Ballylinney Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presbyterian Church in Ireland |
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Church and graveyard (2014)
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| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Calvinist |
| Polity | Presbyterian |
| Moderator | Right Reverend Dr David Clarke |
| Associations | World Alliance of Reformed Churches |
| Region | Ireland |
| Founder | James I |
| Origin | 1610 |
| Branched from | Church of Scotland |
| Separations | Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster (separated 1951) |
| Congregations | 560 |
Ballylinney Presbyterian Church is a special place of worship located in Ballylinney, a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's a Presbyterian church, which is a type of Christian church with a long history.
Contents
The Church's Story: A Look Back
Building the Church
The journey of Ballylinney Church began a long time ago. Its first stone was placed on May 6, 1835. The church building was finished just over a year later, on September 11, 1836. By 1840, Ballylinney Church joined the Presbytery of Carrickfergus. Two years later, in 1842, the church's first elders were officially chosen.
Growing and Modernizing
For many years, the church didn't have a special home for its minister. But in 1883, the church built its first Presbyterian Manse. This was a large, two-story house with a big garden on Hillhead Road. The minister, Rev Williams, lived there with his family.
Between 1923 and 1956, the church added many new features. They installed the first organ, which is a musical instrument. They also added electric heating and lighting, making the church more comfortable.
In 1966, the old stables on the property were changed. They became a church hall, with a kitchen and restrooms for everyone.
New Spaces for the Community
A brand new hall was built in 1977. It was named after the minister at the time, Rev C. F. Young. This new space was perfect for the church's activities. The Children's Church and Girls Brigade started using these new facilities.
Later, in 1997, even more buildings were added next to the existing hall. These new parts were also named after Rev C.F. Young.
Today, only some people in the church community are farmers. Most members are young families. The parents often travel to work in nearby cities. These include Larne, Belfast, or Ballymena. Currently, about 340 homes are connected to this church.
Who Led the Church?
Here are the ministers who have served Ballylinney Presbyterian Church over the years:
- Rev. Isaac Adams (1837 - 1880)
- Rev. James Foster Williams (1881 - 1899)
- Rev. Hugh Craig Meeke (1899 - 1904)
- Rev. John Kyle (1905 - 1911)
- Rev. Wilson Moreland Kennedy (1912 - 1921)
- Rev. Ernest McConnell (1921 - 1958)
- Rev. Charles Frances Young (1959 - 1982)
- Rev. Roy Vallely (1983 - 2009)
- Rev. Emerson McDowell (2010–2023)
See also
