Free Presbyterian churches celebrate 60th anniversary
Members of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church at the start of a `March of Witness' from Hillsborough village to Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church marking the start of a Gospel Mission.
FREE Presbyterian congregations of Aghalee, Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Dunmurry, Dromore, Hillsborough and Lisburn gathered for a special meeting in Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church last Friday evening (March 18) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.
An estimated 600 people filled the church and Dr. Nigel Campbell led the congregation in the singing of some well-known hymns. The service was led by the local organiser of the rally, the Rev Gary Goodes, minister of Hillsborough Church. The rally opened with the rousing singing of the 124th Psalm. Rev Gordon Dane (Crossgar) led the meeting in prayer after which the Hillsborough Ladies choir led by Mrs. Patricia Hamilton, sang two beautiful pieces, 'My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness' and '0 Church Arise'.
The Rev Dr. Fred Greenfield (Dunmurry), well known as a gospel singer, also brought some special messages in song.
The preacher was Dr. Stanley Barnes, retired minister of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church and a former Deputy Moderator of the General Presbytery. In a challenging address entitled '60 years preaching Christ crucified', Dr. Barnes spoke of the centrality of the preaching of Christ in the denomination.
The meeting was closed by the Rev Thomas Martin (Lisburn) who pronounced the benediction.
This year is the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version of the Bible and in addition to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Free Presbyterian Church; the Free Presbyterian Church is also marking this special event. Following the Hillsborough Rally many took the opportunity to view the Bible Exhibition, which was set up in the church hall.
At the Rally in Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church last Friday evening are L to R: (front row) guest speaker Dr Stanley Barnes (Retired minister of Hillsborough), Rev Cairin Salt (Aghalee), Rev Thomas Martin (Lisburn) and Rev Gary Goodes (Hillsborough). Back row: Rev Trevor Baxter (Ballynahinch), Dr Fred Greenfield (Dunmurry) and Rev Gordon Dane (Crossgar)- Included (inset) is the Rev Ian Kenny (Dromore).
Jonathan Mackin (left) and Richard Lockhart (right) with the banner which headed up the 'March of Witness'. Included are L to R: Noel Shields (Evangelist), Rev Gary Goodes (Minister) and David Williamson (Clerk of Session).
Ulster Star
25/03/2011
