Newtownards Baptist Church - Earlier history
Home     History   Thomas Watters Doggart

In the year 1921 Newtownards was favoured with a visit by the noted preacher Rev.W P Nicholson, when a large number from Newtownards were brought to know the Lord as their Saviour. This was followed by a visit from a Scotsman, Mr James McKendrick, under whose ministry many of these young believers were greatly helped and blessed. A number of these were exercised about Baptism and in obedience to the Divine command were baptised in Bangor Baptist Church by Pastor David Burrows.

            
Newtownards Baptist Church,  Greenwell Street,  Mid 1920's
The young people were greatly encouragerd by a veteran Baptist, Thomas Watters Doggart, who later became a foundation member. Another brother who was an inspiration to theses young believers in Christ was
Mr Joseph Bowden.

Many of these young people, along with Mr Doggart, met on 4th February, 1923 and held an open-air service in William Street. This led to the first service in the Orange Hall on 11th February 1923, when almost one hundred people were present. In these early days of the church great help was received from Pastors Burrows, Jardine, Shields, Deens, Frazer, and Mr Frizelle.

On March 18th the Fellowship moved to the Good Templars Hall in North Street where meetiings were continued until the new building in Greenwell Street was opened on 8th March, 1924 when the membership stood at thirty-eight.

Home          Back to the History Page       Early History Page 2      T W Doggart