Yuille - History of the Baptists in Scotland - Landmark Baptist

in membership, and the Church is represented at the Mission House to-day by
Miss M. Eleanor Bowser; while Miss J.J. Arthur, M.A., is Principal of
Havelock Hall Training Home. Pastor David J. Findlay, founder of St George’s
Cross Tabernacle, was baptised in the Church in Hope Street. Rev. Hugh
Martin, M.A., of the Student Christian Movement, and ‘Rev. Fergus Little,
M.A., of Helensburgh, were baptised in Adelaide Place.
BRIDGETON.
In the year 1860 this Church was formed by a band of Christians in the Royal
Burgh of Rutherglen, where they first met and carried on a good work in the
Gospel for about 10 years. At the end of this period it was found necessary to
look out for new quarters, and so the Church migrated from Rutherglen to
Bridgeton in 1870, their place of worship then being the hall of a cooking
depot in Canning Street, which stood on the site of the present North British
Railway Station. It was known locally as the “Cooking Depot Hall.” For a
number of years the work was carried on there with so much success that it
soon became clear that a meeting place of their own was necessary. A hall was
secured in London Road, where a baptistry was fitted, and only their own
services held. This was in 1878. Up till this time they were known as the
“Church of Christ,” but it was now proposed that they should unite with the
Baptist Union of Scotland. This proposal almost rent the young church in
twain, for although the majority favoured the change, a strong minority
opposed it to the last. It was carried, however, and in the next year, 1879, they
united with the Baptist Union of Scotland, and were known as Canning Street
Baptist Church. On the day of the Union the last protest was made, several of
the members rising and leaving the meeting. But it is good to know that soon
after this a reconciliation took place, and the protesting members sank their
differences and returned to the church. From this time the work grew so
rapidly that in four years from the date of Union, 1883, the old Church
building in Sister Street was purchased for £800, repairs costing £150, all of
which was paid speedily, and two years later a hall was built and added to the
Church property, the price being £220. Much blessing rested on the labours of
the Church at this time, and many can praise God for the spiritual help
received through its agencies. The first Pastor was Mr. M’Clashan, and he had
as his assistant and co-pastor, Mr. Henderson. When Mr. M’Clashan died, Mr.
John Clark took his place, and the work began to extend considerably. The first
ordained minister to be supported by the congregation was the Rev. J.M.
Munro, who was much loved and highly respected for his work’s sake, but
owing to failing health, he had to resign his pastorate on 29th February, 1884.
His successor was the Rev. W.J. Miller, who was called from Coatbridge
Church, and was inducted to his charge in Bridgeton on. 17th May of that year.
Mr. Miller’s ministry was noted for its aggressive character, with the result