We in the Kirk of Calder seek with God's help to encourage and give opportunity to all to grow together in faith and service.
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  Our Church Events & Fundraising Church News 
Last updated 9th November 2025
       
 
 

Kirk of Calder is a 16th Century Church built on the site of an earlier 12th Century Church.

Today's Church is the Parish Church for Mid Calder and Pumpherston; it has a active congregation with services each Sunday.

During the summer months, it opens  between 2 and 4pm to allow visitors the
opportunity to view and learn some of its long and fascinating history with guides on hand to provide tours.

The Church is part of the local community, a place of worship and where its history and its rich heritage are shared.

A Church has stood on the site since the 12th century. Kirk of Calder, The present church dates from 1541 with an extension added in the 1860s. Two carved stone Celtic crosses, survive from the original Church, one is on display within the Church. The building is Grade A Listed with Historic Environment Scotland Ref LB14144 https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB14144

The Church has close links with the Reformation and John Knox was a regular preacher and one of its ministers helped draft the Scots Confession of 1560. The first reformed communion after the Reformation took place in nearby Calder house.

The Church was also at the centre of persecution, and at least 5 women were tried and convicted under the witchcraft act. Information about these events is available in the Church.

The Church was also a place of worship for Frederic Chopin during his time in Scotland. James ‘Paraffin’ Young and his family were regular worshipers and the family later donated a number of fine stain glass widows. It is believed that the explorer David Livingston also visited the Church. Call to worship is made each Sunday by the 17th century Rotterdam bell. 

"The Friends of Kirk of Calder" open the church to visitors 2- 4pm on Sundays, May to September and the Co-ordinator is Mr. John Jamieson 01506-411722.

For those who can't visit John Jamieson has prepared a 14minute long Virtual Tour you can view here or click the image.

 

We were fortunate the last four seasons to host a special exhibition within the Kirk by a separate organisation called "The Calder Witch Hunt ".  The Kirk was the actual setting for some of the trials and even where some of the "witches" were tried and tortured. We are hosting this again for the 2025 season

More details here

A memorial Plaque was commissioned and placed in the Vestry in 2023

Link to the Witches memorial Website https://witches.is.ed.ac.uk/memorials

View the YouTube video on its installation here https://youtu.be/966a0WZR928

 


E

The Kirk minutes and Witch Hunt Exhibition

The Calder Witch Hunt have a comic book created by brilliantly talented artist Caitlyn Bannatyne and it tells the stories of the people who were affected by the Calder Witch Hunt.

 


 The Kirk in 1547

  For More photos visit the Kirk's Photo Gallery 

 

 

r 
Windows and altar

View West Lothian Council Memorial Service 16th September 2022 Slideshow Pics 38 seconds long click here https://fb.watch/fBTtaeYJ3O/

View West Lothian Council Memorial Service for the Queen on 16th September 2022 (click link) 48 minutes long https://fb.watch/fBUtCjJK8O/

Kirk of Calder service for Sunday 18th September 2022 - Gordon Pennykid can be viewed at the link below.
https://fb.watch/fPeiaQrUDx/


Some Pew Graffiti 

The Kirk of Calder is situated on Main Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AN
what3words address ///lifeguard.cherubs.endings

Walk round the historic Kirk of Calder on a sunny day is another new addition to he YouTube videos  Click the photo below to watch and listen


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Future Events

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Guild Christmas Coffee Morning
Saturday 29th November
10am to 12noon
Glenalmond Hall

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Highlights Choir Christmas Concert
West Lothian Pipe Band
Friday 5th December
details to follow

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Kirk Christmas Fayre
Saturday 13th December
in the Kirk 10:00am - 12:00noon

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Burns Supper Jan 26
Details to follow

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Quiz night 26 Feb 2026
Details to follow

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Past Projects

Friday 7th November 2025 - Cantilena Ladies Choir

Raised £330.00

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Wills and POA Raised £1,197


Debbie received recognition for her input at the service on 7th September

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Some Recent Past Events
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Pop In Café – Every Tuesday from 10am – 12pm at the Glenalmond Hall. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and cake all proceeds in August to 'Blow The Roof Off'. Everyone welcome
(Note in the Malt Barn at present while a new kitchen is fitted in the Glenalmond Hall.)

