This Sunday 27 April at 3.30pm Presbyterian Moderator Dr Russell Birney will unveil the foundation stone at one of the largest congregational building projects for over a century in the Presbyterian Church. The ceremony will take place at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church (258 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey) where a new £1.5m sanctuary is being built to replace the present church building constructed over 140 years ago.
'Some years ago extensive dry rot was discovered in the present church building,' explains Carnmoney's minister Rev John Dickinson. 'The choice was either to completely renovate the existing building or to demolish and rebuild and after much discussion the congregation decided on the rebuilding option.'
As a link with the past the foundation stone has been cut from one of the stones used in the construction of the first building erected on the site. Also, young people of the congregation will present artefacts to the Moderator, which will be buried in a capsule alongside the foundation stone.
With a membership of 1200 families Carnmoney is the biggest congregation within the Presbyterian General Assembly. Work has now begun on the new building, designed by Kennedy, Fitzgerald and Associates which will seat 750 people and provide a contemporary setting for worship in the 21st century. The present vestibule will be retained as will be the existing hall accommodation. The completion date for the new building is scheduled for March 2004.
'Now that the planning stage is over and work is actually beginning there is a tremendous sense of anticipation within the congregation as we look forward to the opportunities that the new buildings will give us in our worship, work and witness here in Carnmoney.' said Mr Dickinson.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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