Saint Columba's main doorway
Whats in a doorway? We could be forgiven for simply seeing the practical aspect, as a way of getting in and out safely. But the attention to detail by the architect William Tennent is a tribute to his art, and a few of these details are worth pointing out to our benefit.
 | Many of us might miss the importance of the main door of St Columba and the door way's beauty. What is imediately striking at first is the scale of the doorway itself which can be seen relative to the adult figures on the pavement. |
Above the door there is an exquisite arch in a robust neo-gothic manner, in which beautiful stone carvings can be seen. Without paying attention, one could miss the delightful flower groupings near the bottom of the arch. The upper section is dominated by the great Judo-Christian symbol of the presence of God - the burning bush. 
The burning bush is a symbol which is historic for Scottish Presbyterians. It first appears in 1635 with reference to troubles faced by the Church of Scotland. In 1691 it appears in the title page of the Church of Scotland's General Assembely thanks to George Mossman, an Edinburgh printer appointed by the Assembly to do its work. 'Nec Tamen Consumebatur' is a latin reference to Exodus 3:1-3, and means 'however, it was not being burned up'. |
|
 | On either side of the archway we have two angels looking heavenward. The angel on the left seems to in prayer, and the angel on the right seems wrapped up in divine adoration. Both these sculptures are a suitable reminder to us all as we pass under them on our way into the church. |
|