Ballinderry Parish | 350th Anniversary of the Middle Church

Ballinderry Parish in the Diocese of Connor marked the 350th anniversary of the Middle Church on 8th and 9th, September 2018. The celebrations coinciding with European Heritage Open Days.

Ballinderry Parish | 350th Anniversary of the Middle Church
A tour guide takes a group on one of the historical tours.

On Saturday 8th September crowds flocked to Ballinderry to travel back in time. They joined an historical tour, organised as part of the celebrations. The tours ran during the day and visited the three historical sites associated with Ballinderry; namely Portmore, the Middle Church and the Parish Church.

Each tour had a guide who explained the significance of the sites and gave a commentary throughout the tour.
Two hundred and fifty people went on the tours and more than 100 visited the Middle Church independently.
The tours ended at the Church Hall where refreshments were served. Everyone also had the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia showing parish life in years past.

Ballinderry Parish | 350th Anniversary of the Middle Church
The service of thanksgiving on the 350th anniversary of the consecration of Middle Church, Ballinderry. From left: Mr Jim Neill (Lay Reader); Rev Canon Ernest Harris (preacher); Rev Nicholas Dark, Rural Dean; Rev Trevor Cleland, rector; Mr John Quigley (Lay Reader); Mr Denis Fullerton (Lay Reader) and Rev Geoff Wilson (Dromore Cathedral).

Service of Thanksgiving on the 350th Anniversary of the Middle Church in Ballinderry Parish.

The following day, Sunday September 9th, 200 people attended a service of thanksgiving in the Middle Church. This was followed by afternoon tea in the Church Hall.

Read more news from the Diocese of Connor on their website here.