St Joseph's Edinburgh Midlothian

Characterised by a spirit of warmth, charity and friendship, springing from the Augustinian tenets of community, faith and service, our parish boundary extends to Broomhouse, Parkhead, Saughton, Gorgie and further. (For a map of the parish boundary, click here.) Many parishioners choose to travel from outwith the parish boundary to attend Sunday mass in Broomhouse because of the warm, caring atmosphere which is at the heart of all we do.

​Our Parish community was opened for mass at Easter 1950, and the present church was built in 1953, so we have a very rich history within the community of Broomhouse and the Parish continues to grow to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ

We have been served by the Friars of the Order of Saint Augustine since 1995, and pride ourselves on making sure that Augustinian spirituality plays a large part in everything we do as a parish. Community is a key tenet in our parish; the sign above the door proclaiming "You're a stranger here, but once." ​

We look forward to welcoming you to our Parish soon.

 

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The official name of the Parish is "Saint Joseph's, Sighthill", even though it's undisputedly in the middle of Broomhouse. But what's in a name?

In bygone days, there existed small farm communities along the Calder Road: Gorgie, Saughton, Stenhouse, Parkhead, Hermiston and Sighthill. From these areas grew the Parish of Saint Joseph's Sighthill.

Sighthill Farm: so called because of the good views of Corstorphine Hill, Arthur's Seat and the Pentlands. ​ ​Parkhead Farm: situated south of the Calder Road, streets and houses were constructed on former farmlands.

​Saughton: took it's name from the old mansion house of Saughton Hall. The gardens and grounds were located on what is now Saughton Park. "Saugh" means willow tree, as willows grew by the Water of Leith. ​ Broomhouse: again a name taken from a mansion house (the Broom House) and farm which was situated at the junction of Meadow Place Road and Broomhouse Road. The broom actually grew all around this area.

From this rural setting the Parish of St Joseph's was established.

The parish is called Saint Joseph's, which is very significant. Little is known of St Joseph: he was a dreamer, - a man of vision, a worker, very practical. He cared for and cherished his family and friends. The qualities of loving and caring dominate the memories of the parish. Maybe little is known about Saint Joseph in his lifetime, but we reflect and recall in the following chapters the human face of St Joseph. The Good News is something alive in the people and priests and active in the events which have taken place in the parish.

After the Restoration of the Scottish Catholic Hierarchy in March 1878, there were only 5 parishes serving the City of Edinburgh; St Mary's Cathedral, St Patrick's Cowgate, Sacred Heart Lauriston, St John the Evangelist in Portobello and St Mary Star of the Sea in Leith.

In 1890, St Cuthbert's Church, Slateford was opened for Divine worship- twenty-two years after the restoration of the Hierarchy. For the first quarter of the twentieth century, it served the west side of the city, including Craiglockhart, Juniper Green and Colinton on one side, and St Andrew's and Corstorphine on the other. At that time, there was a spreading of the population from the inner city to the west. The Corporation had already developed Stenhouse as far as the prison governer's house, and Hutchison as far as Longstone. The farm; and between that and the railway to the north, was bought for development in housing, and let out to rent by Gumley and Davidson.

When Edinburgh Corporation developed Broomhouse as a housing estate, to ease the crowding of the inner-city, the Catholic population began to complain about the distance they had to walk- this being long before the days of the family car and frequent bus service. For most Catholics, it meant a walk of three or four miles- fine on a lovely summer's day, but not so good in cold, snow and ice. When an "estate" of prefabs was built just above Sighthill to the canal, it was just too far.

The care of St Cuthbert's had been in the hands of Canon Forsyth and his Curate Fr Kieran Joyce, whose life's work had been extending the parish and certainly not chopping bits off it. By 1938, there were four curates and Dr Peter Connolly was appointed parish priest when Canon Forsyth retired. It was now realised that the parish was too big, and that a new church would have to be built to the west, beyond Longstone, but, being wartime, building was strictly limited and a new church would have to remain a pipe-dream for the foreseeable future. The site for the future church was discussed by the appropriate committee and clergy, and it was reported that the corner of the Calder Road and North Saughton Road- now Whinpark Medical Centre- should be reserved for that purpose. However, this obviously did not come off in the end.

In the meantime, it was arranged that Murrayburn School hall should be hired and that mass would be offered there on Sundays for the people of Parkhead, Sighthill, Broomhouse and the Calder prefabs, from 1946. The four curates came from St Cuthbert's on a rota basis from May 1942 to 1950.

