Our People

The altar party across the road, on the steps of St Stephen’s, following the Institution the Reverend John Penman as Priest-in-Charge of St Vincent’s on 8th June 2021 . (left to right) Christopher Hartley, Sacristan, Canon Dean Fostekew, Bishop’s Chaplain, John Penman, Priest-in-Charge, Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh, Frances Burberry, Dean of the Diocese, Niccolò Aliano, Assistant Sacristan

TRAINING FOR MINISTRY St Vincent’s participates in training for ministry. Former Rector, Canon Allan Maclean, and the Hon Barnaby Miln have been Field Education Supervisors for the Scottish Episcopal Institute. The Reverend Oliver Brewer-Lennon, whilst a third year ordinand, was on placement at St Vincent’s from Epiphany to Easter 2016. He is now Rector of St Michael and All Saints, Tollcross, Edinburgh. The Reverend Michael Johns-Perring was involved in the life of St Vincent’s before going up to Westcott House, Cambridge in September 2016, and is now Priest-in-Charge of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common in London. Our Sunday evening organist, The Reverend William D Watt, is now the Church of Scotland minister of Kirk of Calder, whilst Niccolò Aliano, Assistant Sacristan, has been a Scottish Episcopal ordinand.

OUR ORGANISTS

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ST VINCENT’S

*A Vestry meeting in January 2019 attended by the Bishop of Edinburgh*

THE VESTRY is a committee of members elected to administer the temporal affairs of a church or parish. Our vestry supports the life and activities of St Vincent’s, has responsibility for the general control and management of the administration of the business matters of the congregation. For the purposes of charity law, members of the Vestry are the Charity Trustees of the church. Our constitution requires that at the Annual General Meeting members of the congregation should elect up to ten members to act as members of the Vestry. There may be vacancies available if you are interested; have a word with the Secretary.

AREA COUNCIL

St Vincent’s is a member of the Edinburgh Forth Area Council within the Diocese of Edinburgh. The Reverend John Penman is its current Convener.

DIOCESAN SYNOD

Ruth Stark is a member of the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Edinburgh. Gavin Watters is our Alternate Member.

GENERAL SYNOD

Bridget Campbell was Convener of the Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church, elected in December 2020 and retiring in June 2025.

CHURCHES TOGETHER

St Vincent’s is a member of Stockbridge and Comely Bank Churches Together, which is responsible for the Christmas and Good Friday stall outside M&S in Raeburn Place. The Reverend Linda Harknett and the Hon Barnaby Miln were its co chairmen for two years, 2022 and 2023. The Reverend John Penman and the Hon Barnaby Miln are our current representatives.

THE BUILDING

In 2022 the building was conveyed into the ownership of the Vestry on behalf of the Congregation, the gift of the Commandery of Lochore of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus which had owned it since 1971. It was previously owned by the Vestry.

HELPING HANDS

Help is always needed to read the Epistle and Intercessions, to welcome and hand out books and to take the Collection. If you think you could offer your services, please add your name to the appropriate day or speak to Angela Wilson. Or if you can help with hospitality please contact Angela Wilson

If you want to help with flower arranging please contact Imogen Stewart

Sacristans: Franklin Lau, Niccolò Aliano, Bartosz Skrzypczak, (Christopher Hartley (Senior))

Magazine Editor: David McDowell

Property Convener: The Hon Barnaby Miln

Venue Hire Co-ordinator, Gerry Wells: venuehire@stvincentschapel.org.uk

Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Gerry Wells

The Invincibles monthly social group: James Holloway

Garden: Gerry Wells

This website’s editor: The Hon Barnaby Miln who welcomes photographs (by email) of the living, lively St Vincent’s for this website.

THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF THE SACRED ARTS IN THE FRINGE