Cecil C. Creaney	Thos Hanna
Thomas H. Daley	John C. Pace
Henry Pace	Sam Semple
Bob Taylor	David Burrows

John Simpson

William Surgenor

Ronald Waterman

George Surgenor

Those taken as Prisoner of War included:

 

The report also listed another 21 boys who had fought in the First World War. Of those who were killed in action, their old schoolmaster, Mr Pyper, said

"Some of those marked, Killed in Action, are among the noblest characters it has been my privilege to teach".

The list is a long one for the size of the home and the killed and wounded number 40% of those who enlisted.

Rev. H. H. Cornish

The Rev. H. H. Cornish was appointed principal in 1919. In 1920 the report for that year noted that he had been 'assiduous in his efforts to promote efficiency in every department'. On his return to Circuit work in 1921 the committee thanked Mr Comish for all his efforts on behalf of the boys.

Special Gifts

During the period 1919 - 1920 an extraordinary amount of gifts in kind and gifts of special objects were received. Gifts for Christmas festivities reached a record total.

Donations through the matron towards the cost of sewing and knitting machines fully covered the amounts necessary and donations had been forthcoming to the principal towards the purchase of a Ford car.

Rev. W. T. Brownlee

The Rev. W. T. Brownlee was appointed ministerial principal in 1921 and spent eight years in the post. The committee acknowledged that during these years the Rev. W.T. Brownlee had 'devoted himself heart and soul to the interests of the boys, and to the welfare of the home.'
Annual Report 1929.

1924

In 1924 the boys' home celebrated its 'coming of age'. It had been 21 years since it first opened its doors to needy boys.

Fund Raising

From the early days of the home the boys themselves played an active role in promoting the work of the home. In addition to appearing at the Anniversary Services in the Grosvenor Hall, Belfast, the boys also attended numerous meetings in different circuits in the interests of the home. Their programmes comprised action songs, choruses, exhibitions of physical drill, etc. The aim of such performances by the boys was to bring the work and advantages of the home before a wider constituency and thereby create a wider and deeper sympathy.

Later on, these visits developed into tours within Northern Ireland, where the boys visited several places over a period of weeks.

Displays and Tours

The 1925 report stated that, during the year, twenty visits were made to Belfast and provincial towns to give displays to 'large and sympathetic audiences'. The juvenile brass band was a central part of each performance.

In an extract from a letter to Craigmore by an 'Old Boy' in the 1927 annual report, the writer stated "I am sorry I am not going on the tour with you: I enjoyed going on the tours". The tours which took place all around Northern Ireland were of promotional value to the work of the home and helped raise funds.

Often these tours were extensive undertakings and in the 1924 Report a tour of Cookstown, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Knockloughrim and Upperlands was recorded. A similar trip had been arranged for the Easter week to take in the Clogher Valley including Aughnacloy, Lisnaskea, Fivemiletown, Brookeborough and Lisbellaw. The boys in Scout uniforms with the Juvenile Brass Band alongside an entertainment programme formed the basis of the tour. In various visits in reports from other years performances were noted as 'Physical Displays, together with Solos, Recitations and Choruses were given

Gift Day

Gift Day was an annual event held at Craigmore in order to promote the work of the home and at the same time supplement finances. It was a major event in the Craigmore calendar and by all accounts was a major organisational undertaking.

In 1928 for example, it was decided to use the services of the Ulster Menu Co. to cater for 250 guests with reserve for 50 more.

Affiliation

In 1928 Dr McKeag met Mr Hodson-Smith in London.

The question of affiliation with the National Children's Homes in England was discussed. This institution had been founded by the late Dr Stephenson. This affiliation was not a financial alignment, the support of the home's financial needs remained unchanged.

One way in which the affiliation benefited the boys was in the facilities it allowed for the technical training of the boys. The 1936 report noted that of eight boys who had left 'not fewer than five of these were accepted for training in England by the National Children's Home and Orphanage. Of these, two have been apprenticed to engineering in Birmingham, one to carpentering, and one for horticultural training, another joined the junior office staff at their headquarters at Highbury

Another major benefit of the affiliation was the fact that trained staff were made available through its sisterhood. The 1928 report gave a welcome to the new personnel of the home, first to the new matron, Sister Louise Jennings, and secondly to her assistant, Sister Florence Cornwell, both from the National Children's Home in England.

1929 - 1937

A New Chaplain

For some years, the financial position had been extremely difficult, and in 1929 it became necessary to reduce management expenses as far as possible. For this reason it was decided, with the approval of conference, to replace the principal of Craigmore Home with a resident chaplain.

