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A new Presbyterian Church Hall built at a cost of approx £1m to replace the one destroyed in an arson attack three years ago will be opened this Saturday, 7 September at 2.00pm at Hillhall Presbyterian Church, Hillhall Road, Lisburn.
The huge fire at Hillhall Presbyterian Church outside Lisburn was clearly visible to early morning commuters travelling into Belfast on the M1 on Monday 15 November 1999. It completely destroyed the hall though miraculously the adjoining church was largely undamaged.
Now three years later and exactly on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the present church building in 1902 the Moderator, Dr Russell Birney will dedicate the news halls and open a new chapter in the congregation's history.
'At the time the fire came as a devastating blow to the entire congregation who had worked so hard towards its provision and particularly in the wake of the forensic report confirming that the fire was started deliberately,' explains Rev Jack Richardson, Hillhall's minister, who lost his entire study and reference library in the fire.
'However what I call the Hillhall spirit of rolling up our sleeves and getting on with serving Christ and the community has brought us to this important day and there is great excitement and anticipation in the congregation about the new halls.
'We are confidently looking forward to once more have the facilities we need to further our work and witness to all that we come in contact with.'
The halls, designed by architect brothers and members of the congregation, Roy and Alan McNeill of WDR and RT Taggart and built by local contractor Mark Crowe will be opened by Mrs Edna Jebb, the senior lady elder in the congregation. Mr John Connor, Hillhall's Clerk of Session will invite Presbyterian Moderator Dr Russell Birney to dedicate the halls along with various gifts that have been donated by members and friends of the congregation.
And the halls will be put into use immediately as the congregation has planned two weeks of special outreach meetings at 8.00pm each evening beginning this Sunday 8 September involving speakers including musician Keith Getty, hockey international Karen Humphries and Lady Eames who will talk about the role that faith plays in their lives. Journalist Alf McCreary and Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Prof Des Rea will speak at 7am breakfasts on Friday 13th and 20th September.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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