‘Special place of worship’ is dedicated in Newcastle
On Sunday 19 April 2026, Newcastle Parish dedicated the newly extended St Colman’s Church, Tullybrannigan, with a special service followed by a 'picnic in the pews'. Longtime parishioner, Mr George Hanna, had the honour of cutting the ribbon.
St Colman’s, which was built as a cemetery church in 1927, sits in tranquil grounds and has a special place in the hearts of both the parish and the community. It hosts two services of worship every Sunday but the new extension with its kitchen and toilet will greatly expand the opportunities for outreach and hospitality.
There are plans for community coffee mornings, light lunches, an Alpha Course starting in September and possibly a parent and toddler group. Fittingly, the official opening is being followed by a week of outreach in St John’s and St Colman’s in partnership with a visiting team from Texas.
The service in the marquee was led by the rector, Canon Myrtle Morrison and Lurgan Salvation Army Band. Around 270 people joined the celebrations.
Bishop David gave the address and also paid tribute to Myrtle’s late husband Dill in whose memory the extension has been dedicated. The bishop urged the parish to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ and to help others discover the love of God and come into a relationship with him.
The project, which included remedial work on the church building, has been funded mostly by parishioners with grants from Listed Places of Worship and from the Newcastle Development Association. Local businesses have also been generous with their support. At the time of writing a relatively small amount is still outstanding.
Parish fundraising has included support for St Columba's Hospital in India which is linked with St Colman’s by a donation of 756, pounds 11 shillings and 3 pence on the building’s 50th anniversary. There is a Newcastle Ward still in operation.