Rev. R.H. Foster 1929-30

The Rev. R. H. Foster came to the post with a background in the ministry, the forces and on the mission field. It was felt all of this experience made him an ideal mentor for the boys of Craigmore. Sadly, however, the Rev. Foster had, owing to ill-health, to tender his resignation in 1930 from the office of chaplain of the home. Since his appointment he had done much to further the interests of the home and had given great care to the moral and spiritual training of the boys.

Addition to Buildings -1930

The extension to Craigmore Children's Home at Aghalee was formerly opened by Lady Cleaver on Saturday 27th September 1930, the Right Honourable Samuel Cunningham in the chair. A new and badly-needed dining room had been built and the old schoolroom had been converted into a gymnasium. As well as these, bathrooms and a cloakroom had been added. Upstairs a new dormitory was now in place and further accommodation had been provided for the staff. Accommodation was now available for forty boys. This extension to the home was the first to take place since 1905.

Gift Day

In 1932 a Gift Day was held which one newspaper cutting referred to as the most successful in the history of Craigmore Orphanage.

Numerous friends had driven to the home from the neighbouring towns and from Belfast. One coach party arrived from Belfast.

Present at the Gift Day were the High Sherriff of Belfast, Councillor F. J. Holland; the ex-President of the Methodist Church, Rev. F. E. Harte; and the President, Rev. J. A. Duke; Councillor Fred Thompson (Chairman of the Committee) and Mr A. F. Shillington (son of the late donor) and his family as well as Mrs T. F. Shillington (widow of the donor).

The visitors inspected the house and grounds, being entertained to tea by Sister Lousie Jennings, and an excellent musical programme by the boys.

Camps

In 1932 the report for that year announced that for the first time they had a small summer camp. In holiday periods boys would at times be taken by parents or relatives, if they had them, for a time. The camp was run for those boys who had no available relatives to take them on holidays. The first camp was spent at Orlock under canvas. The report noted its thanks to the Grosvenor Hall Company of the Boys' Brigade who had lent the tents. The intention was to have the camp as an annual event.

Sale of Land

In 1933 the farm again had been an issue which was to the fore of committee thinking. At that time, owing largely to the loss of the services of Mr Ewing, through ill health, the committee decided it would be advantageous to dispose of the farm entirely, investing the proceeds for the benefit of the home. The disposal was successfully carried through by the close of the year. Thirty three acres of land were sold along with the steward's house and farm buildings. Ample space was retained, including garden, orchard, and playing fields, for the use of the boys.

Scouts

The 1934 annual report noted that a scout troop had started the previous April. The boys of the troop had succeeded in winning a silver cup for the Scouts' relay race at Banbridge. In 1935 another successful year of scouting was reported and thanks was conveyed to the untiring assistance of Mr Allen Douglas and Mr J. A. Alderson for all the work they had contributed to the company. At the Banbridge Scouts' Sports 'Craigmore' had again successfully won the Sports' Cup, and at Scarva they had won the Sports' Shield. Local boys were also members of the Craigmore Scouts and Mr James Martin has fond memories of his time spent in the Scouts.

Funds

For the first time, during the year 1935, a house-to-house collection was made throughout Belfast for the benefit of Craigmore Boys' Home funds. It was hoped this venture would also widen the knowledge of the work of the home.

A concert was held during the year in Aghalee, and another concert was organised by Mr Norman Robb for the boys in the Ulster Hall. At the latter the Band of the Border Regiment proved a great attraction.

A broadcast appeal was made during December by Major D. G. Shillington, D.L, M.P. This met with widespread support and contributions were even received from across the channel.

1937 Annual Report

The thirty-fifth annual report of Craigmore was the last report of Craigmore Home as a separate institution.

It stated as follows:

The financial position of Craigmore has caused the committee keen anxiety for a number of years. Expenditure exceeded income, in spite of the greatest care in management, and we were obliged to draw on our reserves. At the same time the social legislation of recent years and the extension of Widows' and Orphans' pensions made the necessity for Craigmore Home not so great as when it was established 35 years ago. In addition, the Orphan Home which came into operation during the war years, under the auspices of the Belfast Central Mission and which afterwards was transferred to Childhaven, was doing a substantial share of the work

Careful consideration of all of these factors had resulted in the decision that work by the Methodist Church in Northern Ireland amongst orphans and necessitous children could be more efficiently carried out by an amalgamation of the two homes, Craigmore and Childhaven.

After this matter was discussed by the committee of the Belfast Central Mission who gave it their most sympathetic consideration it was finally agreed to discontinue the use of Craigmore Home as a separate orphanage and to transfer the remaining boys to Childhaven. The proposal was then submitted to Conference and subsequently approved. Formal approval of the Courts was then sought and gained.

