On Sunday 9th April, Deputy
Mayor Trevor Lunn joined with members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to celebrate 15 years in their
church-house on the Belsize Road.
In addition to briefly sharing the history
of the first missionaries coming to Ireland in 1840, past
leaders recounted the early days of the Church in Lisburn.
Brother Aaron Portis who co-ordinated and conducted the meeting,
introduced past leaders Raymond Lowry, Marshall Edwards and
Nigel Jackson. James Parker, the current Bishop of the Lisburn
branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
brought the history up to the present day. Through personal
stories and visuals the journey of The Church unfolded.
Over the years, members of the
congregation met to worship in various buildings in Lisburn
including - Bow Street, Market Square, Railway Street, Castle
Street and finally, 3 Belsize Road, where the congregation now
worship in a purpose built Chapel. Aaron Portis said, �A
building is just bricks and mortar, timber and steel - what's
important is the people inside who can worship our Saviour.� A
sentiment echoed by Bishop James Parker who later added, �It is
good to remember the experiences of the past but what is most
important is what we do with those experiences. Expressing love
and compassion, serving our fellowman, doing as the Saviour
would do and put into practise His example of the Good Samaritan
- to �go and do thou likewise�. (Luke 10: 30-37)�
Deputy Mayor Trevor Lunn delighted the
congregation with his closing remarks and shared his best wishes
on behalf of Lisburn City Council.
A beautiful musical interlude was provided
by sisters- Rachael Parker and Karen Johnson, with Amy Portis on
piano.
Pictured at the 15th
Anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints on Sunday 9th April is L to R:
(seated) Bishop James Parker and Deputy Mayor Trevor
Lunn. (back row) Nigel Jackson, Marshall Edwards,
Raymond Lowry and Aaron Portis.
Bishop James Parker presenting a
token of appreciation to Deputy Mayor Trevor Lunn at the
15th Anniversary of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday 9th
April.
