History
The Meeting House is probably the
oldest non-conformist place of worship in Newport, built in 1774.
Members of the Angel (!) family in Cowes in 1665 were converted by Thomas
Collier, a "Dissenter" from the established church (C of E). The family moved to Newport in 1738 and the first Meeting House
was built in their garden in Pyle Street (the street behind the present building) as part of
the "General Baptist" movement in the South of England. The General Baptists later became influenced by Unitarian thinking.
A new Meeting House was built on the High Street in 1774.
Notable Unitarian Ministers who have served the Meeting House include Robert Aspland and Edmund Kell.
The front facade you see today was added in 1825 and this extension includes an organ loft
and gallery.
The Meeting House is a Grade II listed building; very pleasing both inside and out with a
good example of a
working "nonconformist" organ
installed in 1895.
TTH