The home at Childhaven became known as 'Childhaven and Craigmore Homes' and a new Trust Deed was drawn up for the home. Most of the boys were transferred during July. Some boys went to England to receive special training under the auspices of the National Children's Home and Orphanage. A few returned to relatives, who having a change in circumstances, were enabled to maintain them. One boy was adopted and the remainder of the children were transferred to Childhaven.

Craigmore was finally closed at the end of August, 1937. During its history 300 boys had been cared for in Craigmore. It was with very great regret that the committee came to the decision to close, but felt as the report stated that it is,

'gratifying to know that its name will be perpetuated in the combined Childhaven and Craigmore Homes:

The report closed by expressing thanks to those who had financially helped Craigmore during its lifetime, it thanked also those who had worked in Craigmore over the years and devoted themselves to the boys' welfare and to those who had with work or gifts contributed to the upkeep of the home

CRAIGMORE 'OLD BOYS'

A Widely Scattered Family

In the 1913 report it stated that Craigmore boys were to be found world-wide. One place of destination for many boys was Canada. In the early days of the home many boys emigrated to Canada, often under the auspices of the Dr Stephenson Scheme. In Canada the boys undertook many forms of employment and many kept in contact with Craigmore and Craigmore personnel likewise kept regular contact with 'Old Boys'. The 1906-1907 Annual Report records that 2 boys had gone to Canada where their employers were pleased with their work. The boys had been settled on a large farm close to Toronto. The Children's Home Representative had written regarding the two Canadian emigrants and said They are just the kind of boys we want, and promise to be a credit to the home'

The 1909 annual report stated that a boy who had been too old to admit to Craigmore had been sent instead to a Children's Home in England in order that he might be sent to Canada, the Orphan Fund and Craigmore Home bearing an equal share of the expense of his maintenance and emigration expenses.

By 1914 Craigmore boys were to be found in almost every part of the world. 'Some are farming in the N.W. Provinces; one is a wireless operator on an East going steamship; another has joined a cargo steamer and is at present on a voyage that will take him round the world; another in the great West-land is preparing for the ministry of the Gospel'.

During the 1920's boys continued to leave Ireland to go to Canada and New Zealand while many were found positions nearer home.

The 1928 report recorded that boys who had been trained and educated at Craigmore now occupied positions of responsibility in many lands.

Two have entered the Christian Ministry, others have taken up various employments, including Press Reporter, Accountancy, Drapery, Grocery and Hardware, Motor engineering and Farming

Craigmore Boys Home Annual Report 1928.

During the same year 2 brothers had emigrated to Canada. In 1928 also the principal at that time, paid a brief visit to Canada and the USA. He was very pleased to see some of the "Old Boys" and gratified to see them so happy and making good progress. He also found many people to be interested in the home and who had shown their sympathy in a practical way. The visit raised a total of ?56-5-8.

The affiliation of the home with the National Children's Home had the supplementary benefit of using more readily the provision made by this institution to enabled boys who wanted to emigrate to do so. The affiliation also enabled boys to be placed in suitable training schemes in England and so prepared them for employment.

By the time of its closure in 1937 Craigmore Boys' Home had trained and sent out into the world 300 boys, who without the aid and support of Craigmore would have had little chance in life. A testimony to the effect it had on the life of the boys who were reared at the boys' home are the extracts of only a few of the many letters which were received from 'Old Boys' and the fact that boys often returned to the place of their upbringing in holiday periods or on visits to Ireland. One touching tribute to the fond memories boys had for Craigmore was that a boy who had emigrated to Canada forwarded a contribution towards the erection of the new school building in 1908.

Extracts from Letters sent by 'Old Boys'

(published in the 1927 Annual Craigmore Report).

I received your last letter and was very glad to hear from you. How is the Band?. Tell all the lads I was asking for them. I have been working here now and I think it is simply great. The most cows I have ever milked yet at once is fourteen, so that shows I am pretty good. I was only getting 10/- last year and now I am getting 15/6 a week. All this money goes into the bank. I am very glad you are going to send me the News Letter. I am receiving it regularly and I am very pleased to read all about old Ulster once more.

The next two weeks will be the hardest working weeks in the year making maple syrup. Every night we will be working in the bush making syrup until 12.0'clock. Of course there is money making in it. It sells at 2 dollars a gallon. l am only three parts of a mile to the Methodist Church and l go every Sunday to both Sunday School and Church. So long. Goodbye and Good Night and Write Soon and Don't Forget'
D. (Canada)

CRAIGMORE SCHOOL

The Wesley Code

Susannah Wesley instructed her children both religiously and educationally. Her emphasis on a good education for her children was perpetuated in the ministry of her son, John. He wanted to unite the pair so long disjoined; knowledge and vital piety. He was successful in his endeavours in this area and deserves to be placed amongst the pioneers of popular education in England.

