In 1873 the Presbyterian Scots, who had come to York as railway workers and engineers, were meeting in a hall in Goodramgate. As their numbers grew, they were granted permission to build a church in Priory Street. The present church building was erected in 1879 to accommodate 700 people, when the congregation amounted to about 600. It was designed by the architect T B Thomson of Hull and built in an Italian Neo Renaissance style with a slender tower in one corner, though the latter was taken down in 1949 for safety reasons. It took 10 years until the church was fully paid for by subscriptions from the congregation.
The regiment of the Royal Scots Grays, when stationed at Fulford Baracks, used to march to the church; they were led by officers on grey horses. During the service the horses would be tethered to the railings outside, while the soldiers occupied the large balconies.
The three magnificent stained glass windows overlooking the balconies are dedicated as follows; to the Black Watch, to the first minister of the church, the Rev’d James Collie and the third to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
In 1907 the Lewis organ was installed together with electric light and in 1969 the name St Columba’s was adopted. The large old-fashioned pulpit was replaced in the same year and seating space made for a choir.
In 1972 St Columba’s became part of the United Reformed Church, as did New Lendel Congregational Church in Burton Stomn Lane in Clifton. These two local churches were united in 1994 on Priory Street. St Columba’s remains the only United Reformed Church in York and still has strong Scottish connections.