History of the Church

 

The origins of the Church date back to 1877 when members of Mount Pleasant Church in Pontypool felt the need to establish a Church in the rapidly developing village of Griffithstown.

Members initially met in each others homes for worship, prayer and fellowship but as numbers increased the use of various buildings within the village including the Presbyterian chapel in Hill Street (currently the Scout Association Hall) and the recently closed Mechanics Institute (sited on the corner of Commercial Street and Hill Street).

As numbers increased so did efforts of fundraising to provide more permanent premises.

The site was purchased for the sum of £100 and to reduce building costs, the excavation of the site was performed by the members of the Church. After a 10 or 12 hour working day and with tools no greater than a pick, shovel and barrow the members set to work excavating 150 tons of soil and rock.

In 1885 Mr John Burgoyne of New Inn was commissioned to build the Church and basement Sunday school room having recently completed the rebuilding of New Inn Congregational Church (hence the similarity between the two buildings) for the sum of £860.

With no grants, lottery, funding or any other sources existing, all funds were secured from members own donations and fundraising efforts.

The completion of the building was celebrated by 280 people on Monday 30th  November 1885 and the first service was held in the basement room on the following Sunday December 16th 1885.

 

The very existence of this building for worship is testimony to the faith, dedication and love for the Lord of those founding members.

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 2017 is the 140th anniversary of Congregational worship in Griffithstown. 

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