Presbyterian Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Noble McNeely, has officially opened and dedicated Clogherney Presbyterian’s new church building, calling it ‘a significant day in the life of the local church’.

The new meetinghouse near Beragh in County Tyrone is the fourth in the church’s history since local Presbyterians were granted permission to form a new congregation in 1720. The new building replaced the one built at the beginning of the last century in 1902.

The Moderator preached his sermon from Matthew 5:13-16 and described how a local church is to be like a light on a hill, reflecting the light of Jesus Christ in the community in which it is placed. In congratulating the leadership and members of the church who gave sacrificially and patiently, Dr. McNeely, said, “This is a very significant day in the life of Clogherney Church and it is very special for me to be given the opportunity to share it with you as you officially open your new church building, this splendid and beautiful meetinghouse.

“The church’s calling is to be a light in the world. This new building stands as a fresh light from a vibrant community of believers. As you worship in this sanctuary in a beautiful congenial environment for worship in spirit and truth, may God equip you as a congregation to go out into your community as everyday disciples to be lights for Christ. 

“We have the light of the gospel to share and as Rev. Norman Smyth faithfully ministers to you, and as you apply the gospel to your daily living, may the church of Clogherney be known as a people who are devoted to Christ and demonstrate His grace and love in their community.

With the demolition of the old building and rebuilding of the new starting at the end of November 2015, the project was completed in just inside two years. Around 120-140 people worship each Sunday from a congregation of 137 families, which is linked to Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church a few miles away.

Rev. Norman Smyth, who has been minister of Clogherney and Sixmilecross since 2013 said, “I am delighted with how the congregation has united to think about the needs of present and future generations so that they might hand down a building that is fit-for-purpose for all to worship God in.

“The modern glass fronted design and large foyer is very welcoming and gives a comfortable place to linger and chat. Those with hearing, sight or mobility impairments will find the facilities of the whole building much more convenient and welcoming than previously.”

Rev. Smyth also talked of the new Campaigners youth and children's ministry which is to be launched shortly with Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church and how it would benefit from the refurbishment of the rest of the church.

“A new all-age friendship club that started last month will also find a relaxing new setting for tea, chat, games and fellowship. We look forward to God's leading in how else we may use the premises as a base for mission to our community,” Rev. Smyth said.

Photos: (1) (LtoR) Rev. Robert Orr, Moderator of Omagh Presbytery, Rev. Norman Smyth, Minister Clogherney Presbyterian Church, Moderator, Rt.Rev.Dr. Noble McNeely, Very Rev. Dr. John Lockington, Minisger Emeritus Clogherney Presbyterian (2) Clogherney's news welcome sign (3) exteria of the new church (4) Back Row, Clogherney elders David Young, Stanley Caldwell, Robert Clements, Ian McDowell, Johnston Mulligan and Robert Clarke with Quantity Surveyor Rodney Condell and Heath and Saftey consultant Ivor Faulkner. Front Row, contractor Fred McDowell, Very Rev. Dr John Lockington, Rt. Rev. Dr. Noble McNeely, Rev Robert Orr, Rev. Norman Smyth, Clerk of Session Ruth Kerr and  architect Gemma Mannix.

For more information on the life, witness and ministry of Clogherney Presbyterian Church, you can visit their website here.