Second (Lower) Meeting House

A memorial was presented to the General Synod meeting on 18th June 1745 asking that some discontented of the congregation be recognised as a separate congregation. This Synod refused to do, however, this decision did not extinguish their hopes of obtaining a minister. They immediately turned their attention to the Associate Synod of Scotland (Seceders).

Markethill had now two Presbyterian congregations, those belonging to the old meetinghouse continued to worship in the same building at the "Commons". Those of the new meetinghouse went about the business of building a new (oblong in shape) meetinghouse adjacent to the main Newry road.

During 1878 the Meeting House had extensive repairs plus the addition of a new wing. (see sketch on right)

Due to its condition, as far back, as the 13th May 1929, a congregational meeting was called to decide whether the Lower Meeting House should be closed or repaired.

On Tuesday, 11th October 1955, a congregational meeting was held to consider the Meeting House, which had become almost derelict. It was decided "that the old church be taken down, but a portion of it be left and rebuilt into a smaller church for use to hold services as required".

The old building, which was built two centuries previously, was partly demolished and the work began on rebuilding the new edifice. The Baptismal Font from the old building is the sole reminder of the original. The new Meeting House was completely rebuilt and furnished at a cost of about four thousand pounds. This debt was cleared within one month of the re-opening.

The re-opening and dedication took place on Saturday, 28th September 1957, when the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Rev. Professor R. J. Wilson M.A., B.D. visited the congregation and dedicated the new building. Dr. J. Lister Marshall J.P., on behalf of the construction committee, said he, "wished to mention a special word of thanks to, Mr. Sam Willis, for help and advice; Mr. Charles Hayes, a great source of help to them in financial efforts; Mr. William Reaney, who had given of his time in decoration; Mr Harold Stewart, for the use of relay and loud speaker; the architect, Mr. George Taylor, for his advice and help; Messrs Rowntree of Richhill, whose advice was very acceptable; and to all those who laboured voluntarily in removing the old building and re-building the new Church, also the ladies, who, over eighteen months had given of their time and goods in providing refreshments on Saturday afternoons for the workers. They were especially grateful to donors of gifts."

Gifts dedicated were: Communion Table and Chair given by the Rev. T. H. and Mrs Witherow, Vestry Table by the Choir, Vestry Chairs by David Bingham Jnr., Praise Boards by the Johnston family of Carricklane, Flower Vase by John and Mrs. Dougan of Belfast, Vestibule Table by John Burns and family, Bible by Mr. and Mrs. Philpott and family, Pulpit Lighting by the Lockhart family and Collection Plates by Norman and Mrs. Scott. Afterwards, the ladies of the congregation served tea to visitors and members of the congregation, in the Small Memorial Hall.