Memories of Mass at Murrayburn: ​There was a real sense of community. The people themselves created the atmosphere of prayer, worship and reverence. It was always a friendly and happy gathering. At one time, the congregation included German prisoners of war from the camp at East Calder. Although the fuss of Christmas carols wasn't appreciated by all, their rendition of Silent Night, in German, was a very moving experience from everyone in the congregation.

There was a great atmposphere of hope and expectancy, as people worked and prepared for a "proper church". One fundraising venture was the weekly outdoor collection. The people of Parkhead and Sighthill contributed one shilling per week to the Building Fund. But the key question remained- where was this new church going to be?

The decision to build on the corner of Calder Road was rescinded, - wait for it, - as Traffic Control may find it difficult to cope with large congregations decanting onto two main roads! Another site would be chosen, but due to wartime restrictions, the building of the church would be postponed and a temporary hall would be constructed on the plot set aside. But where?

During this time, Dr Connolly had drafted some parishioners in to form the nucleus of a St Vincent de Paul Society and a Women's Guild to help raise funds. It took a friendly phone call to one of the fundraisers for him to learn that the walls of the new church were half-way up, and work was going well! A few of the men went down to investigate and were horrified at the location. The new church was almost in Corstorphine and as far away from Parkhead as St Cuthbert's was! However, they made up a treasure box containing religious artefacts, and buried the box underneath the spot where the altar was to be.

Having answered the question where the church would be, now another question - until now left unanswered - why was it located on that site? An interesting entry in the history of St Nicholas Church, Sighthill 1939-64: "It was evident from those plans that the site - Broomhouse Place North - for the Church would be very far from the centre and so negotiations were entered into with officials of the Town Council for a new site." Could this solve the mystery as to how St Joseph's suddenly appeared?

Such were the growing pains, but with Fr Henery as curate-in-charge, on his bicycle, a happy and reasonably prosperous parish was ready to take over on the official opening day. The parish was opened for worship on Easter Sunday 1950, ready to serve and worship the Lord in the new home they had provided for him.

n the early days of the Parish, there was still no Parish Priest. Father William Henery was a curate at St. Cuthbert's, but his visiting area was Parkhead, Sighthill and the Prison. Once Broomhouse was built, this was also included in his area. He went about on a bike, and became well known in the district.

​A "late vocation" - or as we would now term it, a mature student. He had experienced his father's death and the ensuing struggle his mother had had to see him through seminary. A compassionate man, supportive to all in need, he related to people and to children with ease. He had a very hearty laugh; obviously his sense of humour helped him through many difficult situations.

Once the Church and the Priory was completed in 1953, Fr Henerey went to Greenbank and became chaplain to Craiglockhart College of Education and the City Hospital. He made preparations for a new parish at Oxgangs and then became an Army chaplain in Korea and Germany. Fr Peter Higgins was appointed as the first Parish Priest in 1953, coming from St Ninian's where he had been a Curate. He was familiar with the area, and was a gentle person, full of enthusiasm. Many parish social evenings were organised in Murrayburn School Hall, before a hut was obtained from the American Air Force upon their departure from RAF Kirknewton. As the Parish grew, Fr Thomas Engelen was appointed as assistant priest, which became a great blessing when Fr Higgin's health began to suffer. Fr Engelen, from the Netherlands, stayed at St Joseph's from November 1954 to December 1956.

Fr Joseph Maccabe was appointed as the second Parish Priest in September 1956. He had a background in the Cathedral, where his father had been choirmaster, so he always thought big and wanted the best. This had a great effect on the confidence of the people, encouraging them to use their talents and helping them realise their self-worth.

He wanted the church to be more furnished. He transformed the sanctuary with a baldacchino (canopy) over the altar, a new red carpet and linoleum up the aisles and proper seats to replace the old wooden benches. He bought a new statue of St Joseph the Worker, who had been established as patron of the Parish and had Stations of the Cross specially commissioned by French artist Gabriel Loire, who also designed the Stations in St Mary's Cathedral Aberdeen.

Liturgy was very important to him. He introduced a St Joseph's hymnbook to the Parish, via the school, which led to the children appearing on Songs of Praise from Lauriston. This established a great link between parents, Parish and school. He was proud of the children and spent a lot of time in the school.

