Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Ken Newell will officially reopen Killyleagh Presbyterian Church after extensive refurbishment at a special service of thanksgiving and dedication this Sunday 24 October at 11.30am. Photograph opportunities will be available after the service at 1pm.
There will also be an open day this Saturday 23 October from 10am to 8pm when guided tours of the building and its improvements will be given and a short history of the church provided. Tea and coffee will also be served throughout the day.
Killyleagh Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in Ireland, dating back to 1622. The present church building was built 175 years ago and was designed by the leading Presbyterian figure Rev. Henry Cooke. Rev. Cooke was minister in Killyleagh from 1818 to 1829, and later went on to become the second Moderator of the General Assembly in 1841.
The present refurbishments to the building have cost £150,000 and taken 5 years to complete. One of the major changes to take place is the removal of the pews in the downstairs area of the church and their replacement with moveable chairs. This has provided a new area at the front of the church to give greater flexibility during the worship services. Other improvements include a new kitchen, new disabled toilet facilities, new heating installation, data projection installation, new floor coverings and electrical improvements for lighting and sound.
Rev. David McIlwrath, minister of Killyleagh explains the importance of the project to the congregation and the thinking behind the slogan that has been attached to it - 'Moving forward into the 21st Century', "We feel the refurbished meeting house is really exciting in design, workmanship and in practical potential for the worship of God in the 21st century. In our generation we have grasped the opportunity to invest for future generations by renovating the church building in this way."
For more information please contact Rev. David McIlwrath on 028 4482 1859.
Issued by Sarah Harding, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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