 Neither minister joined the Free Church; however, six elders did and founded Free St Cuthbert's.By the late 19th century, the 18th century church was inadequate for what was, by then, one of Scotland's largest congregations.The final service was held on 11 May 1890 and the foundation stone of the new church was laid on 18 May 1892 by William Hay, 10th Marquess of Tweeddale, Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, who read a message from Queen Victoria.