It has been a tradition therefore for Methodism to be united with education though it must be stressed Wesley never viewed education as an end in itself.

The object of the home as laid out in its Deeds of Trust (8th October 1902) were to provide for,

By the time of the first annual report (1903-1904) 27 boys were in residence in the home. The assistant matron taught the junior boys whilst the senior boys went to Aghalee National School where they were taught by Mrs Gawley.

By the time of the second annual report (1904-1905) however, the schooling of the boys had been moved to Craigmore both for convenience and because it was felt a male teacher would be beneficial to the boys' education. The old warping room of Shillington brothers situated to the rear of the boys' home consequently became the new schoolroom for the boys. The male teacher subsequently appointed was Mr John Pyper. Mrs Gawley continued to act as the assistant teacher. Plans for a new school had been prepared and were passed to the Commissioners of

National Education for approval. A teacher's residence was also proposed and it was hoped that a loan would be obtained from the Board of Works for this purpose. By 1906 the number on the school rolls was in fact 67 children.

Education of the children successfully continued on these premises for the next three years. Eventually the Commissioners of National Education did give the necessary grant for the new school. The grant did in fact cover two thirds of the costs of the erection of the new school.

The foundation stones were laid for the new school on Wednesday 17th June 1908. The stones were laid by Mrs Mercier, Mrs David Jones, Miss Dora Thompson and Mr Henry Mathers. Along with the foundation stones copies of daily newspapers and a plan of Conference were subsequently placed alongside them. The laying of the foundation stones took place during the week of Conference.

The President of Conference, Rev. J. J. Simon, presided at the event. At the ceremony he stated that

"On looking back on early Methodism he invariably found where John Wesley built a preaching house he built also a school."

The opening ceremony of the school itself took place in October 1908.

The new school was situated about 200 yards away from the Craigmore Boys' Home near the junction of 2 roads.

The schoolhouse was not only convenient for the boys from the home but also for local children. Three members of the present Craigmore congregation, as children, attended Craigmore School as they lived locally. They are Mr James Martin, Mrs Lily Hendron and Mrs Mabel Waring. Mr Martin remembers Mr Pyper as a very kindly man who wore a watch and a chain with a whistle at the other end. He would say to the infants "I can blow it, can you?" He also remembers the boys on summer days coming to school without shoes.

Accommodation for 100 children was made available by the new premises. Considerable thought was put into lighting and ventilation to ensure model conditions for the students. The walls of the school were red brick. Internally the room was separated by a folding partition to allow a bigger room to be made when necessary. The heating of the school was by open fireplace. Good play areas had also been provided all around the school.

The new teachers residence occupied a site only a short distance away. The residence was duly occupied by Mr Pyper, his wife Dinah and sons Walter, George, Harold and Tom and his daughter Jean. Both the school house and residence were built by Messrs. Law Bros. of Lisburn from plans by Mr J. St. John Philips of Belfast.

The 1910 report stated that, 'the new school premises have proved a great boon and have led to an increasing efficiency; very satisfactory reports have been received from the inspector concerning its management and the progress of its scholars'

1910 Annual Report of Craigmore Boys' Home.

The school itself had a varied curriculum as well as the 3 R's. Carpentry and boot-making at one time formed part of the curriculum also. Temperance Science classes and Band of Hope meetings were frequently held.

Profile of Mr Pyper

The Rev. H. H. Cornish in his term of office as principal of the boys' home stated they were,

"fortunate in having a National School on our grounds and in Mr J. Pyper we have a teacher who is not only highly qualified but sympathetic with the aims and ideals of Craigmore, and his interest in the boys is not confined to their school days, but follows them into business and the greater world outside. The Sunday morning Bible Study gives him a fine opportunity to set before the boys the highest ideals and practices".

While serving as headmaster of Craigmore School Mr Pyper took a very active role in Craigmore Methodist Church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent (1905-1935 approx.) as auditor, Junior Circuit Steward, lay preacher and Secretary of the Quarterly Board. He also, at one stage, helped run a prayer meeting on Sunday evenings with Mr McClelland. In the September 1935 Quarterly Board meeting, words of appreciation were spoken regarding his service to the Moira Circuit and Craigmore Church in particular, in view of his retirement.

