Ballynure Presbyterian Church 300 years: Moderator’s visit part of special programme of celebrations

A plaque unveiling, family fun evening, Celebration Praise and small exhibition also feature in a special programme of events to mark the congregation’s 300 years in the village.

Richard Wallace has written the history of the church in a new book, entitled ‘For all the Saints’, which will be launched during the celebrations too.

Sharing some of the key points from his research, Richard notes: “The congregation of Ballynure Presbyterian has been worshipping and witnessing in and around the village for the past 300 years. The congregation was first established on June 18, 1723 when permission was given at the Synod of Ulster in Dungannon. Before that, some of the villagers, probably Ulster Scots, worshipped in Raloo and in Ballyclare.

“The first minister was Rev William Watt (1723 – 1748) but there is no record of how many Presbyterians there were at that time. It was some 44 years later, in 1767, that the original 'Meeting House' was built. Although a peculiar shape, it was on essentially the same site, sitting parallel to Main Street, and was roughly 69' long by 44’ at its widest. The main aisles were just earth and it was accessed from two doors which opened directly on to the street.

“Fourteen different ministers have laboured tirelessly in the congregation to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Probably the best known has been Rev Adam Hill who was imprisoned for 'waking and coffining' the United Irishman, William Orr, who had been hanged in the nearby town of Carrickfergus, having been found guilty on a trumped-up charge. Orr's body arrived in Ballynure as dusk was falling and Adam Hill had no real option but to

do the Christian thing and afford some dignity to the dead man.