The first mention we can find of a place of worship in Newtown occurs in the 'Canford and Kinson Magazine' of August 1861. Canford and Kinson were at that time one parish. We quote ,You heard in our last number that the new school and teacher's house at Constitution Hill was completed, opened as a school, and also used on every Sunday afternoon for Divine Worship, through the kind assistance of the Rev. Mr. Preston. We have good cause to thank God for having enable us to erect this building and to provide the means of religious instruction for that outlying district.,
On Sunday, 11 March 1887 the iron church was badly damaged by a violent storm. The roof on the south side was torn off, and the tower containing the bell ended up in the road. For some time the congregation met for worship in the large room at the Coffee Tavern. The old building was repaired, and services resumed in it. A Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Lord Nelson to raise funds for a new church and to provide an endowment for a Vicar.