Fr Maccabe served at St Joseph's during a momentus time in church history; pre and post -Vatican II, and so it's important to appreciate how the Parish was affected.

The church building was only ever meant to be temporary (designed originally as a hall), and it was a great disappointment to Fr Maccabe that a "proper" church never materialised in Broomhouse. With all the churches being built in the 50's and 60's, St Joseph's was sadly overlooked.

Although the original plan of a new church construction lining up with house and hall (the latter functioning as the church temporarily) never materialised, building did take place. Most memorable was the wall around the church property. It was all done voluntarily by men of the parish, supervised by some who were builders. This was an attempt to stop increasing vandalism of the church and the house. A plaque commemorating the building of the wall was recovered from the Priory:

EX ANIMO OPERAMINI: THIS WALL WAS BUILT BY THE VOLUNTARY LABOUR AND SKILL OF THE MEN OF ST JOSEPH'S SUMMER 1959 "WORK AT YOUR TASKS WITH A WILL, REMINDING YOURSELVES THAT YOU ARE DOING IT FOR THE LORD, NOT FOR MEN" (Col III:23)

An extension to the house was undertaken as soon as the wall was complete, originally designed to accommodate 2 new curates to serve Wester Hailes. These plans were ultimately shelved, but the extension went ahead and thus Fr Maccabe was able to offer hospitality to visiting priests. A single storey, three sided extension was built onto the two storey house. A patio was built in the priory courtyard.

It is impossible to appreciate the difficulty for people to be decanted from the bustle of town life to the countryside. It would take time for these new houses in the west of Edinburgh to become home. Eventually, organisations sprung up within the church, but to begin with, a major contribution was made by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, who visited and welcomed new families and encouraged them to attend St Joseph's. A friendly bond was established, with many people becoming pass-keepers; welcoming people, organising families for the offertory procession, etc. The young mothers also had a group, offering support and many friendships were born. Youth organisations were founded; Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides and various youth clubs. A prayer group was also established.

Fr Thomas Power was appointed third parish priest in May 1977. His experience as a chaplain to Saughton Prison was useful, as he knew many possible trouble makers and so established a good rapport with the locals!

His father had been a headmaster, so like Fr Maccabe he appreciated the importance of the school linking with the parish. He quickly became well known to the people of Broomhouse and many turned to him for help and advice.

During his time, he made major alterations to the sanctuary, removing the altar rails, opening it up, replacing the altar and transforming it to make it suitable for the modern liturgy. In the church, a false ceiling was installed, with rafters guiding your eyes to the crucifix above the altar. The Sacristy had to be rebuilt as a result of fire, which Fr Power discovered as he returned from his mother's funeral. Luckily, the doors to the sacristy were locked so the fire was contained and did not spread to the church, but it resulted in all the beautiful vestments being lost.

Fr Power introduced Eucharistic Ministers in the church. He also established a Bible Study group, with deep, practical insights into scripture.

The Parish boundary was changed during Fr Power's tenure, with the Calders becoming part of the new St John Ogilvie's Parish, and Stenhouse being included in St Joseph's, switching from St Cuthbert's. Fr Power was a very generous and dedicated man. Money collected for his Jubilee was donated back to the Parish, with the provision of a new Baptismal font and new kneelers. Readers were also introduced.. Spiritually, he had a great sense of dignity and reverence. Socially, he was known for his great sense of humour, with a legendary impersonation of Tommy Cooper.

Fr Power's last mass at St Joseph's was in April 1987, and he returned for a presentation in August 1987. Fr Andrew Forrest was appointed fourth Parish Priest and arrived in May 1987. Unfortunately, within weeks of his arrival, the house was burgled - not exactly a warm welcome!

In spite of this initial setback, Fr Power became well known in the Broomhouse Community Centre and was even active in their pantomimes. His special ministry was to the sick and housebound, ensuring he spent quality time with each person. Every year he went on the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, and was often chaplain to the sick.

Fr Forrest moved to Bo'ness in 1995, but has kept in regular touch with the parish, visiting with the Ladies' guild and keeping in touch with some of the housebound.

In 1995, the Augustinian Friars moved from Our Lady's Parish Currie & St Joseph's Parish Balerno to St Joseph's Sighthill. Fr Kevin Lowry OSA was appointed fifth Parish Priest in January 1995 and so begins the Augustinian era at St Joseph's. Alongside Fr Robert Marsh OSA, within the first week, Fr Kevin had organised a cheese and wine evening in the Priory as a house-warming. Besides rekindling the true community spirit (in true Augustinian fashion), it also helped ensure the support of the people, who got on board with the monumental task of "doing up" both the church and the house. This included central heating and rewiring for both buildings, double glazing for the house and clearing out of the house.

