First Presbyterian Church

This church is a well respected landmark which has significant importance as it is the only Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in the city of Newry. The church graveyard, (situated in High Street Newry, the site of the congregation from 1720 until 1853), houses the grave of John Mitchel, whose father Revd John Mitchel was the Minister of the Congregation from 1723 until his death 1740. 

As a result of this association, the present church building and congregation retains a local and international connection with the ‘wider communities’ at home and abroad, especially those with an interest in the historical events of the mid-19th Century. 

The T-planned, Gothic Revival, granite church and tower was designed by Newry-born William J Barre (1830-67), a student of Thomas Duff, and also the designer of the Ulster Hall and Albert Clock (both Belfast). It opened on 17 July 1853. Canavan notes that, until then, non-conformist churches had been plain and simple, but Barre's Gothic creation broke with this tradition.  

The organ now in use was first played in St George’s Chapel, Windsor from 1806 to 1898. It was then removed to Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast, before being installed in Newry in 1928.

There is a large traceried gothic window with chamfered jambs and cill, and voussoired hood; complemented by two medium sized, similarly finished, windows and six smaller windows all containing traceries. Beautiful leaded lights are featured throughout the Building which has a magnificent and striking ceiling. 
 

The square plan tower is three stages high over a raised plinth, and is surmounted by an octagonal stone spire

Visitors will find a most wonderful tranquil ambience surrounding them which is very much in keeping with the Non-Subscribing ethos of extolling liberal religious teachings for which it is renowned.