Season of anniversaries in Co Down Church of Ireland as churches mark milestone years
This year a season of church anniversaries is being marked within the Down and Dromore Church of Ireland diocese.
St John's parish church in Moira, Co Down has celebrated 300 years from the founding of the parish and construction of the church building.
Over the year, parishioners with '2025 Moira' have held a variety of events and initiatives including 300 hours of prayer, 300 acts of service, and 300 hours of praise.
In September, the parish celebrated with a special service when Bishop David McClay gave the address and Moira’s link with the Christian movement in Ibba, South Sudan was upheld.
Shankill parish church in Lurgan also marked its 300th anniversary this year and again Bishop McClay was present to recognise the occasion.
The Shankill milestone comes at a crucial time for the parish as it embarks on the final phase of a £4million refurbishment and re-ordering of the building in Lurgan town centre, with a ‘Re-Imagine Shankill’ programme for the next three centuries.
In Scarva village, Co Down, meanwhile, 175 years of worship was marked in St Matthew’s parish church at a service at which Bishop McClay gave the address.
St Brendan's church in East Belfast held a week of events in October to celebrate the centenary of its founding in 1925. The parish is one of the smallest in Down and Dromore diocese and was originally formed to serve new housing for the workers in Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff.
The current building now serves a vibrant church and community and part of the celebrations looked to the future with vision and expectation. Highlights included a fun day, a community history service, and a performance of the highly acclaimed ’Titanic’ production.
Worshippers, meanwhile, gathered in St Patrick’s church, Donaghcloney, Co Down to celebrate 45 years of worship in the current building. Bishop McClay preached and later Rev Ian Linton, rector of Rathfriland and Ballyward parish, gave the address at a special service.
Warrenpoint parish church has also celebrated its 200th anniversary with fellowship and worship.
An open day was held, welcoming visitors to explore the church's rich history. Bishop McClay preached at a special service with music provided by Warrenpoint silver band.
For many years now, Warrenpoint and the nearby Clonallon parish churches have been open for worship on alternate Sundays.