The church in south Belfast, which has a congregation of around 700 people, has been at the heart of the local community since it began in 1960. Used by a variety of church-based and community run organisations throughout the week, in July 2016 the church complex suffered two devastating arson attacks that resulted in the main church building and halls being out of action for a significant period of time.
The Rev. Alistair Bill, minister of Saintfield Road Presbyterian, explained that during this time the church had to meet in a variety of other locations within the community, “After the church was attacked, we were inundated with messages of support from across the community and offers of practical help, so many in fact we couldn’t take them all up. We were really heartened to see that our congregation was seen as being at the heart of the local community.
“It has been a testing time and a time of renewal in many ways. Over the past 22 months we have been heartened on our journey by a piece of scripture found in Genesis 50 verse 20, where Joseph is saying to his brothers, ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…’ What happened that July night was harmful, but it didn’t end in the destruction of our church and the scattering of God’s people. It was the start of a new journey, which is why we have called our service tonight ‘Celebration on the Journey’ and I want to thank everyone who has helped us and supported us on that journey,” Alistair Bill said.
The fire and soot damage required the main church building to be stripped back to its core. This, however, gave the leadership team an opportunity to think more creatively about the church and how it could become more community focused. This entailed a radical change to the interior of the building, designing a space that was bright, modern, comfortable and flexible.
“We decided to turn the inside of the church around 180 degrees, removing the balcony and making a fully accessible, a space that could be used for events by others within the community and not just for Sunday worship. We also put in a wider platform and upgraded the facilities, like our audio visual system,” Rev. Alistair Bill said.
“Not only have we designed a new church building to the glory of God, but a place to be used more and by the community. Part of this process of looking to the future has also enabled us see the need for a new member of staff to work with families in the area, something we are working towards.”
Joining councillors from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, local MLAs and representatives from all neighbouring denominations, local schools and various community groups, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt. Rev. Noble McNeely said, “I specially look forward to being part of the reopening service of Saintfield Road Presbyterian.
“I like the theme for the service, ‘Celebration of the Journey' as it highlights and focuses on the fact that the church has had to recover from a setback, but has journeyed forward through a challenging time and continues to travel forward in anticipation of what is ahead. As they and the community journey together I pray God’s richest blessing on them.”
As part of the celebrations, the Church will hold a Community Fun Day to be on Saturday 12th May, 11:00am to 3.00pm. This will include Bouncy castle, Assault course, Total Wipeout, taster Pilates Sessions, Gardener’s Corner, Belfast Play Bus, Jazz Café, Cairnshill Primary Choir, St Ita’s Dance Group, Craft and Face Painting. More information on this can be found on the Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church website.
Photos: (1) Minister of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church, Rev. Alistair Bill, leading a short service of prayer and reflection outside the church in July 2016, following the arson attacks; and (2) Exterior of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church.