Within this context the parish church fulfils a dominant leading role. It is a large vibrant congregation of over 1200 households. Well attended services offer a comprehensive range of worship within the parameters of that which is Anglican, supported by a large range of both spiritual and recreational activities for all ages making the church and adjacent parish hall a constant hive of activity. A quick brouse through our website should clarify any questions or queries but failing that please got in touch. Being people friendly with quick and caring action and attitude are the keys to the Christianity we seek to practice and promote. We pride ourselves in offering a comprehensive range of worship and are particularly blessed with very talented and faithful Organist / Choirmaster and both Junior and Senior choirs to lead our worship. While justly proud of our fine buildings and their furnishings, we are also conscious of the fact that the word ecclesia, meaning church, means a fellowship of people, not a building. It is the people of God in this place who are the Church. Banbridge is known as “The Star of the County Down” but its brightest jewel of all by far is its people.

As in any large parish of our size voluntary leadership is constantly under review and renewal. Currently a team of approx fifty in tandem with the Select Vestry are carrying out an in–depth analysis of all aspects of parish life with a view to developing a 5 year strategy for change. Well aware of developing church trends and declining values in society generally our parish is seeking to realistically evaluate and readily engage in the challenges facing all faith communities today. Our vision and aim is to keep our parish at the cutting edge of new and exciting initiatives and developments which will maintain growth in all aspects of church life. A twist in our church spire has resulted in us launching the Nehemiah Appeal. Some months ago a small piece of masonry falling from the spire caused a conditions report to be carried out and this in turn highlighted the need for imminent repairs estimated to be in the region of 350,000 pounds. Anticipating a fifty percent burden on the parish, an appeal for 200,000 pounds has been launched. Called the ‘Nehemiah Appeal’ the aim is to take the inspiration from the Old Testament prophet who returned from exile and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, by having the spire down, rebuilt and paid for in 52 weeks – 1 year. The Rector views this as his last big challenge before his impending retirement and views it as a duty of his stewardship to hand everything on to his successor in good condition.Please check the website for more information on our spire project.