Galashiels Baptist Church

1903: The first hall, a wood and iron building capable of seating 150 was erected behind the Victoria Street church.

1904: The two congregations in Galashiels came together for the Centenary celebrations. The celebrations took the form of a Social evening on 11th November at the public hall, preceeded by a fortnights evangelistic meetings conducted by Rev Joseph Kemp (Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh).

1914: The church in Stirling Street was taken to court over a strip of land approximately 8 inches wide, down which the church wished to lay drains. The dispute with the neighbours eventually reached the court of session, with settlement being made in favour of the church.

1939: The hall of the Stirling Street building was in use as a war time canteen and storage facility.

1960: The two churches, recognising the problems caused by population shifts away from the town centre, sought to have a joint evangelistic programme.

1971: A period of shared ministry was undertaken by the two congregations. This led in 1972 to the joint deacons court recommending the formation of a new joint fellowship. The new church was to be called The Galashiels Baptist Church . Committees were formed to look at the issues of property and the pastoral vacancy.

1972: The Rev Ian Mundie was called from Mosspark, to become the first Pastor of the joint fellowship.

1976: After much discussion, it was finally agreed that the joint fellowship should make its home at the Victoria St premises. Up to this point both premises had been in use for various purposes.

1978: Construction of the present hall and kitchen.

1984: Proposals are made for the installation of a false ceiling in the sanctuary, to reduce heating costs.

1986: First mention is made in the minutes of the possible removal of the pulpit and pews.

1993: A call is made to the Rev Andrew Sinclair to become Pastor of the fellowship following completion of his studies in Glasgow.

2004: The church celebrates its 200th year of witnessing for Christ to the people of Galashiels and beyond. A year of events are staged in Galashiels that included well known Christian entertainers such as Adrian Plass, Syd Little, The Riding Lights Theatre Company & Jim Bailey.

2006: The Rev Andrew Sinclair retires as Pastor.

2009: After a period of reflection the church appoints a vacancy committee to begin the process of looking for a new Pastor.

2010: The Rev Arthur Hembling is called to be Pastor of the Fellowship.