The church is dedicated to the Scottish soldiers of the 52nd Division who took part in the conquest of the country during the First World War, including the Battle of Gaza. It was named after the patron saint of the Scots from the early disciples of Jesus Saint Andrew (Simon Andrew). It is part of a complex which includes a guest house “Saint Andrews Guest House”. Therefore, this is a memorial church commemorating saints Andrew.

The Story of the church

During the Ottoman era, the British government responsible for the Anglican churches purchased land here. After the war, Scotland wanted to remember her victims. In 1927, the corner stone of the church was laid by General Allenby. In 1930 the place was inaugurated with an Arabic style and the use of local materials such as Armenian pottery, and Hebron glass. Today, the fallen Scottish soldiers of the mandate and the Second World War are remembered here, including two patrol dogs who died in the line of duty.

Inside the church

There are hardly any decorations at the entrance that resemble a Protestant church. The church was designed by the architect of Clifford Holiday who built many other buildings in Jerusalem during that time, such as the building of the old municipality of Jerusalem. His style characterized the building during the British reign in Israel. In this church he combined Western and Eastern styles such as domes and local black stones that give the structure an antique appearance.

The flag is also a symbol for Saint Andrews who carries the name of the church. According to the narrator, the figure of Andrew appeared in front of the king of Scotland in his dream after praying for victory over the British in the 9th century. The following day, a white cross appeared on the background of the blue sky and it was a sign that they were going to win and it was indeed. According to tradition, this is the cross that St. Andrews was crucified in Greece and is still the flag of Scotland. Because the community is small, it is used by other Christians who are not Scotts. Musical evenings are also held here.

All the windows on the apse come from Scotland. There is no separation of the pastor and the public. On a plaque in the center of the apse depicting King Robert de Bruce who asked in 1329 for his heart to be buried in Jerusalem and so they tried to do after his death, but the emissary set out on a journey attacked and died. The heart went back to Scotland and buried there, when the church was dedicated, it was decided to commemorate his wish here in his state.

Basic Information

Name of church: St Andrews Church, Scots Memorial Church.

Address David Remez 1 st. Jerusalem

Christianity order : Protestant.

Year of build :1930

Arrival options

Logistic

Accessibility the church is wheelchair accessible.

Opening hours -due to the coronavirus better check with the website directly on the e-mail below:

[email protected]

Telephone number 972 (0)-2-673-2401.

Toilets available in the nearby guest house, but better get to the public toilet at the First Old Train Station.

Activities nearby

Menachem Begin Museum is right nearby. And you can walk to the lovely neighborhood of Mishkenot Shaananim. If you want a good walk, you can also visit Mount Zion with the church Dormition and enter the old town through the gate of Zion.

My experience

I choose to write about this church because it is less familiar but has much to do with the history of Jerusalem.If you are looking for a nice church and to get away from all the tourists favorite churches, come and say hello.