Words and pictures by John Kelly
St Andrew’s Church Hall, Colin, was packed to capacity on Sunday June 10 for a Service of Thanksgiving marking the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the hall.
The Rector, the Rev John Budd, led the service and the preacher was the Rt Rev Dr Samuel Poyntz, former Bishop of Connor.
Taking part in the service were Jack Hazzard and the Rev Canon Jim Moore who read portions of Scripture from 1 Kings 8: 22-30 and 1 Corinthians 3: 9-17. Ada Kirkwood on organ and a combined choir of St Andrew’s and Christ Church, Derriaghy led the worship. Among the hymns sung were ‘Breathe on me breath of God’, ‘The church’s one foundation’ and ‘Now thank we all our God’.
In his address, Bishop Poyntz recalled the various rectors and curates connected with St Andrew’s since the laying of the foundation stone on September 22 1956 and the dedication of the Church Hall on June 21 1957.
Speaking of the elevated location of the modest but pleasant building of St Andrew’s he spoke of the panoramic view of Knocknabreda to the east and the Mountains of Mourne to the south.
Emphasising the importance of bringing the family together in worship, he looked forward to a day when people even with no church connection will be attracted back to the church.
Refreshments were served afterwards allowing members of the congregation past and present to recall 50 years of worship and fellowship in the Church of St Andrew’s.
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