Mr Wilkinson

When Mr Pyper retired in 1935 he was succeeded by Mr Wilkinson. He remained principal until 1938 when the school closed.

PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS

I am indebted to the following people, all of whom have written for this booklet their own personal recollections of Craigmore.

Firstly, Mr J. V. Brownlee, son of the late Rev. W. T. Brownlee. When his father was principal of the boys' home (1921-1929) Mr Brownlee (junior) was reared in the manse and went to Craigmore Elementary School.

Secondly, the Rev. Elsie Mayes, daughter of the late Mr Jack Mayes and Mrs Kathleen Mayes. Elsie was brought up near Craigmore. She attended the Sunday School in Craigmore and later served the church as a Sunday School teacher. In September 1960, Elsie began teaching in Fort Hill Girls' School, where she remained for two years. Missionary work had been in Elsie's mind from her early teenage years. In September 1962, she went to Kingsmead Missionary Training College, Birmingham, to do one year's training for missionary work. Subsequently, September 1963 saw her leave for Tegwani in the then Southern Rhodesia, where she spent four years teaching. In 1967 Elsie was transferred to another college, Waddilove, where she remained for a further three years. When home on leave in 1970, she decided to train as a deaconess and again went to Queen's College. While there her thoughts of becoming a minister were quite strong and eventually she went on to train for the Methodist ministry. In 1973 Elsie was appointed to Presteigne in Wales on probation, 1976 saw her ordination and in 1978 she was appointed to Redditch, then to Northampton and at present she is Superintendent of Somerset Mission circuit.

Thirdly, the Rev. Austin Hassard who was Superintendent Minister at Craigmore from 1981-1988. During this time the new hall was built and many other important developments in the life of the church took place.

Finally, to Ross Harte who is currently a member of the Craigmore Society. Ross took a year out of his studies, 1994/95, to be a member of the Team on Mission, with the Methodist Youth Department.

Mr J. V. Brownlee

My memories of Craigmore go back over 70 years to 1921 when my father, the Rev. W. T. Brownlee, was appointed Principal of the Home. Following a very stressful service as a Chaplain to the Forces in France he continued in the immediate post-war years as the Methodist Chaplain at the Army Barracks in Omagh, where he was stationed when I was born in June 1919 - the product of his homecoming - and christened Victor because in that month the Treaty of Versaille was signed!. My father's appointment to Craigmore was designed to be part of a rehabilitation process following a stroke when he collapsed in the pulpit in Omagh and undoubtedly helped enormously in his recovery to return eventually to circuit ministry.

My earliest memories are of a sense of fear engendered by the "troubles" of 1922 and the sight of houses burning in the distance down towards Lough Neagh. Sadly in that aspect so little has changed in the 70 years since. I also recall sitting for the first time in the gallery of the church, looked after by an uncle and aunt at my sister's christening. I remember they gave me a mint with a hole to keep me quiet which must have been a very early polo-mint!.

At the age of four, I started at the school a few hundred yards away, situated next to the Craig (wood) where I have fond memories of Mrs McCoy, the teacher of the infants. Most of the pupils were from the Home which was virtually next door to the Manse so I had plenty of play mates on the door step.

They were happy days with football in the Home playing field and games in the wood or in the Home gymnasium when the weather was wet. In the summer too there was the occasional adventure of walking with the boys in a somewhat straggly "crocodile" down to the shore of the Lough for a "dip" - lots of splashing but very little swimming in those days!. One outstanding memory is of the day I found five shillings which a relative staying with us had rather temptingly left lying around. The temptation was too much and I seized the opportunity to go to the village shop by the cross-roads at Aghalee where, having seen my father do likewise before, I bought two huge bags of black-ball "gob stoppers" as a treat for the boys in the Home - no doubt in an effort to buy popularity! My grievous sin was to deny all knowledge of the disappearance of the money. But of course the obvious trail led straight back to me and my good intentions failed to save me from just retribution!.

The memory of two friends from those days is especially clear. Billy Castle was a "home boy" of about my age who was a merry little fellow with a beautiful soprano voice and who also played the cornet very proficiently in the Band, which was very much a feature of the Home at that time, together with the gymnastic team. These my father organised on quite military lines and would frequently take them off to give displays which were an important part of the publicity and fund-raising for the Home and were a central part of the Annual Open Day at Craigmore. Another outstanding contribution by my father was a coast-to-coast trip right across Canada to Vancouver which I believe was very successful not only in fund-raising but in establishing "placements" for many of the boys who emigrated there. I have heard that several were employed by Eatons, the famous department store in Montreal and it would be of great interest to know how they and other boys, including Billy Castle, subsequently fared.