Fr Kevin established a proper parish bulletin, giving instruction, information and creating real involvement among the people. The sick and housebound became a focal point, with Eucharistic Ministers for the housebound established, as well as in the church. A St Monica's Guild was introduced and in a special way they took charge of all social events, as well as maintaining the Church and the hall. Fr Kevin was also Prison Chaplain and regularly sat on the Augustinian National Council.

​Although Fr Robert was in the Parish at the weekends, his remit was to be full time chaplain to Heriot-Watt University and St Augustine's High School. The Augustinians were so friendly and appreciative that the people were determined to make them want to stay. However, as with all religious orders, changes were made and just as Frs Kevin and Robert were settling in, they were moved, and departed St Joseph's in October 1995.

Fr John Reid OSA arrived as the sixth Parish Priest in October 1995, and established St Joseph's as a true Augustinian Parish. He was joined by Fr Matt Curran OSA and Fr Sean Ahern OSA. When the Friars moved from Currie, they retained three chaplaincies; prison, university and St Augustine's, and to meet those requirements properly, four friars were appointed to serve at St Joseph's from October 1995. However, only three arrived!

Fr John took on the University, two schools and the Parish, while Fr Ian Wilson OSA travelled from Dundee one day a week to serve the Prison, with Fr John and Fr Sean saying 10am Sunday mass at the prison and then galloping back for 11am Sunday mass in the Parish.

While both Fr Sean and Fr Matt were happy in the parish - Fr Matt gentle, prayerful and dedicated to the housebound, Fr Sean wonderfully eccentric, getting the 8.30am mass to sing their heads off, St Joseph's Priory, with the regular vandalism was no place for older, retired men. Both left for Dublin eventually, with Fr Sean passing away soon after.

Fr Billy Baldwin OSA arrived in May 1996 and took on the Prison and St Joseph's School. He was much loved by the children (and many of their mothers!) But after a heart attack (not due to too much hugging...) he was moved down to Clare in June 1997 for further treatment.

Fr Ben Beary OSA joined the community in May 1997 and took on the prison, as well as an active role in the Parish. He was a much loved member of the community, known for his ability to call a spade a spade in no uncertain terms. Fr Ben was described as humble, ordinary man, he had a profound effect on everyone he came into contact with; from those he ministered to in Saughton Prison, to the patients he visited in the Western General Hospital. He introduced a dog, Leo, to the Priory which became as much loved as it's owner. This image of Fr Ben and Leo became one of the most enduring images of the Augustinian community at St Joseph's. Fr Ben sadly passed away while on holiday celebrating his 65th birthday in Montpellier in September 2003, much to the dismay of the parish. A book of remembrance remains at the back of the church dedicated to Fr Ben. Fr Laurence Brassill OSA returned from the Augustinian missions in Ecuador and came to stay in Broomhouse from the summer of 1999. He brought a new energy to the Parish, establishing a charismatic healing group. He became well known on a Sunday morning for his energetic sermons, given from the centre of the sanctuary rather than from the lectern. A microphone stand was installed at the foot of the pews especially for use by Fr Laurence. Whilst his time in the parish was limited due to travelling commitments, he became a well known and much loved member of the community.

As Parish Priest, Fr John continued to foster the spirit of community, attempting to involve as many people as possible in the life of the Parish. In Advent 1995, a penitential service took place and the church was packed, with much healing and growth. The first mass for the sick and housebound took place in March 1996, another great milestone of healing in the parish.

The work of those early Augustinian communities has brought about so much change, but this was only possible with the co-operation of the parishioners, who were open to change.

The Parish celebrated it's Golden Jubilee in 2000, and to celebrate the milestone, a stained glass window was installed at the side of the church. A new hall was constructed in 2008, as compensation for some of the church land being used as a new housing development. This resulted in a complete renovation of the outside of the church and a new entrance door and porch constructed, with the hall becoming an extension of the church building.

Further celebration took place in the Parish when in 2001, for the first time in many years, and only the second time in the Parish's history, an ordination to the priesthood took place in the church. Br Stefan Park had been part of the Augustinian Community for a couple of years, completing his studies under the mentorship of Fr John. The welcome was such that when it came to deciding on a location for his ordination, Stefan chose St Joseph's. The occasion was marked with a great parish social event.

