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A former convener of the Presbyterian Residential Trust, Mr William McCaughy has just completed documenting the first fifty years of the Trust and its provision of homes and accommodation for the elderly throughout Ireland.
'Keeping the Flame Burning', a 100 page reflection on the story of the Trust will be launched next week, Wednesday 13 January, 11am, at a Church House reception to be attended by Moderator Dr John Dixon.
The book is the first in a series of events marking the golden jubilee of the Presbyterian Residential Trust which was established in 1949 by the General Assembly, but was very much the brain child of one man, Dr William Corkey.
During his ministry in the 30's and 40's, Dr Corky became strongly aware of the plight of many older people who through illness and frailty were incapable of looking after themselves and had no friends or family to look after them in their old age.
A scheme for the provision of residential homes was agreed by the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Residential Trust was established in 1949. The first home, Adelaide House in Belfast, was purchased at a cost of £11,000 and opened a year later providing accommodation for approx 30 men and women.
From that one home and 30 residents the Trust has now grown to 9 nursing and residential homes. At any time there are about 230 residents in the various homes and sheltered dwellings run by the Trust which in addition to all the usual facilities makes a conscious effort to ensure residents are offered spiritual support and encouragement.
The Trust aims to address the physical, social emotional and spiritual needs of the residents, bearing in mind their own wishes and the importance of maintaining their independence. Homes are situated in Belfast, Bangor, Newcastle, Londonderry, Portrush and Omagh and sheltered accommodation in Mallusk and Dublin.
'Keeping the Flame Burning' is a story of a need, a vision and the people who turned that vision into reality. It puts the flesh on the success story of the Residential Trust and tells of the men and women who plan its progress and the staff who care for the residents, all inspired with a Christian spirit of providing a Christian environment in which those growing older and frailer can find their needs met.
'Keeping the Flame Burning' is available at Familybooks, The Spires, Belfast.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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