The 30th anniversary cake.	Founder member Jean Mitchell cuts the 30th anniversary cake.	Pastor Nick Serb pictured with the architect, Robert Hewitt and his wife Myrtle.

Members past and present packed Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October) for a 4-course dinner celebrating the 30th anniversary of the present church.

Following the delightful meal, which was prepared and served by Ruth Frazer, Phyllis McCormick and her team of helpers, Christine McCormick accompanied by Elizabeth Campbell on piano sang, 'How lovely is Thy dwelling place'.

Ronnie Nesbitt (Church Secretary) gave an interesting talk on the history of the church since the formation of the early congregation in 1969, the opening of the first church (a portable wooden structure) in February 1970, the present church in September 1978 and the new manse in August 2008. Speaking of the church as a 'Missionary minded Church' he spoke of the 28 church members who went to serve in full time Christian work as Pastors, Missionaries etc., including founder member Billy Wright, now 81 years of age, who in an emotional talk recalled the early days of the congregation and gave thanks for the fellowship he enjoyed at Mount Zion before going out to the mission field at 44 years of age.

The anniversary dinner commenced a weekend of Harvest Thanksgiving services. Pastor Nick Serb was the preacher at the morning and evening services last Sunday and the guest singers were Louise Watterson, Dorothy Smith and Ruth Miller. The Rev Colin Meneely was the guest speaker at the service on Monday evening and the guest singer was Ruth Trimble. Special guests at the harvest services included the Mayor, Councillor Ronnie Crawford and Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson.

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Members past and present who packed Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October) for the 30th Anniversary Dinner.	Billy Wright and his wife Margaret (left) and John Mackin and his wife Mary and daughter Elizabeth (right) pictured at the 30th Anniversary Meal in Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October).
Enjoying the 30th Anniversary Dinner are Jim and Sally McBride, Ria Sloan and Edith Greer (left) and Rev Fergus Bell (Pastor from 1991 to 1996) and his wife Norma and David and Sarah Seeds (right).	At the 30th anniversary dinner in Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October) are Building Contractor Ernie Part and his wife Jean.
Browsing through pictures of Mount Zion through the years are Ronnie Nesbitt (Church Secretary) and Mavis Ross (nee Heaney) who recorded the history of Mount Zion in her book entitled, 'Lisburn - Life in the County Down'.	Mount Zion's gourmet chefs who cooked up the delightful 30th anniversary dinner last Saturday night (18th October). L to R: (front) Julie McCormick, Ruth Frazer, Phyllis McCormick and Jenna Patterson. (back) Andrew McCormick, Angela Bryans and Warren Patterson,
Founder Members John Mackin (89) and Billy Wright (81) pictured at the 30th anniversary dinner in Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October).	Rev Fergus Bell (Pastor from 1991 to 1996) and his wife Norma pictured at the 30th anniversary dinner in Mount Zion Free Methodist Church last Saturday night (18th October).

19/10/2008