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Historic Occasion in
Life of Newtownards Free Presbyterian Church
Grace Free
Presbyterian Church at Beverley Park, Newtownards was
officially opened on Saturday by the Moderator, Rev. Dr.
I. R. K. Paisley. The Newtownards Free Presbyterian
Church first began holding services in November 1971 in
the Orange Hall in Mary Street, and in 1977 the
congregation moved to temporary premises at Beverley
Park, while the permanent building was in progress. The
new church was filled to capacity for this historic
occasion in the life of the Free Presbyterian Church in
Newtownards.
At the opening
ceremony, the minister of Grace Free Presbyterian Church
asked Rev. David Gordon from Larne to open the
proceedings with a prayer, after which Mr. Dunlop then
asked the builder, Mr. John Dickson of Ballyward,
Banbridge to hand the key over to Mr. Paisley.
Before opening the
church, Mr. Paisley said, "I might say it gives me
very great pleasure that we have come to this very
historic day when this new building is opened for the
defence of the Faith". Dr. Paisley then declared
the building officially open, "for the preaching of
the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus".
The service began with
the singing of Psalm 126 following which Rev. W.
Whiteside opened in prayer and Rev. T. Baxter brought
greetings from the Presbytery. Soloists were Mrs. Craig
and Mr. Joe Peden. Rev. J. Hartin read the scriptures.
Rev. T. A. Dunlop,
Minister of the church, brought greetings to the
congregation, which numbered approximately 750, and the
minister told those in attendance that it was indeed an
occasion for praise and thanksgiving to God, who had
made it all possible. Mr. Dunlop also made mention of
his call to the ministry which could be summed up in the
words of the text written on the foundation stone in the
front hall: "For though I preach the gospel, I have
nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea,
woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel"
(Corinthians 9:16). Mr. Dunlop stated that first and
foremost, Grace Free Presbyterian Church was built for
the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Dunlop thanked
all those friends and members of the congregation who
donated various furnishings for the church. He affirmed
that money for the building had been, and will be,
raised solely by free-will offerings from the people.
Presentations were
then made by the committee to Rev. and Mrs. Paisley, Mr.
J. D. Dickson (builder), Mr. M. Morrison (architect) and
Rev. T. A. Dunlop. A presentation was also made to
members of committee and to the organist by Mr. Dunlop
as a token of his gratitude for their labour of love.
The sermon was brought
by the Church Moderator, Rev. Dr. I. K. Paisley who
spoke on 1 Chronicles chapter 12, challenging the people
by the words of Amasai in verse 18: "Thine are we,
David, and on thy side," to put their trust in a
Greater than David.
Rev. W. McDermott
closed in prayer. Tea was served by ladies of the
congregation. Offerings on the day amounted to £2,600.
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