St James’ Church, Parish of Ramoan, celebrates 175 years

Wednesday July 26th 2023

Bishop George Davison preached at the 175th anniversary service in St James’ Parish Church, Ramoan. He is pictured with the rector, the Rev David Ferguson and Ordinand Mrs Shona Bell.

Celebrations took place over the weekend of the July 22 and 23 to mark the 175^th anniversary of St James’ Parish Church in the Parish of Ramoan and Culfeightrin, Ballycastle.

Celebrations started with a Parish Fun Day on the Saturday attended by many families from the parish and wider community.

On the Sunday, the Rt Rev George, Davison, Bishop of Connor, visited the parish and, as part of the weekend events, consecrated an extension to the graveyard of the church.

This was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving in St James’ Church attended by the MLA for the area, Mr Robin Swann, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors from Causeway Coat and Glens Council, and other representatives from the local community. Bishop George preached at the service.

Invited guests and parishioners then made their way to the Parish Centre for lunch. A cake was cut to mark the occasion by Mrs Beth Colgan. As a 16-year -old, Beth sang in the choir at the 100^th anniversary and, now in her 90s, had travelled from England for the weekend’s events.