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History relived as Middle Church celebrates 350th anniversary

Wednesday September 19th 2018

The service of thanksgiving on the 350th anniversary of the consecration of Middle Church, Ballinderry. From left: Mr Jim Neill (Lay Reader); Rev Canon Ernest Harris (preacher); Rev Nicholas Dark, Rural Dean; Rev Trevor Cleland, rector; Mr John Quigley (Lay Reader); Mr Denis Fullerton (Lay Reader) and Rev Geoff Wilson (Dromore Cathedral).

Ballinderry Parish marked the 350^th anniversary of the consecration of the Middle Church on September 8 and 9, with the celebrations coinciding with European Heritage Open Days.

Mr Calwell Steele was ticket master for the historical tours.

On Saturday September 8 crowds flocked to Ballinderry to travel back in time and to join in an historical tour organised as part of the celebrations.  The tours ran during the day, and visited the three historical sites associated with Ballinderry, namely Portmore, the Middle Church and the Parish Church. 

Each tour had a guide who explained the significance of the sites and gave a commentary throughout the tour.

Two hundred and fifty people went on the tours and more than 100 visited the Middle Church independently. 

The tours ended at the Church Hall where refreshments were served and everyone had the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia showing parish life in years past.

The following day, Sunday September 9, 200 people attended a service of thanksgiving in the Middle Church.  This was followed by afternoon tea in the Church Hall.

A tour guide explains the history of Portmore graveyard.

Kelly Dawson playing the harp at the Middle Church celebration weekend.

Enjoying tea in the Church Hall.

The Rev Trevor Cleland helps Dr Daphne Davidson to cut the celebration cake.

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