Welcome

Dear Visitor,
Welcome to St John the Evangelist Church, a historic Roman Catholic church in Portobello,
Edinburgh, just a short walk from the seafront. Whether you are visiting Portobello Beach,
exploring Edinburgh’s architectural heritage, or simply seeking a peaceful place for prayer
and reflection, you are very welcome here.

Feel free to come for Mass, sit in silence, light a candle, say a prayer, or wander around this
beautiful and welcoming church.

A Brief History

The present church stands on the site of an earlier Episcopalian chapel, consecrated in 1825
by Bishop Sandford (after whom nearby Sandford Gardens is named). The building was
purchased by the Catholic Church in 1833 ten years later, serving a remarkably large parish
that at that time stretched across East Lothian, Berwickshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire,
and parts of Midlothian.
As the Catholic population of Portobello grew, the need for a larger church became clear.
The original building was demolished, and the current church was completed and opened
in 1906, becoming a lasting spiritual and architectural landmark in East Edinburgh.

The Parish Today

Today, St John the Evangelist, Portobello, is a vibrant and active Catholic parish at the heart
of the local community. We work closely with our sister parish, St Mary Magdalene’s,
Bingham, and are part of PACT – Portobello & Area Christians Together, fostering strong
ecumenical links with the other local Christian churches.
The parish is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to:

In addition it works closely with St John’s RC Primary School and Holy Rood High School.
Recent years have seen major conservation work, including tower repairs, exterior
refurbishment, and the installation of a modern lighting system, made possible through the
generosity of parishioners, the local community, and grants from Historic Environment
Scotland, The National Churches Trust, and The Wolfson Trust.