My other friend was Tom Pyper, whose father was the school principal. Tom, like me, came to live in East Anglia and for many years owned a chemist shop in Great Yarmouth where we met again some time ago after a gap of some 40 years. Sadly, Tom died about seven years ago but his wife is still a member of the local Methodist Church and his elder sister Jean also lives in the town, now in her mid-eighties and unfortunately in failing health. How time marches on!.

Rev. Elizabeth E. Mayes

My earliest memories of Craigmore are of walking from Aghalee, via the Hollow, with Anne and Ina, my two younger sisters, for Sunday School at half past ten. There was just one class led by Mr Tom McClelland whose son Roy was a fellow pupil, together with the Gilbert boys. We sat along the front row of the church below the pulpit and sang such hymns as 'In our dear Lord's garden' and 'God make my life a little light' or 'I think when I read that sweet story of old'. The bible stories were read from the Authorized Version (because modern translations were not yet around - though by the time I was about 17 I somehow had acquired a Moffatt translation of the New Testament which seemed quite revolutionary). After the story was read Mr McClelland would have re-told it in his own words and then said a prayer. We probably then sang another hymn and had the benediction. Having left Aghalee before ten o'clock and having to stay for another hour and a half for church we were always bursting to go to the toilet, so we frequently went down to Mr and Mrs Greer's where we were not only provided with the facilities we needed but with cake and biscuits and other goodies. Mrs Jessie Greer always made us very welcome and our little toilet trip became quite a social occasion.

My earliest recollection of the Sunday morning service was of a full row of us in the 4th pew from the front, two behind the Martins and the one immediately in front of the Scandretts. Along the row would have been Ina, 'Aunty Mary', Anne, our grandmother -'Nana', my mother, myself with my father at the end. Apparently I was put between my parents because I was the most restless and badly behaved. I can remember being pinched for fiddling with a pair of gloves or a hymn book - no doubt when the sermon was a bit above my head!

I shall never forget one occasion when t was a lot older when a preacher extended an extempore prayer to perhaps 15-20 minutes, going round the world and coming back again. My father leaned across at the end and whispered to me, "Do you think the Lord will remember all that?". We were thrown into an almost uncontrollable fit of the giggles.

When I was about 13 I started taking the little ones at the back of the church. We rustled up a bit of carpet from home to make it a bit more cosy. At first Mr Tom McClelland was the superintendent but was soon succeeded by Mr Rea Clarke whose children John, Thomas, Joan and Margaret, graduated up through my class to Rea's. Others in the Sunday School at the time included the Martin children - McRoberts, Bests and Yarrs.

From about 1952 I played the organ until I left to go to Kingsmead College, Birmingham in October 1961 in preparation for going overseas to what was then Rhodesia. For Harvest and other special occasions we rustled a choir together. Mrs Mabel Kennedy, the wife of the police sergeant in Aghalee, had a lovely voice and often sang solos. It was with her encouragement that we got the choir together (Reas, Greers, Mayes, Mrs Gilbert). When I left, my mother took over the organ and was soon assisted by Ruth Hill and Ruth Greer who eventually took over.

Christian Endeavour - started by the Rev. W. Dale. It was in the C.E. that I first prepared a "paper' - i.e. a little talk or mini-sermon. Little did I think I'd end up in the ministry!!!

My father was Circuit Steward for between 15 and 20 years from 1953. He was responsible for seeing that the minister received his stipend, in those days when they were paid a pittance. The manse in Moira was furnished. I can remember my father getting very angry at Quarterly meetings when some folk suggested that the furniture they were discarding to replace with new would do the minister in the manse! He declared one day that he was glad he didn't have a son who might end up one day in the ministry. He always had a very keen sense of justice and fair play and was always personally very kind and generous to ministers and their families.

Rev. Austin N. Hassard

Craigmore has a special place in the affections of those who have been associated with it especially those of us who were privileged, to serve as its ministers. This closely-knit, warm-hearted and generous congregation has made a special contribution to our Christian witness in this area. The church building itself is rather unusual with its gallery and pipe organ. Its link in former years with the Craigmore Boys' Home adds to its unique place in Methodist history.

When we arrived in 1981 plans were in hand for a much-needed church hall. That a mere handful of families should undertake such an ambitious project seemed astonishing. A beautiful hall was opened in 1983 and this transformed the whole situation there. It soon became a place hiving with activity. The hall was enlarged and further enhanced in 1993. The wisdom and maturity of the older folk combined with the enthusiasm and expertise of the younger generation gave the congregation an excellent mix. Each family has made its own contribution to the life of the congregation.

