Welcome to Our New Minister

Rev James (Jamie ) Griggs BD (Hons), MTh (Hons) ALCM.

Rev. James J Griggs (who prefers to be called Jamie) went to school in Edinburgh then pursued a career in music, studying first at Napier University (as it is now) then the Guildhall, London.  He then trained as a teacher at Bretton Hall College, Wakefield (now part of the University of Leeds).  This was followed by years as a teacher of both religious education and music at schools in Surrey and Kent.  In the latter one he was soon promoted to Assistant Head Teacher in charge of the departments of modern languages, music, all six-form matters, recruitment, the senior management team, and the College and Kent County Youth choirs and in his spare time giving baritone recitals in London.

In 1990 he returned to Edinburgh to study Divinity at New College, graduating with honours in Ecclesiastical History.  During that course he spent a short time in Tubingen University, Germany gaining a German Proficiency Certificate, useful when he later spent a year there as a theology student, before going to Brunel University College, London to gain his Specialist Teaching qualifications in Religious Education – PGCE.  In 2008 he gained the post graduate degree of Master of Theology (University of Edinburgh), based on his research into church music.

There then followed placements in various Edinburgh, East Lothian and Border churches culminating in his Ordination and Induction as minister of Channelkirk and Lauder Parish Church.  In his short time there he introduced a Parish Magazine, Messy Church, special services for Advent and Holy week, services in a sheltered housing complex, and encouraged a Youth Group, a Director of Music and a Praise Band, and gained the respect and love of his congregation.

 Anne Logan, our Interim Moderator, congratulates Jamie on his unanimous acceptance by the congregation as our new minister.

 About St Anne’s

St Anne’s Church of Scotland is the sandstone  church 3 miles west of Edinburgh City Centre between Corstorphine and the Zoo on the junction of St Johns Road and Kaimes Road.

The congregation was formed in 1903 as the daughter church of the Old Parish Church of Corstorphine. The parish takes in east Corstorphine down to Western Corner at Murrayfield, and parts of Carrick Knowe to the South.

Morning Worship is at 11am every Sunday.  A creche is available for children under 3 during the service and there is a Sunday School that caters for children of all ages.

A number of groups and organisations meet in the church and halls every day, from the Guild to Rainbows! Please feel free to come along to any of the services, activities or clubs that we offer.

Following Morning Worship on the second Sunday of every month  coffee/teas served in the Hall. This offers an opportunity for people to chat and meet visitors and new members. The Senior Sunday School also run a Fairtrade stall that offers fairly traded goods for sale.

If you need further information please contact the office.

Our Parish

Corstorphine is a residential suburb in the west of the city of Edinburgh. The Parish of St Anne’s is on two sides of the main road, partly up Corstorphine Hill to the north. The parish takes in east Corstorphine along to Western Corner and includes Belmont and Balgreen to the east and Traquair Park and Tylers Acre to the south. The area covered is large but includes The Zoo grounds, two hospitals and Carrick Knowe Golf Course.