The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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New pioneer evangelist commissioned as St Columba marks 75 years

Thursday October 19th 2023

Pictured at the anniversary service are, from left: Sister Karen Webb, Bishop George Davison, Mr Eddie Stone and new pioneer evangelist Ste Fitzgerald.

St Columba’s, Whiterock, one of Belfast’s most modern churches, marked a milestone on October 12 when parishioners celebrated the 75^th anniversary of worship on the site.

The special service was also attended by members of other congregations in the area.

Bishop George and Mr Eddie Stone cut the anniversary cake.

The preacher was the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, who spoke about the need for the Church to move forward and no longer look to the past but look to the building of healthy churches.

Also taking part were the Rev Canon Tracey McRoberts (Rural Dean of Mid Belfast), the Rev Adrian Bell, Archdeacon Barry Forde, Sister Karen Webb (Lead Evangelist in the North Belfast Centre of Mission), and the Rev Canon Jim Carson.

The service was prompted by Eddie Stone (90), a member of the St Columba’s congregation, who recalled that services had started in an old Nissen hut 75 years ago.

He and the bishop cut a cake which featured a picture of St Columba’s. At the end of the service, Eddie played a video of photographs charting the history of the church, bringing back memories for many of the congregation.

The service also provided the opportunity to commission Stephen (Ste) Fitzgerald as a new pioneer evangelist for the area. Ste will be working in the North Belfast Centre of Mission, a partnership with Church Army and the Diocese of Connor. 

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