This plain but imposing corner building on Lisburn Street is Alnwick’s Baptist Chapel. It dates from 1837, making it deceptively older than St Paul’s, just a few metres to the east.

It was originally a Presbyterian meeting place—a denomination with a rich history in Alnwick, given its closeness to the Scottish border. The denomination first met at Pottergate in the 1600s, with a formal meeting house rebuilt there in the 1780s. Later, St James’ was built in its place.

The Presbyterian movement was quite fractious and prone to splintering, leading to the emergence of numerous offshoots. A separate branch popped up at St Michael’s Lane, with others on Green Batt and then Clayport. This building, though, was linked to the Scottish Secessionist Relief Church—more closely tied to those north of the border than some of its Alnwick counterparts. Even I find it a bit confusing!

In 1847, a union between the United Secession Church and the Relief Church formed the United Presbyterian Movement. This congregation grew to a respectable size, with 300 people attending an associated event at the Town Hall in 1849. However, this site became the junior one, overshadowed by the larger United Presbyterian church at Clayport, which still stands today.

The church became redundant by the 1880s, as there was little need for two sites. It was then handed over to the Baptist Church—another Protestant denomination. A revival of the church in Alnwick led to a congregation of around 200 by 1891, having previously met in theatres and similar venues.

I’m glad to see the congregation still worshipping in this building, though you’d hardly guess it from the outside. They also host community events like kids’ functions and coffee mornings, which is lovely to see. I think I need a lie-down after trying to unravel Alnwick’s Presbyterian history, though! 😴