DEVELOPMENT SINCE 1988

As the church membership grew, the accommodation on the church premises became insufficient to meet demand. It was decided that there was need for a large kitchen, an office, a lounge, better toilet facilities which would cater for the disabled and of course, more storage.

Work commenced in 1989 by Messrs. Crowe, with a new minor hall, the previous one being divided to give a lounge and a crèche, and the addition of a new room beside the stage, a kitchen, an office, and toilets.

This new minor hall and the extended buildings were opened and dedicated on 29th September 1990 by the Very Rev. Principal R.F.G. Holmes, B.A., M.A., M.Litt., D.D.

In 1990 Mr. A. MacLurg resigned from the position of Clerk of Session. He served the Session and congregation faithfully for 27 years. He was succeeded by Mr. Ian McIlroy.

On 24th November 1990, a "Music Marathon" was held, initiated and inspired by the organist, Mr. Tom Haire and the choir. It was an all-day event, with the Church Choir, Sunday Schools, various bands, schools and members of the congregation all taking part. It started with breakfast and finished at supper time. Many in the congregation helped by stewarding, providing food, cooking and serving meals; everyone worked to make it a very happy and successful day.

The practical and financial side of the congregation has not been neglected. Computer equipment was purchased for use by the Treasurer. A public address and loop system was installed in the church in 1989, and a new photocopier purchased in 1991. The congregation has been `green' since 1956 with the collection of waste paper for recycling. Unfortunately, this service had to be discontinued in 1993 owing to the lack of demand for waste paper and the resultant low prices.

The breadth of outlook which has been a characteristic of the congregation, has been maintained to the present day. A few years ago an American Roman Catholic priest, studying at the Irish School of Ecumenics in Dublin, was the guest of the congregation for two weeks, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Gray at the Manse and experiencing the life and work of the congregation
through its various organisations, visiting some of the families and participating in some of the Sunday services. This inter-church cross-community relationship has been maintained through the occasional contact with the local Roman Catholic congregation and local maintained Primary school, as well as with the local controlled Primary school and the local Church of Ireland congregations, including a combined Prayer group with Lambeg Parish Church.

Throughout the life of Harmony Hill the Church as a family has always been emphasised so that all ages come together for worship, for enjoyment and happy fellowship. This has been apparent in Family Services - in outings to the Ten-Pin Bowling at Dundonald - in family picnics to Castlewellan Forest Park. There have been two very memorable Church Family week-ends at Corrymeela which were organised by a committee of members. There was a Youth-Reach Festival and an annual residential youth weekend. The young people have met with the young people of Abbey Presbyterian Church, Dublin on several occasions and travelled with them to St. Ives United Reformed Church in Cambridge. For a number of years a successful Saturday night Youth club organised by Mr. Brian Payne and later Mr. Maurice Bracken served the district community.

Indeed as has been said the Church Family looks after all ages from the very young in the Crèche on Sunday mornings through the two `After Eight' Groups (for young people) on Sunday Evenings to the senior citizens who meet on alternate Thursday afternoons. A Craft Group for women, Prayer Groups, a Bible Study Group and Prayer Link in which members pray for the ill and troubled show the commitment of the congregation to the teaching of Christ. A short Healing Service is held once a month after Evening Service.
In 1988 a `Barmbrack Club', which meets on Monday mornings, was started for retired men, offering their various skills to the maintenance of the church premises.

On 22nd September 1991, a second Flower Festival was held, organised entirely by members of the congregation. The Theme was `God's World' including some reference to current environmental issues. As with the earlier Flower Festival, a considerable part of the proceeds went to charities.

On 28th September 1991, the Very Rev. Dr. Tom Patterson, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, died. He had been an active member and an elder in the congregation since joining Harmony Hill ten years previously on retirement. Among many varied interests, Dr. Patterson was particularly concerned with the Prayer Groups and the Bible Study Group, leading it at times. The Thursday Club also benefited from his wisdom.

In October 1991, Rev. W.H. Gray retired. He contributed much to the ongoing spiritual life of the congregation, and on 27th November 1991 the congregation, pastmembers and friends gathered to pay tribute to the work, care and love of Mr. and Mrs. Gray during the 15 years of Rev. Gray's ministry in Harmony Hill. The Very Rev. Dr. H. Cromie, Minister of Railway Street Presbyterian Church was again appointed Convenor in Charge of the Vacancy.

REV. D. B. KNOX, B.A., B.D.

In February 1992 an unanimous Call was made by the congregation to the Rev. David Brian Knox, B.A., B.D., Minister of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church. He had been Assistant Minister in McQuiston Memorial Church, Belfast, where he was ordained in 1979, followed by his installation in Downpatrick in 1981.

Rev. Knox was installed in Harmony Hill on 27th May 1992. A very warm welcome from the congregation was extended to him, his wife, Heather and their two sons, Paul and Mark. Mr. and Mrs. Knox have shown a deep commitment to the witness of Jesus Christ in the church and the community. Mr. Knox was one of the delegates from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to the 10th Assembly of the Conference of European Churches in Prague in September 1992.

The congregation in Harmony Hill continues to thrive with some 512 families on the rolls.
A high standard of praise has always been maintained in Harmony Hill by organist, choir and congregation. Additional interest has been provided with the introduction of some new hymns. In 1993 a Praise Band and Group was started by Mr. Knox involving a number of young people. Drama has also been used in Sunday services.

As part of the celebration of 350 years of Presbyterianism in Ireland, a play/pageant was held in the Assembly Hall, Church House, Belfast on 2nd June 1992. Three members of Harmony Hill Sunday School took part in the Pageant - Sharon Topping, Laura Wilson and Christopher McKinley. Mr. Clifford Boyd was Stage Manager and members of `Barmbrack' were stage crew.

A one day conference for elders has been held annually since 1981.

In keeping with the family tradition in Harmony Hill, a very successful Parent and Toddlers' Group was started in the autumn of 1992 under the guidance of Mrs. Leah Murray, meeting each Wednesday morning. In the wider community, Lisburn Sunday School for children with learning difficulties commenced on Sunday 6th June 1993 in Harmony Hill Church Halls, Mrs. Greta Mcllveen, and many of the teachers being members of the congregation.

The history of the congregation is comparatively short but the hope and prayer of all is that, as the year 2000 approaches, the congregation will continue to grow in the love and service of Christ, the sole King and Head of the Church.

 

LAMBEG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For Year ended 31st December, 1955

Notices:

Sabbath Services --Morning 11.30;  Evening 7 o'clock.
Sabbath School-Afternoon 3 o'clock.
Cubs-Tuesday 7p.m.
Junior G. A.-Wednesday 7.310 p.m.
Scouts- Thursday 7.30 p.m.
Women's Guild-Second Wednesday of the month, 8 p.m.