Built in 1670, the Town Hall was used as a jail until 1839 but it was not secure and prisoners escaped. Attached was a small hall and the Keeper's house. In 1826 a new wing was added allowing the use of a Town Hall upstairs with Council Chambers beneath. In 1871 plans were made for a new building. On 13 April 1872 Renfrew was festooned with flags and bunting and all work was stopped at midday. Many visitors arrived in the Burgh by different means, by omnibus, steamer and by rail. A Grand Procession took place with the representatives of all the trades in the district, using floats [lorries] to display their tools and crafts, as we see today. The Provost, Magistrates, Town Councillors and public officials from Renfrew and Paisley, members of the professions, the Knights of Malta, Masonic Lodges all participated.

The procession began where they assembled at Meadowside Street, moved along Ferry Road, Canal Street, Hairst Street, then turned up Glebe Street, through Croft Street and Mill Vennel and back down High Street to the front of the Town Hall. Those taking part were:

Craftsmen -  Joiners, Painters, Plumbers, Engineers, Masons, Patternmakers, Boilermakers, Blacksmiths and Carpenters displayed their tools and crafts aboard lorries decorated with the various flags and emblems of their crafts.

Friendly Societies included The Good Templars, Forresters, Shepherds, Oddfellows and Gardeners, all with their regalia.

The Knights of Malta, with their banners and regalia,  The Renfrew Volunteer Corps.

57 Masonic Lodges from Glasgow, Largs, Argyll and all over the district sent many representatives

 The Provost, Magistrates and Town Council Officials of Renfrew and Paisley.

The  Procession was accompanied by 18 brass, flute and pipe  bands which marched and played  between the craftsmen's  lorries.

Arriving at the Town Hall, the different  sections moved off to left and right and The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Masons led all Masonic Lodges toward the building. The members of the Grand Lodge ascended the Tower to a height of 30 feet where the Memorial Stone was to be laid. Spectators filled the special stand erected for them and others sat wherever they could have a good view, even on chimney stacks! Renfrew was a blaze of colour with bunting, flags and evergreen wreaths adorning windows and rooftops. The Provost presented the Provincial Grand Master with a silver trowel to be used for the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone.

A large company of 500-600 people were entertained by Colonel Campbell in the Queens Hall, Blythswood, the Toast was raised to The Queen, The National Anthem was played, followed by various speeches and Toasts and the proceedings closed.

The Provost later stated that the official opening of the new Town Hall would take place on 17 October 1873 as work had progressed very well, a Festival would be held in the new hall and the elite from the shire would be invited, led by the Member of Parliament, Colonel Campbell. A Ball would be held the following week.

The new French-Gothic Town Hall, which had a tower of 105 feet and a hall seating 800, was built at  a total cost of £7,500. It was partly destroyed by fire in 1878 but was soon restored and is in use today.