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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
Bishop leads service at refurbished St. John's Parish

L-R: Robert Logan (Diocesan Lay Reader), Gerald Dillon (People's Church warden), Barry Harrison (Parish Reader), The Revd Canon Roderic West (Rector), the Rt Revd Harold Miller (Bishop of Down and Dromore), Raymond McCauley (Rector's Church warden) & the Revd Joanne Megarrell (Curate) at the service of thanksgiving and re-dedication of St John's Parish Church, Moira

L-R: Robert Logan (Diocesan Lay Reader), Gerald Dillon (People's Church warden), Barry Harrison (Parish Reader), The Revd Canon Roderic West (Rector), the Rt Revd Harold Miller (Bishop of Down and Dromore), Raymond McCauley (Rector's Church warden) & the Revd Joanne Megarrell (Curate) at the service of thanksgiving and re-dedication of St John's Parish Church, Moira

THE Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore led a service of re-dedication at St John's Parish Church in Moira last Friday evening.

The re-dedication followed a programme of repairs and refurbishment carried out to the 285 year old church building. The contractor began work at St John's in September 2007. As the work of repair progressed it became evident that additional measures were needed to strengthen the tower. In January, on the recommendation of the architect and structural engineer, it was agreed to temporarily suspend the use of the Parish Church and to hold all services in the Parish Centre while this work was carried out. Services were resumed in the Parish Church in September.

The repairs and refurbishment at the church included: Stripping off and replacing the pebble dashing on the exterior of the building including the tower; Carrying out structural repairs to strengthen the spire/tower; Repairing and refurbishing the windows; Replacing some of the quoin stones; Replacing the decorative sandstone at the main door; Provision of an emergency exit door; Interior redecoration and Provision of disabled access by lowering the driveway at the main doorway and surrounding area. Speaking at the service, Bishop Harold Miller said he was delighted to see the completion of these works. He said they would significantly enhance' the 'historic building as a place in which to worship Almighty God for generations to come.

Rector Rev. Canon Roderic West took time to thank all those involved and congratulated them on successful completion of the work. Worship at the Re-dedication was led by St John's Choir and the Praise Band/Worship Group.

21/11/2008