First (Upper) Meeting House

In Markethill the people were determined to have their own ‘meetinghouse’ in which to worship according to their conscience, even if their landlord, Nicholas, 4th Baronet Acheson, was unwilling to accommodate them in the building of their own meetinghouse. The first Presbyterian Meetinghouse to be erected was situated in the ‘Commons’ in 1693. It was stone built with a thatched roof and in the traditional Presbyterian ‘T’ shaped style, although repaired frequently since then, the original walls seems to have been retained unto 1899 when it was demolished and a new building erected.

First Markethill prior to 1898

A congregational meeting on the 9th November 1896 was held to consider what action should be taken with regard to the Meeting House, which was in great need of substantial repairs. It was decided to build a new Church and a building committee consisting of the congregational committee was appointed to consider ways that additional funds could be raised.

At a meeting of Committee in July 1898, it was agreed that the tender of Mr. Wheelan, Newry, for the erection of the new Meeting House at a cost of two thousand pounds, minus two hundred and seventy-five pounds for tower and thirty pounds for lighting, be accepted.

Inflation seems to have been around to in these times, as Mr. Wheelan reported to the committee on 30th January 1899 "that owing to the prices of material he was unable to carry out his tender." The committee decided to allow him to substitute brick for sandstone around the windows and doors.

The old Meeting House was demolished and whilst the building was in progress the congregation worshipped as a united congregation with the members of the Second congregation.

On Sunday, 4th February 1900, the congregation and friends met for worship and the opening of the new Church. On that historical occasion the Rev. D.A. Taylor M.A., Moderator of the General Assembly performed the opening and dedication service. Rev. Dr. Edgar, Dublin; Rev. John Irwin M.A., Belfast; and Rev. David Millar B.A., Armagh, conducted other services.

The minister's name (Rev Henry W. Morrow) will ever be associated with the congregation, for our beautiful Upper Meeting House owes its existence almost entirely to his efforts. For years his energies were devoted to its erection and it was built under his personal supervision. He even went to America and there received a large amount of money to pay for the erection of the Meeting House.