Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen, has led prayers in a Christian act of worship at the annual Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall in a poignant service that also marked the centenary of the ending of the First World War.

Later on today Dr McMullen will represent the Church at the official Northern Ireland commemoration of the ending of the War, which will take place at St Anne’s Cathedral in the city.

Reflecting on today’s centenary the Moderator said, “As we remember those who gave their lives in both world wars and other conflicts, today has a particularly poignant significance, as it falls not only 100 years after the Armistice, but on a Sunday.

“It is important for us to remember those who served and gave their lives in the interests of freedom, particularly during the four years of the First World War, which brought suffering and tragedy on an unimaginable scale and heartache to every village and town, and almost every home throughout these islands.

“Many thousands went from Ireland in what became known as the Great War of 1914-1918. While their names are found on many memorials, their stories are often lost, fading in the mist of time. This is why collective memory and remembrance is so important, as it expresses community and a solemn yet heartfelt gratitude for sacrifices made.

“Many communities were simply changed forever. The fact that we remember on a Sunday is a picture of hope as we celebrate Jesus Christ triumphing over death and rising again from the dead. The Bible stresses the importance not only of praying for those in authority, but also for all of us to be committed to being peacemakers – let us make that commitment for the future today,” he said.

During the past week, as part of his tour of the Church’s Presbytery of East Belfast, Dr McMullen preached at a remembrance service in Campbell College, which lost 126 former pupils and one member of staff during the First World War. On Wednesday he also took part in a community act of remembrance in east Belfast.

Upwards of 24,000 Irish Presbyterians fought during the First World War. Forty-one ministers served as chaplains - some were decorated for their bravery, while others paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Dr McMullen concluded by saying, “My predecessor once described chaplaincy as a ‘unique kind of ministry’ and it is. Our Church has a longstanding commitment to send those who are called to be chaplains to the Armed Forces. As a fellow minister I pay tribute to those who have served and are currently serving God in this way, while remembering those who went before them a century ago, administering Christ’s love and his comfort on the battlefields of the First World War.”

Photos: (1) The Moderator, Dr Charles McMullen leads the prayers at the Cenotaph. The Act of Remembrance also marked the the 100 anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and the ending of the First World War (2) the Moderator progressing back to the City Hall after the Act of Remembrance.