Congregation marks start of 'journey home'
THE spring sunshine in Londonderry yesterday was almost as welcome for the congregation of First Derry Presbyterian Church as the long awaited service that marked the beginning of their journey home to their place of worship.
For almost eight years the congregation of the city's foremost Presbyterian church has utilised the Carlisle Road Methodist Church as their temporary home. But, following the recent awarding of a refurbishment grant from both the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, work recently began to restore the 18th century building to its former glory.
Following Sunday morning's normal service at Carlisle Road, the congregation of First Derry paraded to their soon-to-be home again to give thanks for the beginning of the restoration work.
The assembled congregation, numbering in excess of 500, gathered on the city's famed walls to hear their minister, the Rev David Latimer, lead them in thanks for the fact that within 18 months they will again be ensconced in their spiritual home.
Standing high on one of the cornerstones of Londonderry's walls right outside First Derry Church, Mr Latimer said: "We are here to celebrate this wonderful moment in the history of our church.
"This journey back began when the package of funding was put in place and when we were highly favoured by Derry City Council and by cross-party support. And, at Stormont, we have had our local political representatives – William Hay (DUP), Mark Durkan (SDLP) and Martin McGuinness (Deputy First Minister – Sinn Fein), who were all willing to help secure the huge amount of money of 1.6 million.
"The result is that we can meet here today to celebrate this defining moment in the history of this old church, which on this site dates back to the year 1690."
Before the service on the walls ended and the congregation made their way back to Carlisle Road Methodist Church to conclude their Sunday worship, Mr Latimer led the crowd in the Lord's Prayer and, accompanied by an ensemble from the Hamilton Memorial Flute Band, they sang Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
