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Celebration and Thanksgiving as St Mark’s ceases regular Sunday services

Tuesday November 10th 2026

A special service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life, history, ministry, and witness of the parish of St Mark’s, Ligoniel, was held on Sunday afternoon, November 8.

Gathering current and former parishioners, clergy, lay readers and ministers alongside friends from other parishes and churches, the service marked the cessation of regular Sunday services and activities as part of the journey of parochial reorganisation in the Mid Belfast Deanery.

The service was led by the Archdeacon of Belfast, the Ven Barry Forde, assisted by parishioners who gave the readings, and Sister Karen Webb who led a time of intercession. The sermon was delivered by the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor.

Final service in St Mark’s, Ballysillan.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, after the Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving in St Mark’s at which he preached.

In his address, Bishop George noted that the service was taking place on Remembrance Sunday, a day of mixed emotions. Acknowledging the pain and sadness that was present, Bishop George commended the faithfulness and service of generations of parishioners since 1852 when St Mark’s was established.

Drawing on Jesus’ words in John 15, Bishop George encouraged all present to remain in the love of God wherever they might gather for worship and community. Speaking from the story of Gideon, he looked forward with hope to a vision for a new church community emerging in the Ballysillan area in 2027 and said that though numbers may be small and the church may look fragile, that is when God provides.

The service concluded with a special congregational prayer written for the occasion by parishioner Gillian Nicholl.

Mr Jim Patterson and the Rev Brian Lacey, rector of St Peter’s, Belfast.

There was time for many reunions during refreshments after the service, as many former parishioners returned to share stories and memories.

Archdeacon Forde said: “Please pray for those parishioners of St Mark’s who now find themselves serving and worshipping elsewhere, for the recently united parishes in the Shankill and Ballysillan Union, and for the plans to pioneer a new community of faith in the area – pray for new life as we move forward in hope and faith.”

Mr Chris Conville and Mrs Rosemary Patterson.

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