Killyleagh celebrates anniversary

Killyleagh celebrates anniversary

30 November 2022

THE Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has travelled to Killyleagh to lead the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the beginning of Presbyterianism in the town.

The Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick preached at the morning service in the Plantation Street meeting house on Sunday before planting an Irish oak tree to commemorate the anniversary .

Killyleagh was one of the first places on the island of Ireland where Presbyterianism was introduced by Ulster-Scots settlers when they arrived in the early 1600s. The congregation was formally established in 1622.

The Moderator was welcomed to the pulpit by the current minister, Rev Jonathan Boyd.

Later he was presented with a copy of a history book which has been published to mark the 400th anniversary. 

At the end of the service Mr Kirkpatrick formally planted a tree to mark the celebration. The congregation had selected two former Clerks of Kirk Session, Mr Sam Cunningham and Mr Robert McMurray, to help plant the tree, but Mr Cunningham was unavoidably absent with his place taken by the current Clerk, Mr Graham Furey.

In the afternoon a display of photos and memorabilia was held in the meeting house.

On Sunday night a praise service was held. Among those in attendance were the DUP MP for the area, Mr Jim Shannon; Rowallane Cllr Yvonne Moore; the Moderator of the Presbytery of Down, Rev Nick Cooper; the rector of St John's, Rev Colin Darling; and Fr Derek Kearney and Mr Chris Quinn representing St Mary's, Killyleagh.

Former ministers Rev John Dickinson, Rev Daniel Kane and Rev David McIlwrath were also joined by Mrs Jean Harper, the widow of another former minister, the Rev James Harper.

The book published to mark the anniversary remains on sale, with the proceeds going to charity.

The book recounts intriguing moments in the history of Killyleagh, including split loyalties over the 1798 United Irishman rebellion, IRA attacks on the castle as part of the first Troubles in the 1920s and how Killyleagh learned of the outbreak of the Second World War.

Copies can be picked up at Beth Barrett's shop in Cross Street, Killyleagh, or from the church. The cost is £10 with the profits going to charity.