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A Presbyterian Church near Londonderry are preparing to open a new hall extension next Friday, October 12th, 2001. Faughanvale Presbyterian, situated near Eglinton village, will be joined by Moderator Dr Alastair Dunlop as they celebrate the service of dedication, which commences at 7.30pm.
Costing over £350,000, the new hall extension gives Faughanvale Church three new meeting rooms, a renovated kitchen, storage space and new hall heating. Minister of Faughanvale Rev Jim Gray explains why the extension was needed:
"I've been ministering here for 26 years. In that time Eglinton village has grown rapidly, which has had an affect on church numbers. When I first arrived there were 202 families in the church - that number has now gone to 320. We have something like 100 plus in both Boys Brigade and Girl Guides and thankfully a supply of good caliber leaders. We also need to cater for the Youth Fellowship on a Saturday night. This work to our halls will greatly enhance our capacity to cater for these numbers and we pray that God will continue to bless us as we serve him in this area."
Half of the money has already been raised, some of it by unconventional means, not least a freezing New Years Day swim off Portstewart Strand which donations totaling £1000.
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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