Churches: Congregational Church
Newport Congregational Church is the oldest in the village itself, and one of the oldest Independent Churches in Scotland. It was first established in 1801, with the first minister appointed in 1803. Presbyterian opposition to his ministry forced his resignation just three years later, after which the congregation was ministered to first by Thomas Just senior then from 1844 until 1847 by his son Thomas Just junior. Their first meeting-place was in ‘Broadhaugh’ in West Road, then in a cottage near the pier which, after being improved and enlarged, became known as the Chapel House. In 1822 they built their first chapel on West Road (now 37 West Road). They worshipped there until 1868 when their new church was built at the bottom of Kilnburn.
The new church.
The new building was much more spacious than the previous accommodation. and in 1892 an extension was opened to the rear which housed a hall. Members were always proud to note that theirs was the only church in Newport to have a carillon of bells, presented by member Sir John Leng in 1900. This church closed in 1986 and was demolished in 1991. As with most vacant sites in Newport, houses soon filled the gap.
Celebrations
The church enjoyed several milestone celebrations. In 1901 the centenary of the founding of the church in 1801 was celebrated, with the whole church being painted and repaired throughout. In 1951 the triple jubilee (150 years) was acknowledged, and in 1968 they celebrated 100 years since the building of the church in Kilnburn.
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Comments about this page
I used to ring the bells in the church. Can remember the first couple of lines to this day.
Christine Munn (Downie) and myself used to climb a horrible old ladder. Think we stopped when we got to an age we were too scared to climb it!!!!!
Lovely memories Aileen. It’s your memories as well as our photographs that help bring these places to life again.
I really loved our Congregational Church and everything that went on there.
Our family pew was the front on on the left upon entering if my memory serves me well, the morning minister was Mr Anderson and his wife was Jean.
I loved Sunday School and sitting over at the right hand side till we left to attend. I love being a helper at Scripture Union, singing in the choir, helping at Coffee Mornings sporting my white pinny, and even ringing the Bells.
When my family moved down south in 1959, I really missed the Congregational Church and never found another over the years to take its place.
Returning on several holidays I would attend Sunday morning service. I still return to Newport occasionally and felt distraught when I first saw that it was no longer there.
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