Customer Reviews

Revival in Rose Street . Charlotte Baptist Chapel , Edinburgh , 1808 - 2008 .

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To mark the bicentenary of Charlotte Chapel, which falls this year, Dr Ian Balfour, honorary elder and former secretary, has written its history. Dr Balfour's meticulously researched account takes us on a journey of two hundred years. He covers various themes, the different strands of Scottish Baptist life, the impact of succeeding pastorates, the spiritual life of the congregation, including its many organizations, and, in the closing chapter, looks forward to the twenty-first century, bringing the story right up to date. One of the highlights is the section from which the book derives its title. Dr Balfour devotes three chapters to the subject of revival (pp. 90-116) which occurred during the ministry of Joseph Kemp following his visit to the Welsh revival of 1904-5, an event which still resonates over a hundred years later. As well as a record of the Chapel's history, the book gives us a glimpse of Edinburgh life during these two hundred years, particularly in the copious illustrations from various archives, both in colour and black and white. There are also some personal mementoes which provide a touch of humour. Revival in Rose Street is a beautifully produced book, with the additional bonus of an accompanying CD containing background material for those with a more academic bent. All in all, Dr Balfour has provided a fitting record of Charlotte Chapel's history, which should be a worthwhile source for future historians. It is available from the Chapel office at only £10, a subsidized price, for which those who made this possible deserve our thanks. Christine Lumsden