The grand Mayfield Salisbury Church is now the focus for Christian worship in the area. This began as a Free Church in 1875. Another, Newington Free Church, is now the King's Hall. The former Baptist Chapel in Duncan Street was bought by the United Presbyterians in 1847 and this congregation moved to Newington South Church in 1863. Newington South closed in 1993 although the building remains on corner of Grange Road and
Causewayside. Newington Church began as Hope Park Chapel in 1823 but closed in 1976 and today forms the
Queen's Hall. Another church in Hope Park Terrace merged with this congregation in 1940 and was demolished nine years later. The site was redeveloped with a tower block for the
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (
University of Edinburgh) that later became part of the
Summerhall complex. A further United Presbyterian church was established in Fountainhall Road in 1897 to serve the growing community, but this building was demolished in 1975 to make way for Newington Library. These congregations all eventually merged to form Mayfield Salisbury. Newington also has strong connections with
Edinburgh's Jewish community, their synagogue having always been in the vicinity. The present synagogue was built on Salisbury Place in 1931.
(1991) The Buildings of Scotland: Edinburgh.
(1998) South Edinburgh in Pictures.
(2000) Historic South Edinburgh.