Mr Jack Mayes held a special place in the hearts of young and old. While getting on in years he related equally well to the young as he did to the older folk. We all felt a deep sense of loss when he passed away in 1985.

I feel Craigmore can look back in a spirit of thankfulness and forward with high hopes.

Mr Ross Harte

My family moved to Craigmore when I was three and I have been part of the church ever since then. Through Craigmore, I was brought up from being a member of junior Sunday School to teaching the same class. It was through the Youth Club that I became a Christian at the age of 12, although at that time I didn't even dare to think of standing in front of people to talk about God, never mind leading a praise-time in church!. As I came to my final term in school, my G.C.S.E's completed, my A-level mocks done, and my University choice made, the idea almost seemed impossible.....

I had never heard of Team On Mission, or its predecessor, the Youth Evangelism Team (even though they had been around for almost twenty years), until a guy from the year above me in school joined T.O.M. and his team visited the school's Christian Union. I was interested in his work, so I visited the Methodist Department of Youth and Children's Work, and an interview was arranged. Having prayed about the situation, I felt quite strongly that I should apply for the next team; my application was accepted, and in June 1994 I was commissioned at the Methodist Conference Youth Night in Thomas Street, Portadown.

Monday 5th September brought the start of my year out (or should that read, "year in"?) for God, along with Nicky Blair, Joanne Poots and Andrew Smyth. Four weeks of intensive training took place in September, with various people coming along to our flat in Belfast to give their insights on the different aspects of our future ministry. The sessions included workshops on counselling, worship, preaching, youthwork, team unity and many others. Later on in the year, we completed a Christian drama course.

One of the hardest, and yet possibly the most over-looked, aspect of Team life was the 'living-in' with three people who were initially complete strangers. I believe that it was the prayer-support from our families, friends and churches that led us all to become good friends and to work well together, despite each other's bad habits and annoying quirks!

The year flew past amazingly quickly ....during the 11 months we travelled to places near and far: from Portrush to Kerry, and from Enniskillen to Liverpool - there was always somewhere new to go, new people to meet, new things to do! A typical visit to a church or circuit consisted of a weekend or a week, and our work involved taking part in every meeting in the church during that period, along with school assemblies, RE. classes, Scripture Unions, Open-air evangelism and special events - we were kept busy!.

Team On Mission came to Craigmore and the area in June 1995 for a weekend, starting with the prayer meeting on the Thursday night. On the Friday evening there was a barbecue for the young people on the circuit, on Saturday we ran a table quiz for everybody, and on the Sunday we took services all over the circuit, as well as the Youth Fellowship at Craigmore.

If I was asked to give some of my most vivid memories of the year, two of them would be as follows:

We were with Seymour Street Methodist Church in Lisburn for three weeks: during the first fortnight we went to a lot of schools and church meetings, primarily to evangelise, but also to advertise the events during our third week - a series of evening meetings called "This Way Up". Each night, between 70 and 100 young, unchurched people came to a drastically redecorated hall to hear what the Bible says about a lot of the things that are foremost in their minds; drugs, sex and paramilitaries amongst others. On the final night, Rev. Ken Wilson held a communion service sitting in a circle with fifty of these young folk. Few, if any, actually took the bread and wine, but I believe that, this meeting showed for certain that the church cares for those young people, and could be the start of something big.

My other memory comes from Hamilton Road Methodist Church, Bangor. We were placed there for an unusually-long period of three months, and got to know everybody, especially the young people, very well. One of our main jobs during the time was to lead the membership class from start to finish. So, every Tuesday night, the class of sixteen met and discovered for themselves what it means to be a Christian and then what it means to be a member of the Methodist Church. At the start of our time, I reckoned that only three would actually make the statement that they were Christians and wanted to stick with church. On the final Sunday of our stay, I was over the moon to see thirteen from the original sixteen take communion with their parents at the reception service!.

To finish, I shall say this - without my family and the dedicated, Christian people of Craigmore Methodist Church, I probably would never have found Christ. Giving myself completely over to the service of my Lord has led to the best experiences of my life. Give God the glory that He uses weak, self-conscious people like you and me in the work of extending His Kingdom here on Earth!.

If you would like some more information on Team On Mission, contact: Department of You and Children's Work, (01232) 327191.

