Our History – Cowdenbeath Baptist Church

The Baptist Handbook: In Memoriam 1938 records the beginnings of Cowdenbeath Baptist Church in 1873.

Archibald McCaig was born at Bridge of Earn, near Perth, on 31st March 1852, and he spent his boyhood at Cowdenbeath, Fife. From the beginning he was an eager scholar, but his father’s sudden death compelled him to leave school that he might work for the support of the home.

At the age of sixteen he was converted, and immediately started to preach, but lay-preaching was then frowned upon and a Presbyterian minister stirred up a prosecution against him and some comrades. The Court found them guilty, but discharged them with a caution on the ground that “they were under the delusion that they were preaching the Gospel.”

Conversions followed such preaching, however, and study of the New Testament led to the little company of converts adopting Baptist principles. Cowdenbeath Baptist Church was formed in 1873, of which Archibald McCaig was chosen as first pastor.

In 1876 he married Sarah MacDiarmid Orrock and later went to Belfast where he won the degrees of B.A., LL.B. and the LL.D., at the Queen’s University. In 1892 he came to his life-work in Spurgeon’s College, eventually becoming the third principal 1898 to 1925.

Spurgeon’s College, LONDON

Cowdenbeath Baptist Church met in a variety of homes and halls until 1891 when a 250 seat church was built on the present site on Chapel Street. Rev J. Munro in 1892 was called to be the first pastor in the new building, and he was the minister until 1894.

The Lord Jesus has blessed the work of Cowdenbeath Baptist Church through His servants here in Cowdenbeath over these many years. The church continues to thrive and, with His help, we will continue to do His work until He returns again as promised.

Cowdenbeath Baptist Church has been served well by God provided ministers who led the church with Godly wisdom. Here are a few of the most recent men whom some of you might remember.