Church Volunteer

 

Saint Cuthbert Church

Beth has settled into a volunteer routine at the Parish Church of Saint Cuthbert. Founded by Saint Cuthbert around 670 AD, it is believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh. The church's interior includes one of just a handful of Tiffany stained glass windows in all of Scotland. The surrounding graveyard, one of the largest in Edinburgh, draws as many, or more, visitors than the church itself. The church is located in Princes Gardens in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Once every week she walks 30 minutes from our flat to the church to work a shift as a welcome guide; she also works during the monthly coffee. She shares what she has learned about the church's history and offers a handout (which has been printed in over 30 languages). Now, about that history, there is too much. Although she says can never learn it all, she takes comfort knowing that a couple of the parishioners who volunteer have been at the church "forever." They seemingly do know all of the history and generously share with her. "The nicest people," is how Beth describes them. Another win-win.