This Saturday, 24 May at 2.30pm marks an historic occasion at Carryduff Presbyterian Church when Moderator Dr Russell Birney dedicates a £0.9m suite of halls.
Faced with a decision to either renovate existing facilities built during the 1930's and '70's and added to in the 80's or start again the congregation embarked on an ambitious new build programme. This, together with the completion of an extended vestibule to the church in 2001 brings their total spending over the last three years to £1.1m.
"The old buildings would have needed considerable refurbishment to cope with the expanding needs of a church like ours with its wide range of activities for all ages," says Carryduff's minister Rev Alistair Smyth. "But aside from the practical reasons, we will be using the new buildings in an effort to reach out to the community around us. We want to build good relationships and impact our community with Christian love and concern for everyone."
The new accommodation consists of one large hall, two smaller halls and a variety of meeting rooms including a Minister's room. Storage space, catering facilities and cloakrooms complete the complex.
Particularly significant in the development is the inclusion from an early stage in the planning of a Youth room. This together with the recent appointment of a Youth and Family worker shows the congregation's commitment to this area of ministry
The halls will be officially opened by Carryduff's Clerk of Session Mr Fred Wilson and dedicated by the Moderator. Celebrations continue on Sunday 25 May when Dr Birney will preach at both morning and evening services at 11.30am and 7.00pm. The evening service will be united with the neighbouring congregations of Castlereagh, Granshaw and Saintfield Road.
The whole community will get an opportunity to see the new halls on Saturday 14 June when everyone is invited to an 'Extravaganza' with activities for all the family.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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