Plans underway to mark 150th anniversary at Kilmore church

Plans underway to mark 150th anniversary at Kilmore church

26 February 2020

PLANS are underway to celebrate a special landmark in the history of Christ Church, Kilmore, later this year.

October 6, 2020, marks the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of Ireland church near Crossgar.

A weekend of praise and thanksgiving is being organised to mark the event, which will coincide with the traditional harvest thanksgiving.

Christ Church, Kilmore, has a fascinating history. The first church was built in 1692 and in its time served the broader community as a place of worship, school and parochial hall and was removed stone by stone to enjoy a new life at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in 1976.

The new church building with its distinctive tower, which can be seen for miles around, was completed in 1870 at a cost of £3,000 — which was a lot of money in those days.

The present rector, the Rev Stephen Smyth, said: “It is amazing to think that Christ Church, Kilmore, has been a beacon for the Gospel for this length of time and puts our lives and the Kingdom of God into a broader perspective. We thank God for his faithfulness over the years.”

The church has played an important role in the lives of many people. Parishioner Bobby Nelson recalls helping his father, who was sexton, ringing the bell half an hour before the two Sunday services, caring for the boiler and firing it up at 10pm on Saturday nights and lighting the oil lamps for the services.

He reminisces about previous rectors and the harvest services that saw the church full, supported by other local churches. During the Blitz in Belfast he watched flames in the city from the church and witnessed evacuees arrive in the area.

Carol Maude, who is the current church secretary, was christened in the church, attended the Sunday School, was confirmed in the church, taught in the Sunday School, was married in the church and is a choir member.

Her parents both served on the vestry and sang in the choir and her father was Sunday School Superintendent. Carol’s sister, Ruth, was also the church organist for many years.

Carol has vivid memories of church coffee parties, Sunday School summer outings and Christmas parties, as well as the old Kilmore Parish Church being deconsecrated and moved stone by stone to Ulster Folk Museum.

Her great grandparents married in the church in 1899 so her family has been involved in the church for many years.

As part of the anniversary celebrations it is planned to gather history and memories of the church in hope to compile a display or booklet. 

The planning committee need some help and would love to hear from any readers who have any information, memories, photos, documents and memorabilia from the church in years gone by.

To get in touch contact Carol on 07872 843718 or email kilmoreparish150@hotmail.com.