Galashiels Baptist Church

Galashiels Baptist Church had its beginnings with three men: Archibald Cochrane, Henry Watson, and William Johnstone who in 1782 met together for worship, prayer, praise, the reading of the scriptures, exhortation, and collection for the poor and in support of the profession of Christianity. Over the years their numbers increased and in 1804 the congregation in Galashiels had grown to the point where the worshippers resolved to form themselves into an independent Baptist congregation. Initially the congregation met in the Cloth Hall, eventually a place of worship was built at the West end of Overhaugh Street. In 1841 the congregation, having outgrown its premises in Overhaugh Street,…