Grant allows Agherton Parish Church to carry out vital restoration work

Thursday September 12th 2024

Agherton Parish Church, a historic landmark in the heart of Portstewart, has successfully completed a significant restoration project thanks to a grant from the Landfill Communities Fund.

The project, completed in collaboration with Ulster Wildlife and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, focused on crucial repairs to the church’s iconic tower and north-facing windows.

The grant has been instrumental in enabling the church to address key areas of concern, including the installation of secondary glazing on the north-facing windows and performing essential stone repairs on the tower windows. These repairs are vital to preventing water ingress and heat loss, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the building and ensuring its long-term preservation.

Overseen by the rector of Agherton, the Rev Malcolm Ferry, and the Select Vestry, the project was carried out by Gibson Construction and completed in August.

The restoration work was deemed necessary to prevent further deterioration of the tower, which is situated above the east wing of the church. Without these repairs, the area below the tower was at risk of significant damage.

Agherton Parish Church was originally located in the outskirts of Portstewart before being meticulously relocated brick by brick to its current site at the top of the main street in 1826. It is one of the few remaining historical buildings in Portstewart and is treasured not only by local residents but also by the broader north coast community.

Despite its sound structure, the church tower had shown signs of wear, with failing stonework and cracks in the windows, particularly on the east and north elevations. The recent restoration addresses these issues, ensuring the tower’s continued serviceability and protecting the interior from dampness caused by driving rain.

To mark the completion of this important project, a special service of dedication will be held at the church on Advent Sunday, December 1. This restoration is part of the church’s ongoing efforts to maintain and preserve its historical and architectural significance for future generations.