleurie in West Lothian. Much of the carvings were worked by Thomas Good (who also did much of the carvings in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall).
[edit] Music
The chapel holds weekly services of choral evensong, as well as special services to commemorate key events in Robin Tudsbury's life[3]. The chapel's choir (comprising of a small group of adult mixed voices) sings at the weekly services, led by the director of music and accompanied on the organ.