 

 Visit the Fundraising page to see earlier REGEN 2025 activities

 

The Kirk's Highlights Community Choir are looking for new Voices!

 

Inside view of the  Bell Tower

The Guild meet (Sept-Nov and Feb-April) on the second and fourth Thursdays of these months - The meetings are held at 2pm - 4pm in the Glenalmond Hall.
Next meeting 24th April  2025 Speaker Sybill Cavanagh (West Lothian Historian)

Previous weekly services during the pandemic and the recovery can be accessed here  (If anyone can't access this the sermons are also available on DVD's- contact Eleanor Blair 01506 881302) Please Note -services are no longer routinely recorded

The Choral Highlights Choir meet on Wednesday evenings in the Church at 7:30pm  New members welcome. Contact John Rankine 01506 88002

 



 

Kirk of Calder Giving 

Please see Accounts and Donations page

Please visit the Photo Gallery to see all aspects of the Church

 

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm290UIhbwCTjkwBwyttm7w

The Choir sing a selection of Traditional Scottish Songs Pop-up Sing along including Street Songs lasting 16 minutes. Click here or on image below Their You Tube Channel can be accessed from this link
 

 

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      Service every Sunday at 10:30am

bulletNext Services
 
bulletSunday 16th November 10:30 Rev William Watt
bulletSunday 23rd November 10:30 Rev William Watt
bulletSunday 30th November 10:30 Rev William Watt

      December

bulletSaturday 6th December 18:30 Christmas Tree Lighting Service - Rev William Watt
bulletSunday 7th December 10:30 Rev William Watt
bulletSunday 14th December 10:30 Lessons and Carols for Christmas - Rev William Watt. + Special Lunch
bulletSunday 21st December 10:30 - Nativity - Rev William Watt
bulletWednesday 24th December  - Christingle - Rev William Watt
bulletWednesday 24th December - Watchnight service 23:30 (Carols from 23:15) Rev William Watt
bulletSunday 28th December - Rev William Watt

 
bulletTeas and Coffee in the Glenalmond Hall after most  morning services -all welcome. (note  Sun 14th December will be a Special Lunch in lieu Teas and Coffee)
 
bulletDeadline for Christmas Magazine is Sunday 23rd November.
 
bulletNext Guild meeting Thursday 13th Nov 2-4pm
Speaker - Prof. June Andrews regarding her renowned work in the field of Dementia
 
bulletAnne Haddow or any member of the social committee will be pleased to receive any Tombola gifts for the Christmas Fayre before the 13th December.

 
bulletReverse Advent Calendar - collect items for the foodbank  during November - hand in on the 30th


 
bulletChristmas services - leaflet distribution to whole of Mid Calder and Pumpherston. All members welcome volunteer to help in one or two streets. Contact Jan Ingram janingram@icloud.com
 
bulletThe Sunday afternoon Kirk Tours are now closed for this year. They will re-open in May 2026 and run to end September 2026 from 2pm to 4pm every Sunday afternoon.
Special opening of the Church for small tours or for quiet 'Moments of Reflection' can be arranged at any time of year by contacting the Church Officer eleanorblair17@gmail.com or 07823 328609
 
bulletCarers of West Lothian will visit the Tuesday cafe the first Tuesday of every month.


 
bulletHave you considered leaving a legacy to the Kirk in your will, then please download the Legacy Policy Form and information leaflet  here
 
bulletNext Session Meeting on Wednesday 26th November 7:30 in the Glenalmond Hall
 
bulletThe Glenalmond hall has recently had a new kitchen fitted and been redecorated and is available to hire out to individuals or organizations with seating for up to 40. Contact eblair892@btinternet.com for prices and bookings.
 
bulletSunday Club for 4 years old and up. Meet in the Church every Sunday at 10:30 then adjourn to the Glenalmond Hall.
 
bulletThe Guild have restarted - Second and Fourth Thursdays 2.00- 4.00 pm in the Glenalmond Hall. (Sept-Nov and Feb-April) all welcome 
 
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We now have a QR code in order that you can make payments for events or donations to the church.

