Crossgar’s open day to see historical buildings

Crossgar’s open day to see historical buildings

19 June 2024

SOME of Crossgar’s historical buildings were open to the public on Saturday when Crossgar Historical Society held a heritage open day. 

Crossgar became a market village 200 years ago and to mark the occasion the historical held an end-of-term event to showcase the village’s historical buildings and organisations which have had a lasting impact on the village.

The open day was accompanied by a popular guided tour of the village and buildings by society president Callum Bowsie.

The buildings to take part were the Market House, Bank House, Orange Hall, War Memorial Hall, Whytes Furniture Shop, and all four churches in the village namely, Lissara Presbyterian, Free Presbyterian, the Catholic church and the Gospel Hall.

The Bank House, which is now an Irish dancing shop, gave the public a full tour of the bank, including its safes and the full living quarters of the former bank manager.

A guided tour of the Market House was given by Sarah Williamson, who showed the many intact market house features in her nursery, including the back of the iconic market clock.

David Eynon showed visitors around Crossgar Orange Hall, which he used to live in. The lodge had on display a collection of old and new banners, drums and photos down through the years.

Crossgar War Memorial Hall was the base of the event where the historical society provided a free lunch that had been supplied by 11a Café.

Visitors to Lissara Presbyterian Church enjoyed a short presentation by Rev Alan Burke outlining the 250-year history of the church which began in Ballydugan Mill.

Crossgar Free Presbyterian Church had a comprehensive photo and video display showing what was Rev Ian Paisley’s first Free Presbyterian Church in Ulster. A special war exhibition with local connections was also on display.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph was open for visitors to explore the listed church built in 1870.

The Gospel Hall at the top of Killyleagh Street had a special exhibition of gospel banners with its members ready to share the congregation’s 150-year history.

Crossgar’s oldest business, Whytes Furniture Shop, was open as normal for business but also had a history pamphlet to give out to visitors which was specially produced by Crossgar Historical Society.

Mr Bowsie said: “Thank you to all our historical venues who took part in Saturday’s event and who put so much time and effort into showcasing their part in Crossgar’s history.

“I hadn’t been in some of the buildings myself and I found it very interesting. Thanks to those who came to support the day and also to our catering helpers.”

He added: The society has had a great year in terms of gifted local speakers and good attendance with over 100 people on the attendance roll.”