We thought Fr John's tenure at St Joseph's was endless, but when the shakeup of the community was announced in 2009, there was great anticipation over the new era beginning at St Joseph's. Fr John left St Joseph's after 14 years at the helm, along with Fr Laurence and Fr Stefan in September 2009. Fr John's 14 year tenure marks him as the longest serving Augustinian Parish Priest in Broomhouse, and his influence continues to be seen and felt in the Parish. It was John who hand-made the display cabinets and cupboards for the church repository, the kneelers on the altar and who upholstered the kneelers in the pews. Behind the scenes, most of the woodworking in the parish was John's handiwork.

Fr Gianni Notarianni OSA was appointed seventh Parish Priest in September 2009. Fr Gianni had also spent time in Broomhouse as a student, so was familiar with the area and the parishioners. The two other new members of the community were Fr Sean Quinlan OSA, arriving from Southport, and Fr George Stibbles OSA, arriving from London.

Fr Sean's initial stay in Broomhouse was short lived, however, as a shortage of friars resulted in him being recalled to serve in Soutport in September 2011. He was replaced in October 2011 by Fr George Donaghy, one of the newest members to be professed as a member of the Augustinians in England and Scotland.

When a new Augustinian mission centre was established in London in 2012, Fr Gianni was appointed as director, and Fr Kevin Lowry, who had been the original Augustinian Parish Priest in Broomhouse, returned to become the eighth parish Priest in February 2012. This appointment was also to be short-lived, as Fr Kevin decided to return to the Diocese of Lancaster in 2013, to enable him to be closer to his parents, who kept ill-health.

As such, from February 2013, Fr George Donaghy was appointed as ninth Parish Priest. Fr George became well known in the primary school, as well as for his energetic and honest sermons. By 2014, Fr George the younger had begun caring for Fr George Stibbles, whose health had declined. That being said, Fr Stibbles was never one to succumb to ill health, and was still active in the Parish, with his passionate sermons becoming legendary within the Parish. It was said that Fr George was the gentlest man you could meet, until he got onto the pulpit and a fire erupted within him.

Fr George Stibbles passed away in November 2014, leaving the parish community in shock, and resulting in very muted Christmas celebrations.

Fr Ian Wilson OSA joined the community in February 2014, but this appointment too was to prove to be a short term placement. as by October 2014, he had been appointed to the Diocese of Dunkeld and asked to assist in three parishes in Dundee.

Fr Sean Quinlan rejoined the community in February 2015, along with Fr Stefan Park. While the Parish has gone through a few changes, Fr Sean has remained a mainstay of the community. In September 2015, Fr Piotr Lamprecht OSA joined the Parish, on loan from the Polish Province. He remained with us until May 2016, when he returned to minister in the English Speaking Parish of Warsaw.

In May 2016, Fr George Donaghy was appointed hospital chaplain at St Monica's, Hoxton, and so moved to London.

Fr Stefan Park was appointed temporary Parish Priest from May 2016 until September 2017. He was then appointed Prior of the Community at Clare Priory, departing in September 2017 to be replaced with Fr Ian Wilson OSA who returned to Broomhouse. In October 2017, Fr Paul Graham, former Provinical of the Augustinians in England and Scotland was appointed Parish Priest, once again restoring the Augustinian Community in Broomhouse to full quota, and reinstating stability, after a tumultuous few years.

The Parish continues to thrive. One thing is evident, the arrivial of the Augustinians in Broomhouse not only signalled changed in St Joseph's, but it heralded the dawn of a future. The Augustinians brought with them an ethos of community, friendship and family, all of which are evident to all who are part of the Parish. These key tenets of Augustinian Spirituality have become synonymous with our humble wee Parish in the middle of Broomhouse. Who knows what would have happened had the Augustinians not taken over? Had it remained under the care of the Diocese, would we still have a full church every week? Would we have parishioners travelling from outwith the Parish boundary, specifically to attend St Joseph's? Would we even have been under threat of closure due to the lack of Diocesan Priests?

Whatever the answers to these questions, we thank God for the Augustinian presence in Broomhouse, because the Friars have had a deep impact on the Parish. We thank God for all the Friars who have served here over the years, and look forward to welcoming many more in the years to come.

One Mind, and One Heart in God.