Scan the code with your smart phone camera and follow the instructions!

 

bulletRev William Watt has indicated he wants to get to know his parishioners and intends to visit the entire congregation along with their district elder over the next few months.

 
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Debbie Fleming a solicitor with KW Law continues to provide to offer the opportunity to meet members of the congregation, to discuss the preparation of a Will and/or Power of Attorney.  If you are interested in an appointment please contact - Susan Adams susanmjadams@aol.com 07823 328 609. Donations (min £50.00) for this service.

 

bulletThe Sunday Club welcomes children 4 years old and upwards. We meet every Sunday in the church at 10:30 and after the children's sermon go on to the Glenalmond Hall for fun lessons for pick up at 11:30pm when the main service finishes.
 
bulletThe Sunday Opening of the Kirk (including the Calder Witch Hunt Exhibition) is now closed for the 2025 season. It is open 2pm to 4pm from May to September. Free Entry
 
bulletA box for Donations for the West Lothian Foodbank and toiletries for Dignity Box can both be left at the main door.
 
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A great new drone picture (Page banner and above) of the Kirk by local Droneography expert Liam Bullerwell who has kindly agreed that it can be reproduced here

If you click the picture above you can see Liam's Video Drone Fly Past of the Church lasting 38 seconds. Please note it takes a little while to load or it will buffer so its best to let it load fully first before playing!

Our grateful thanks go to the Rev Liam Fraser, Rev Gordon Jamieson and the Rev. Nanda Groenewald who have previously all in turn undertaken on the Interim Moderator role during the last 3 years years and have guided us through to getting a new minister in post.

The Kirk of Calder Parish Profile is on the Church of Scotland's website and can be viewed here

DUO  Fiona and John
Message from our musical director - Free performances!
Hi everyone,
We sing a variety of styles including classic pop, country and ballads, with special requests taken in advance of bookings. Available, free of charge, for community and charity events, concerts and entertainment for local groups, care homes, etc. With an extensive repertoire, we tailor the set list to your audience and venue. See us at regular Wee Concerts held in Glenalmond hall.
We are in the process of planning our music entertainment for the next few months. Easy listening, well known songs and a bit of nonsense. 
Contact at    john.rankine@lineone.net
Web- www.chvocalmusic.co.uk
To hear some of the music we perform at the moment, 
you can hear us on You Tube Sampler. 
https://youtu.be/VGusiAC7-6c


SYNOPSIS OF PARISH GROUPING July 23

The congregation of Livingston Old Parish Church , the congregation of Livingston United Parish Church  and the congregation of Kirk of Calder Parish Church shall form a Parish Grouping called the Livingston Parishes Grouping.

 

Each church shall continue with the Parish boundaries, ministries , session all remaining as ay present, and continue to maintain their own buildings.

 Areas of Co-operation:
 

Deliver weekly church services, joint pastoral care initiatives and community involvement projects. Actively develop the mission skills of the church elders and congregations to employ more of the untapped and underutilised inherent talents within the congregations of these three churches to encourage the young to participate and lapsed members to reengage in the life of the church. Seek to transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation through joint pastoral care initiatives and community care and youth engagement projects. Actively develop further the community support initiatives, thrift shops, community cafes and community events, to bring young and old together in fellowship and fuller participation in the life of the church.

Sustain and renew the life of the earth through shared church, community and other local and  world environment protection projects. Actively develop further the eco church activities already within the three churches and their links to communities in other areas in Scotland and beyond.

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Photos

Visit the Photo Gallery here


Facebook Logo - Click to visit the Kirk's Facebook Page Click the facebook logo  to visit our Facebook Page Facebook Logo - Click to visit the Kirk's Facebook Page
     


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Kirk of Calder Parish (Church of Scotland) is registered Scottish Charity No SCO13461

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