Our History
RH emerged from discussions in 1981 between William Still, erstwhile minister of Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen and Sinclair Ferguson, former professor of theology and current minister of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. The vision was to establish a centre for evangelical scholarship and publication with a view toward supporting the church in Scotland.
A property at 17 Claremont Park, Leith was purchased and provided space for the library, as well as overnight accommodation. Nigel Cameron was appointed the first warden of the House, and he occupied the post for approximately ten years. David Searle became the second warden, continuing the publishing of the House as well as supporting young ministers. David retired in 2003 and Bob Fyall became the first 'director' of the House, a post which he held for four years.
After Dr. Fyall's departure the Trustees took the difficult decision to sell the Claremont Park property, yet to move forward by sharpening the vision and searching for a new director. In June, 2008 Jason Curtis was appointed director, and, subsequently, the House leased a new property in Edinburgh's city centre - an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, and study.
With this new start the vision is the same and it is different - it is the same in that we continue to engage in evangelical scholarship for the benefit of the church in Scotland. It is different in that we are not publishing and we are exploring creative means of coming alongside leaders and future church leaders through support, pastoral care and training.
We believe God has his hand on this endeavour and we are excited to see what he will do!