St Andrew's Church, Jerusalem

The Presbyterian church of St. Andrew is located 500 m southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem on the northern part of the so-called Bible Hill. It was built as a memorial to the many fallen soldiers of World War I Scottish against the Ottoman Empire and belongs to the Church of Scotland.

History

To set the many fallen Scots of the First World War against Turkey, which played a major role for the Liberation of Palestine, a monument, the construction of a church was initiated based on an idea of the Edinburgh shipowner and Church Elder of Ninian Hill. Field Marshal Lord Allenby put on 7 May 1927 foundation, the inauguration took place in 1930, the first pastor was Ninian Hill. The British Mandate in Palestine lasted until 1948, during which time the number of based Scots rose, who provided service in administration and as soldiers. After the term of their number decreased drastically. After 1948 the church was several times in the front line around the church raged some heavy fighting that do not unscathed also went to the church and can still be seen today. The pastor William Clark Kerr was during this fighting in the church, rang the bell and celebrated the service. Due to the division of Jerusalem, the church a long time from the Christian quarter of the old town remained cut off.

Importance

The St. Andrew's Church belongs to the Church of Scotland. Due to the increasing number of Christian pilgrims and visitors and the good location on the skyline of Jerusalem according to need a guest house was established. The Scottish church not only manages the pilgrims, she is responding to the current problems of the region and supports the coexistence of the different population groups.

Gallery

The St. Andrew's Church in Jerusalem

The plaque of the foundation stone