Bethesda Mission

Leith

 

Recollections

1.

Avril Finlayson Smith

Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Thank you to Avril Finlayson Smith who wrote:

Alex Redpath

"Seeing something about Henderson Street, Leith, caused me to think about the Bethesda Mission there, run by Alex Redpath, that I was involved in as I was growing up.  I was a neighbour of the Redpaths"

Visits

"We did many things, including visiting homes around that area, such as the Kirkgate.  We often went into homes where the people didn't have any electricity or gas.  They just sat by a very low coal fire, if they were lucky - but they were so glad to have someone visit them.

How scary that was, back then, for a youngster not even at Secondary School.  I wouldn't dream of allowing my children to do this, and yet came to no harm came to us then.

The Mission

We had open-air services, down by the Water of Leith, making tea and a sticky buns for those who came into the 'tea meetings' later.

The 'tea meetings' were held in the Mission, quite a small single- fronted shop.  Happy Days, they were.

I'd love to hear from anyone who remembers the Redpaths or the Mission."

Avril Finlayson Smith:  Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook:  November 16, 2010

Reply to Avril

If you'd like to send a reply to Avril, please email me then I'll pass on your message to her.  Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  November 18, 2010

 

Pilrig

Leith Around Edinburgh

 

 

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