History of the Old Schoolhouse
140 Morningside Road, Edinburgh
Today, there are very few of the original buildings of the old village of Morningside left for us to see.
The Village School 1823
In Springvalley Gardens, there are two or three old cottages situated on the site of the dairy of Springvalley Farm - "Reid's Farm". But the most significant of the remaining buildings is undoubtedly the old village schoolhouse, built in 1823 to accommodate the children, not only of Morningside, but also from as far afield as Swanston, Fairmilehead and Lothianburn.
Many of the children were brought to school by pony and trap and they were dropped off in the lane alongside the school where the ponies were tied up, appropriately called Cuddy Lane. (Cuddy is Scots for 'donkey' or 'horse')
"Cocky Cockburn"
The best known of the village school teachers was one Andrew Cockburn - "Cocky Cockburn" to the children and referred to as the "Maister". He reigned supreme from 1873 until the close of the school in 1892. Because of the growing population, larger premises were needed to accommodate the many children of the area. These were found at Comiston Road and, in 1892, South Morningside school was opened.
The Village Church
During the years 1823 to 1837, the Old Schoolhouse, or "The Wee School" as it was affectionately known, was not only the village school, but also the only place of worship for the local inhabitants. It was not until 1837 that the Parish Church was built up the road at Newbattle Terrace. Sadly, this church closed down in 1992 and is now part of the Napier University.
Dr Thomas Chalmers
During these early years, many notable ministers of the Church of Scotland preached in the old school. To mention one, Dr Thomas Chalmers, who became one of the prime movers in the Scottish Kirk culminating in the Disruption of 1843 and the establishment of the Free Church of Scotland. It was used by Dr Chalmers and his followers for a few months as their place of worship in South Edinburgh.
The Old Schoolhouse Christian Fellowship
In approximately 1900, the Old Schoolhouse once again became a centre of worship and evangelical activity as a Christian Brethren assembly.
A group of evangelical Christians rented the building from the owner, Mr Cowieson of Morningside Place, and conducted services on Sundays and other days of the week. In 1949, the Old Schoolhouse was purchased by the church from the Cowieson family on the undertaking that as far as was foreseeable, it would continue to be used as a place of Christian worship, since being a prime site in Morningside, many a commercial enterprise would like to have purchased it.
Many local children have attended Sunday School in the building. In the late 1940's there were over 100 children on the register, most of whom came from the Morningside area.
Refurbishment 1979
In 1979, the interior of the hall was completely refurbished and single storey wings were added to each side. At the same time the front of the building was restored and the stonework treated to preserve it and hopefully maintain the school building which is of some historic interest to all those who love Morningside.
The Clock stood still
Another feature of interest is the clock. In 1840, the mechanical working parts of the clock were legitimately removed and transferred to the clock of the new Parish Church and for many years the Old Schoolhouse clock stood still at 3.40.
However, on New Year's Eve 1980, once again the hands of the clock were on the move. This task was accomplished by one of the members of the present congregation, many of the parts having to be made by hand. Once again, the Old Schoolhouse clock serves the residents and shoppers of Morningside.
The Old Schoolhouse today
Today the Old Schoolhouse is used for many and varied church activities for young and old and a welcome is given to all.
There are two services each Sunday, a communion (breaking of bread) service at 9.45am and an All Age service at 11.00am.
The Morningside Crusaders group meet on Tuesday evenings (for children). The church prayer meeting is on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday mornings and Friday afternoons pushchairs and prams arrive and there is the noise of young children attending the Toddlers group with their parents or nannies.
The Morningside Heritage Association meet here for their monthly meetings.
There are also opportunities for those who are older to meet together for other church services or on more informal occasions.
Evangelical Tradition
The present congregation is acutely aware of the long and outstanding evangelical tradition of the Old Schoolhouse and how over the years the Bible has been recognised as the inspired Word of God and relevant to every stage and circumstance of life and, therefore, seeks to maintain and teach these fundamental truths of the Christian faith.
If you would like any further information regarding services or activities, please get in touch.