A Presbyterian Church initiative that began with one home providing accommodation for 25 older people and now runs six residential homes, one nursing home and two sheltered dwelling projects with space for 285 people is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this weekend.
A special service will be held in Windsor Presbyterian Church, Lisburn Road, Belfast at 3.00pm on Sunday 30th May, sixty years to the day from when, what was then known as the Presbyterian Residential Trust, opened its first home at Adelaide House on Belfast's Adelaide Park, off the Malone Road.
The Trust was founded by a former Moderator, Very Rev Dr William Corkey, who, after the second World War, became very aware of the lack of suitable accommodation for older people who could no longer live on their own or look after themselves. Any homes that did exist were run by charities or philanthropic individuals and Dr Corkey considered it appropriate that there should be a home were the Church could give something back to those who had served it so well during their active lives.
Inspired by the generosity of three elderly ladies who left substantial bequests for such a purpose, Dr Corkey and several others successfully proposed to the General Assembly 'a scheme for the establishment of such a residence.'
Subsequently Adelaide House was bought 'at a price not exceeding £11,000' and after necessary renovations was opened on 30th May 1950 by Lady Granville, wife of the then Governor of Northern Ireland.
The success of Adelaide House was followed over the next years with further homes being opened in Belfast, Bangor, Portrush, Londonderry, Dublin and Newcastle. Other types of accommodation have also been provided including a nursing home in Omagh and various sheltered dwelling projects.
Linda Wray, Residential Services Manager with the Presbyterian Church's Board of Social Witness says that the Christian ethos of the homes is very important to the residents who come from many different church backgrounds.
"In our homes we don't just meet people's physical and mental needs but a vital element is meeting their spiritual needs as well. Daily devotions and weekly services conducted by staff and local ministers are an important part of the routine."
Strong links to the surrounding community and churches have also been a great strength of the Presbyterian homes and, as well as local support committees, most have associated friends groups which organise outings and activities and undertake to regularly visit residents.
"Older People's Services are a very important ministry of our church," added Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Stafford Carson who will conduct Sunday's service. "I have been delighted to visit and spend time with the residents in many of our homes during the last year and to listen and learn from the experiences they have shared with me. I'm delighted to be taking part in the special service where we can celebrate this ministry and give thanks for the wisdom and creative enthusiasm of all who have been involved in its work and witness over the last sixty years."
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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