Easter Sunday, April 20, was a very special day at Clough Presbyterian Church outside Ballymena when refurbishments and extensions to the church and halls costing £280,000 were dedicated by Presbyterian Moderator Dr Russell Birney.
The major feature of the revised buildings is a new entrance and vestibule at the front of the church which will be a place were people can meet and talk before and after the service. 'The existing vestibule was small and draughty,' explains Clough's minister Rev Elwyn Jones, 'and we often though it would be nice to have a bigger and brighter area at the front of the church where people could take time to meet one another and be welcomed into the church building.'
Another feature of the new vestibule are the two stained glass and three etched glass windows. The stained glass windows are in memory of two long serving members of the congregation and have been donated by their families. Former congregational elder James Wasson's memorial window depicts the passage from Psalms 'Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.' The text 'Come on to me all ye that are heavy laden' is visualised in the window that will be dedicated to the memory of committee member Hugo Currie.
The etched glass windows have images of the vine, the wheat sheaf and a dove descending on to water. This last image is of particular significance to Mr Jones as it is the symbol of the Presbyterian Church in Wales where he began his ministry!
Included in the extensive renovation programme have also been extensions to the small and large halls, a new committee room, increased storage space and facilities for people with disability.
'This is indeed an exciting day for the whole Clough family,' added Mr Jones, 'and it was very fitting that Dr Birney dedicated the refurbishment as he is not only the Moderator but also our good friend from the neighbouring congregation of High Kirk.'
And the Moderator looked forward to the day as well. 'I'm was delighted to be able to be with the Clough congregation on this important day for them. It's particularly fitting that on Easter Sunday, the day when Christians celebrate the new beginning offered in Christ's resurrection that Clough should be starting a new and exciting chapter in the life of the congregation, its members and their work and witness in the community.'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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