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Donacloney Presbyterian Church celebrates 250 years of worship on their present site this Sunday, 20th February, 2000. Special guest speaker at their 11.30 am service will be Presbyterian Moderator, Dr John Lockington.
The Moderator follows on from several distinguished former ministers of the County Down congregation who have been invited back to their old 'charge' over recent weeks. These include Dr Roy Magee, Rev David Alderdice, Rev David Johnston and Rev John Parkes.
Donacloney Presbyterian congregation have worshipped in their location since about 1750, although the old mud walled thatched meeting house was demolished in favour of a church building which could seat 500 during 1798.
Current minister Rev Jim Hagan has been with the congregation since 1986. Prior to his arrival the church had a succession of different ministers over a short period of time. The official Presbyterian Church History of Congregations records; "It may seem hard that so many came and went, but the congregation can at least say that they selected good and able men, and all subsequently occupied highly responsible charges."
Other activities have been planned for later on in the year to celebrate the anniversary, including a flower festival which is due to commence on May 13th 2000. Invited to speak during that weekend will be Dean Hutchison from the Church of Ireland who, as well as being a renowned speaker is a keen florist himself. Commenting on the anniversary Rev Jim Hagan says;
"As a congregation we are so thankful to God for this time of anniversary. We know that we as a community have met with His blessing in the past and can depend on His faithfulness for the future."
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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