Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church is a special building belonging to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. You can find it in the small village of Ballyeaston, which is in the beautiful Six Mile Valley. This church is just a short two-mile drive north-east of Ballyclare in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
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A Look Back at History
The church community started way back in 1763 in a place called Rashee. This was very close to where the church stands today. In 1768, the group moved to its current spot.
How the Church Grew
At first, the church was part of a different group called a "Seceding congregation." This meant they had separated from the main Presbyterian Church. But in 1846, they joined the larger group called the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. That's when it became known as Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church.
Times of Change and Challenge
Before the 1798 Rebellion, there were some difficult times in the area. The minister of the church, Reverend William Holmes, did not support the rebellion. He even helped form a local group called The Ballyeaston Yeomanry. This group practiced their drills in a field that became known as "The Parade." The church's house for the minister, called the "manse," was built there in 1907 and is known as "Parade Manse."
Reverend Holmes also told the government where some rebel forces were hiding in June 1798. However, another local person, John Magil, warned the rebels, and they escaped. Even though Reverend Holmes was against the rebellion, many Presbyterians and their neighbors in the area supported the rebels' cause.
Church Building Design
The church building has a unique tower with a bronze dome on top, called a cupola. This is quite unusual for Presbyterian churches in Ireland.
Building Changes Over Time
When it was first built, the church looked very simple, almost like a large barn. This was a common style for Presbyterian churches back then. In 1901, the church had a big makeover. During this time, the entrance porch and the tower were added. The pulpit, which is where the minister speaks, was moved to the east wall. A gallery, which is like an upper seating area, was also added.
Church Ministers
Over its long history of more than 260 years, Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church has had 10 ministers. They have guided the church community through many years.
- Revd Anderson (1763-1768)
- Revd William Holmes (1768-1813)
- Revd J. Wright (1813-1842)
- Revd A. Pollock (1842-1859)
- Revd A. B. Porter (1860-1901)
- Revd W. Brann (1901-1941)
- Revd James Coulter (1941-1965)
- Revd Robert A. Boyd (1966-1990)
- Revd Purvis Campbell (1990-2005)
- Revd Christopher Glover (2006–present)
