And this time – the Scottish Church, the year 1940.
The Scottish church in the center of the picture, which is the white building with the tower and the dome, was established in 1930 as a memorial building to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who served in the British army and fell during the First World War while fighting for the occupation of the Land of Israel.
In addition to honoring the Scottish soldiers, the church also houses a memorial site for Robert I – King of Scotland who died in 1329. It was his request that after his death, his heart be removed and buried in Jerusalem. However, the king, who will probably no longer be an honorary member of the AD, was buried in Scotland. A special messenger set out with his majesty’s heart on the way to Israel, but unfortunately, the messenger died on the battlefield along with the still heart he carried.
The king’s heart was returned to Scotland and eventually buried there, leaving only the memorial site at the Scottish entrance to Jerusalem. Furthermore, the church grounds contain a cemetery for two British sniffer dogs that fell during the battles for the occupation of the land.
The church is known by its full name – St. Andrew’s Church, named after the patron saint of Scotland. Its construction began in 1927 in a ceremony with many participants. General Allenby (a street was named after him) laid the cornerstone. The church is situated in a unique topographical location, providing spectacular views of the old city walls and Ben Hinnom Gorge.
The church was built on land owned by the Scottish Church and constructed using soft stone that absorbs rock lichens, which quickly darken the surface of the stone, giving the building an ancient, vintage look at an accelerated pace.
The complex includes a church and an active guest house that offers warm and traditional Christian hospitality in its 19 rooms, most of which overlook the view of the old city. Additionally, there is a concert hall with excellent acoustics, hosting concerts and various music ensembles to this day.
When discussing the city’s renewal, its growth, and the transformations it has undergone over the past 80 years, as well as the contribution of the Zionist enterprise to the rejuvenation of the country, there is no better sight for the eyes.
To the right of the descending King David Street lies today’s Bell Garden, with a building currently used by a gas station at its end. Above it is the building that served the Khan Theater for many years. Adjacent to it is the square building, formerly the government printing house, now the JVP Foundation complex. Further up the hill stands the governor’s palace.
This is our Jerusalem – new next to old. A heartless Scottish king immortalized by sniffer dogs, Scottish soldiers who fell far from the verdant malt fields in a war not fought for them, a war that has been ongoing for 2,000 years and shows no sign of disappearing in the foreseeable future. A concert hall and guest house that continue to exist and operate to this day. A receptionist awaits the delivery of a king’s heart that will never arrive. And blackened stones, covered in rock lichens, providing an aged and weathered appearance to the exterior.
Shabbat of peace, both near and far from Jerusalem ❤️
Photo by David Sri