1845	Rev. Robert Beauchamp
1846	Rev. Robert Beauchamp
1847	Rev. George Burrows
1948	Rev. Benjamin Bayly
1849	Rev. Benjamin Bayly
1850	Rev. John Liddy
1851	Rev. John Liddy
1852	Rev. William Harpur
1853	Rev. William Harpur

1854	Rev. Jeremiah Wilson
1855	Rev. John Armstrong
1856	Rev. John Armstrong
1857	Rev. John Armstrong
1858	Rev. Richard Maxwell
1859	Rev. James Black
1860	Rev. James Black
1861	Rev. James Black
1862	Rev. James Carey
1863	Rev. James Carey
1864	Rev. John W. Ballard
1865	Rev. John Hazelton
1866	Rev. John Hazelton
1867	Rev. John Hazelton
1868	Rev. Robert M. Morrison
1869	Rev. Robert M. Morrison
1870	Rev. Robert M. Morrison
1871	Rev. Charles Wood
1872	Rev. Wilson J. Storey
1873	Rev. Wilson J. Storey
1874	Rev. Wilson J. Storey
1875	Rev. Hugh McGahie
1876	Rev. Hugh McGahie
1877	Rev. Hugh McGahie
1878	Rev. Colin McKay
1879	Rev. Colin McKay
1880	Rev. Thomas Pearson
1881	Rev. Thomas Pearson
1882	Rev. Thomas Pearson
1883	Rev. Thomas Knox
1884	Rev. Thomas Knox
1885	Rev. Thomas Knox
1886	Rev. William C. Doonan
1887	Rev. William C. Doonan
1888	Rev. William C. Doonan
1889	Rev. John E. Green
1890	Rev. John E. Green
1891	Rev. John Elliot
1892	Rev. John Elliot
1893	Rev. John Elliot
1894	Rev. William Clarke
1895	Rev. William Clarke
1896	Rev. William Clarke
1897	Rev. Henry Kennedy
1898	Rev. Henry Kennedy
1899	Rev. Henry Kennedy
1900	Rev. Henry Shire
1901	Rev. Henry Shire
1902	Rev. William A. H. Robinson
1903	Rev. William A. H. Robinson
1904	Rev. William A. H. Robinson
1905	Rev. William H. Massey
1906	Rev. William H. Massey
1907	Rev. William H. Massey
1908	Rev. John Cullen
1909	Rev. John Cullen
1910	Rev. John Cullen
1911	Rev. Thomas Davis
1912	Rev. Thomas Davis
1913	Rev. William T. Clarke
1914	Rev. William T. Clarke
1915	Rev. William J. Oliver
1916	Rev. William J. Oliver
1917	Rev. William J. Wilson
1918	Rev. William J. Wilson
1919	Rev. C. H. Macartney Clayton
1920	Rev. C. H. Macartney Clayton
1921	Rev. R. Wesley Oliver
1922	Rev. R. Wesley Oliver
1923	Rev. R. Wesley Oliver
1924	Rev. Henry Frackelton
1925	Rev. Henry Frackelton
1926	Rev. Henry Frackelton
1927	Rev. Richard E. Sherwood
1928	Rev. Richard E. Sherwood
1929	Rev. John Montgomery
1930	Rev. John Montgomery
1931	Rev. John Montgomery
1932	Rev. John Montgomery
1933	Rev. R. McCheyne Gilliland
1934	Rev. R. McCheyne Gilliland
1935	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1936	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1937	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1938	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1939	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1940	Rev. Robert A. Knowles
1941	Rev. William S. Twinem
1942	Rev. William S. Twinem
1943	Rev. William S. Twinem
1944	Rev. William S. Twinem
1945	Rev. John Glass
1946	Rev. John Glass
1947	Rev. John Glass
1948	Rev. John Glass
1949	Rev. John Glass
1950	Rev. William E. Cullen
1951	Rev. William E. Cullen
1952	Rev. William E. Cullen
1953	Rev. William Dale
1954	Rev. William Dale
1955	Rev. William Dale
1956	Rev. William Dale
1957	Rev. William J. Carson
1958	Rev. William J. Carson
1959	Rev. William J. Carson
1960	Rev. William A. Warren
1961	Rev. William A. Warren
1962	Rev. William A. Warren
1963	Rev. William A. Warren
1964	Rev. William A. Warren
1965	Rev. W. Sidney Deale
1966	Rev. W. Sidney Deale
1967	Rev. W. Sidney Deale
1968	Rev. Edwin Colvin

Glenavy & Craigmore Circuit

1969	Rev. James B. Turner
1970	Rev. James B. Turner
1971	Rev. James B. Turner
1972	Rev. James B. Turner
1973	Rev. James B. Turner
1974	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1975	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1976	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1977	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1978	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1979	Rev. Alan G. Hanna
1980	Rev. Alexander McAuley (Rev. T. H. Holloway)
1981	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1982	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1983	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1984	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1985	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1986	Rev. Austin N. Hassard
1987	Rev. Austin N. Hassard