Abbeyhill Baptist Church began in a small shop at 24 Easter Road (now Manna House Bakery). On 29 November 1895, a small group of friends met there to form a new Baptist church, led by Rev George MacDonald from Bristo Place Baptist Church. The shop had been adapted for worship, opening on 27 October 1895, with the first public service held on 1 December 1895, when the church welcomed its first new member through baptism. 

In 1902, Abbeyhill Baptist Church finally moved into its own purpose-built building, which is still in use today. Built at a cost of £1,400, the first service was held on 30 November 1902, and membership had grown to 150. 

The early years were difficult. The young church moved frequently between halls, shops, and homes, meeting wherever space was available. By 1900, with only 25 members, Rev George MacDonald resigned, but the church decided to continue. Rev David Wallace became pastor in 1901, and under his leadership the church grew. 

Over the following decades, the church continued to grow and serve the local community. Pastors during this time included Rev Albert Griffiths, Rev R.F. Conway, and Rev W.J. Batters. The church developed strong prayer meetings, children’s and youth work, and purchased halls and a manse. Both World Wars had a major impact, with many members serving and some losing their lives. 

From 1949 onwards, the church was led by pastors including Rev Raymond Hunt, Rev Robert Hepburn, Rev Campbell Henderson, and Rev Raymond Arnold. Despite changing times and declining membership, Abbeyhillremained active in evangelism, children’s work, and city-wide Christian outreach, including involvement in Billy Graham events and the There Is Hope mission. 

In the 1990s, the church faced major challenges when the building became unsafe and required extensive underpinning costing £80,000. Through sacrificial giving and generous support, the work was completed and the church entered its centenary year debt-free. 

During this period, church members founded the Honeycomb Community Project, which ran a nursery, lunch clubs, drop-in centre, charity shop, and café, involving paid staff and many volunteers. The project gained city-wide recognition and even welcomed Sir Cliff Richard during its work. 

From 1997 onwards, pastors included Rev George Weiland, Rev Craig Sayle, Rev Gordy Mackay, and Rev Simon Schofield. Major building renovations were carried out, including redesigning the sanctuary and improving accessibility, once again completed without debt. 

In June 2025, Rev Andy and Odele Harding were appointed as the church’s most recent leaders. 

For over 130 years, Abbeyhill Baptist Church has been a faithful Christian presence in the Abbeyhill area. Through many changes, challenges, and blessings, it stands as a testimony to God’s guidance and provision, and to the commitment of ordinary people serving their community in extraordinary ways. 

Much of the content is taken from a history document produced by Eddie McGill, one of our long standing members