How It All Began

Musselburgh Congregational Church was originally known as Fisherrow Congregational Church because of its location in, and service to, the fishing community of the town. It is one of Scotland’s oldest and most historic Congregational Churches. It’s beginning, in the latter part of the 18th century, was in part due to an unusual incident when one of the famous Wesley brothers, founders of the Methodist Church, was on his way from London to Edinburgh where he had been invited to address a revival meeting in the Capital. His carriage broke down in Musselburgh and he had to spend the night while his carriage was repaired in the ancient burgh. The Wesley brothers never wasted time and so a revival meeting was called for the evening. Among the assembly were several independents that were not happy with the established Church of Scotland and the preaching of Reverend Wesley inspired these independents. Soon after this impromptu meeting these independents asked permission of the Session of the Relief Church in the Millhill district of the burgh for the use of their building for a meting each Wednesday evening. Permission was granted provided half of the collection was given to the Relief Church and this was agreed.