The BARN: Building Community at Ballylesson
Construction has begun on The BARN, an exciting new annexe at Ballylesson Church. The project grew out of a season of prayer and discernment after a period of church growth and increasing demand for activities in the hall.
In 2024, local architect Keith McClure facilitated a vision workshop that identified the need for an additional social space for both the church and the wider community. At its heart was a desire to welcome people across the threshold. This developed our vision of ‘Belong, Believe and Abide’, based on Acts 2:42–47.
We also had a very generous bequest upon which we were able to build. David Knox (Springmount Consulting) secured additional funding from the Benefact Trust and Garfield Weston Trust, with a major injection of funding from the Community Investment Fund overseen by Lisburn and Castlereagh Council. They recognised the activities and events that were creating a real sense of community here in Ballylesson. Councillor Uel Mackin (pictured) also assisted in securing the CIF funding.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity, not only of our parishioners, but also people who live in the local community. It is envisioned that the BARN will run as a donation box café drop-in Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm (similar to the Dock Café at Titanic). It will provide a place for folk to gather and in the afternoons provide a safe space for the local school children who get off the bus close to the hall gates.
The BARN will also be available to other community groups in the evening with plans for a board game night, supper club, run club and music events. This will be a hub for everyone.
During this harvest season we have been blessed and see this as an opportunity to bless this community. This vision is reflected in Proverbs 3:9–10:
"Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Revd Mervyn Jamison
Pictured above: Members of the Select Vestry, parishoners and William Polly, Foreman with ME Crowe builders. Revd Mervyn holds the plans with councillor Uel Mackin (LCCC).
