Rossyln Chapel

Rossyln Chapel

Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew

Roslin, Midlothian,

Scotland

Rosslyn Chapel, originally named the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, is a 15th century church in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland. The chapel was designed by William Sinclair (also spelled "St. Clair") of the St. Clair family, a Scottish noble family descended from Norman knights and, according to legend, linked to the Scottish Knights Templar. Construction of the chapel began in 1440, and the chapel was officially founded in 1446. Construction lasted for forty years.

Beth Maxwell Boyle 2005

The Chapel is famous for two of its pillars: the Apprentice Pillar and the Master Pillar which stand either side of the Journeyman's pillar and have distinctly different carving. Masonic Architects believe these structures could signify the pillars of Boaz and Jachin. The chapel stands on thirteen pillars, forming an arcade of twelve pointed arches, a fourteenth pillar between the penultimate pair at the east end form a three pillared division between the nave and the Lady Chapel.

Church Services at Rosslyn Chapel

The Collegiate Chapel of St. Mathew commonly known as Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Diocese of Edinburgh.

As commanded by Jesus changing curiosity into wonder at the loving purposes of God and caring for all his people through worship and service.

Sunday

10.30 am - Family Eucharist

17.00 pm - Evensong

On the first Sunday of the month, instead of Evensong there is a celebration of Holy Communion using the Scottish Prayer Book.

Friday at Mustard Seed

10.30 - 12.00 - Open House for coffee and a chat

On the last Friday of the month there is a short informal celebration of the Eucharist at 10.30, followed by the usual coffee and chat.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Chapel

12.00 noon Prayers for the World

St. Matthews is a member church of the Scottish Episcopal Church which is in full communion with the World-wide churches of the Anglican Communion.

Sir Walter Scott the writerand poet commissioned craftsmen in 1812

to create a replica of Rosslyn Chapel in the library at Abbotsford House,

near Melrose.

Abbotsford House

"Seem'd all on fire that chapel proud,

Where Roslin's chiefs uncoffin'd lie,

Each Baron, for a sable shroud,

Sheathed in his iron panoply....

Blazed battlement and pinnet high,

Blazed every rose-carved buttress fair--

So still they blaze, when fate is nigh

The lordly line of high Saint Clair."

Lion Water spout on the Chapel

The St Clair family were granted the lands around Rosslyn by Malcolm III of Scotland (Malcolm Canmore) in 1068, when William de St Clair accompanied the Saxon Princess Margaret to marry the Scottish king. Margaret took with her the Holy Rood - believed to be a part of the True Cross. William's grandson, Sir Henry St Clair, was granted the title of Baron of Rosslyn.