The first regular Presbyterian congregation formed in Shrewsbury was by the Reverends John Bryan, M.A. and the learned Francis Tallents, who were ejected by the Act of Uniformity in 1662 from the livings of St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. After experiencing the various alternations of suffering and indulgence during the unsettled reign of Charles the First, and assembling for some time in private houses, they at length built a meeting house in the High-street, in 1691. But while they separated themselves from the established church on account of her discipline, they did not renounce the leading doctrines of the gospel as preserved in that church, which is evident from the inscription set up in their new building:— “This place was not built for a faction, or a party, but to promote repentance and faith, in communion with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” The year 1715 was particularly unfortunate for the Protestant Dissenters in this and the adjoining counties: several of their places of worship were destroyed by riotous mobs raised against the king and his government. During the violence of these insurrections, the High-street meeting house was demolished, in the night of July 6th, 1715, and the pulpit publicly burnt. Government, however, speedily caused it to be rebuilt; after which the royal arms were placed within the building. The good and pious Job Orton preached here for several years. On his resignation in 1766, a difference of sentiment arose among the members of the congregation in the choice of a minister. The building is now used for worship by the Unitarians. It is 70 feet by 30, and fitted up in the heavy style of the last century. THE INDEPENDENTS. The place occupied by this denomination had its origin in consequence of the schism in the High-street congregation, and is situated in a retired area on Swan-hill. It is a substantial square edifice, with a neatly finished interior. On a stone tablet in the front is the following inscription: “This building was erected in the year 1767, for the Public Worship of God, and in defence of the Rights of Majorities in Protestant Dissenting Congregations to choose their own Ministers.” On the north-east side is a spacious vestry, containing portraits of the Rev. Mr. Tallents and other ejected clergymen. The space adjoining three sides of the building is used as a cemetery. BAPTISTS. A society of this persuasion is stated to have existed in this town in the time of the Commonwealth. The meeting house, in Claremont-street, was opened in 1780, and enlarged in 1810. It contains a monument in memory of Mr. Palmer, who was pastor of the congregation 27 years, and died in 1823. THE SECOND BAPTISTS