THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: From the News Letter of February 1856

Installation young minister at Randalstown
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On Tuesday, February 19, 1856, the Presbytery of Templepatrick had met at Randalstown, to install the Reverend James B Huston, son of the Reverend Doctor Huston, Macosquin, Co Londonderry, and formerly Presbyterian chaplain at Spike Island, Co Cork, in the pastoral charge of the First Presbyterian Congregation at Randalstown, and as an assistant and successor to the Reverend Alexander Crawford.

The News Letter reported that the attendance had been “large and respectable”. Several ministers from other Presbyteries were present, and were invited to join in the services of the day.

The Reverend Robert Hogg, LLD, Vicar of Drummaul, and the Reverend Hugh Smythe, of the Associate Congregation at Craigmore, were also present. The Presbytery having been constituted by prayer, the Reverend William J Gillespie of First Donegore, the Rev Dr Huston, “at the request of the Presbytery”, the Reverend Henry Stewart and the Reverend Charles Morrison of Antrim, took part in the solemn services.

A brick turretted tower and cannon at Shane's Castle near Randalstown in Co Antrim. The castle is on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. Built in 1345 by a member of the O'Neill dynasty, it was originally called Eden-duff-carrick. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722. NLI Ref: STP_0393. Picture: National Library of IrelandA brick turretted tower and cannon at Shane's Castle near Randalstown in Co Antrim. The castle is on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. Built in 1345 by a member of the O'Neill dynasty, it was originally called Eden-duff-carrick. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722. NLI Ref: STP_0393. Picture: National Library of Ireland
A brick turretted tower and cannon at Shane's Castle near Randalstown in Co Antrim. The castle is on the north-east shores of Lough Neagh. Built in 1345 by a member of the O'Neill dynasty, it was originally called Eden-duff-carrick. Shane MacBrien O'Neill changed the name to Shane's Castle in 1722. NLI Ref: STP_0393. Picture: National Library of Ireland

Afterwards the congregation entertained at dinner, in the O’Neill Arms Hotel, the members of the other Presbyteries, and the ministers of other denominations, together with a number of Mr Huston’s friends.

The Rev Mr Morrison occupied the chair, and Mr Thomas Butler, Esq, the vice chair.

The News Letter noted: “Several sentiments appropriate to the occasion were proposed and responded to in excellent speeches, to which the highest testimony was borne to the zeal and faithfulness of the Rev Mr Crawford, strong sympathy evinced towards him under his present afflictions, and earnest desires expressed for the prosperity of the congregation and the usefulness of their young minister.”

While a “very complimentary” reference was also made to the Reverend William Chichester O’Neill, “the proprietor of the soil, who has acted most liberally towards to the congregation”.

Two women, a man and a dog standing in front of the ruins of Shane's Castle near Randalstown, Co Antrim. NLI Ref: CLON1547. Picture: National Library of IrelandTwo women, a man and a dog standing in front of the ruins of Shane's Castle near Randalstown, Co Antrim. NLI Ref: CLON1547. Picture: National Library of Ireland
Two women, a man and a dog standing in front of the ruins of Shane's Castle near Randalstown, Co Antrim. NLI Ref: CLON1547. Picture: National Library of Ireland

New congregation for Ballyclare

In other Presbyerian Church news, the News Letter during this week in February 1856 also noted that at a meeting of the Carrickfergus Presbytery which had been in the Co Antrim town.

During the meeting a memorial had been presented from a large number of the inhabitants of Ballyclare, “praying the Presbytery to organise them into a congregation”.

The News Letter noted: “The town of Ballyclare has been rapidly rising in importance for many past years.”