Anniversaries all round!
Autumn has been a season of anniversaries in the diocese, with a number of churches marking either the founding of their parish or the construction of their church building.
Throughout 2025 Moira Parish have been marking 300 years since the consecration of St John’s with a variety of events and initiatives including 300 hours of prayer, 300 acts of service, and 300 hours of praise. The parish celebrated with a special service and lunch on Sunday 14 September when Bishop David gave the address. Bishop Wilson from Moira’s link diocese of Ibba, South Sudan was present, as was current parishioner, Bishop Ken Good – a bishop for every century!
On Friday 12 September 2025, Shankill Parish began a weekend of 300th Anniversary celebrations with a special service in the church building which was temporarily reopened for the occasion. Shankill Parish choir were in fine voice and relished the different acoustics owing to a lack of carpet! Bishop David gave the address, preaching on the necessity of prayer in revival. The anniversary comes at a crucial time for the parish as they embark on the final phase a £4 million refurbishment and reordering of the building and ‘Re-Imagine Shankill’ for the next 300 years.
In Scarva there was a wonderful celebration of 175 years of worship in St Matthew’s Parish Church, on Sunday evening 14 September. The church was almost full, and the congregation enjoyed contributions from the Sunday School and the Church Choir. Bishop David gave the address. After the service, the ladies of the parish provided a lovely supper in the church hall complete with a special anniversary cake. Celebrations continued the following Friday with an excellent anniversary concert in the community centre, Scarva when local musicians, singers and dancers took part. Here's looking to the next 175 years!
On Sunday morning 28 September 2025, parishioners and friends gathered in St Patrick’s, Donaghcloney, to celebrate 45 years of worship in the current building and the completion of its reordering. Bishop David preached and in the evening the Revd Ian Linton, rector of Rathfriland and Ballyward, gave the address at a guest service. Commenting on the weekend the rector, Revd Mark Lennox, said: “It was a truly joyous occasion, and I am so thankful to God for the time, talents, and dedication of those who worked so hard over the past number of weeks refurbishing the church. I pray that over the many years to come many people will come through the doors and encounter the Risen Lord Jesus in a real and personal way.”
St Brendan’s, Sydenham (above) held a week of events in October to celebrate the centenary of their founding in 1925. The parish is one of the smallest in the diocese and was originally formed to serve new housing for the shipyard. In 1963 they built a new church which infamously blew down in a storm just two years later! The current building now serves a vibrant church and community and part of the celebrations looked to the future with vision and expectation. Highlights included a fun day, a special community history service with lunch and a performance of the highly acclaimed ’Titanic’ play.
Warrenpoint Parish Church celebrated its 200th anniversary over the weekend of 4-5 October. Fellowship and Worship. On Saturday the church opened its doors for an engaging open day, welcoming visitors to explore its rich history. Sunday featured a special service and lunch at which Bishop David preached, and the hymns were accompanied by the Warrenpoint Silver Band. This was followed by lunch in the Parochial Hall and an evening concert by the Kerygma Choir. On Monday, the celebrations continued with a harvest gift table, where parishioners shared Harvest goods with the local community. For many years now, Warrenpoint and Clonallon Churches have been open for worship on alternate Sundays. Moving Forward into our 201st year, Sunday worship will begin with Holy Communion at 9.00am, every Sunday, and Warrenpoint Parish Church will be now open for worship weekly at 10.00am.
The parishes of Maghera, Kilmegan and St Donard’s recently held a ten-day Harvest Home Mission as part of the diocese's Speak Jesus initiative. The programme blended traditional harvest thanksgiving with vibrant outreach - including patronal festivals, a community quiz, a variety concert, and healing services. Bishop David was the main speaker, with Canon Myrtle Morrison and Capt George Newell assisting. The mission concluded with the 200th anniversary celebration of Maghera Church, marking two centuries of worship on the historic site founded by St Donard in the fifth century.
Happy Anniversary to all!