Church roof funds boosted

Raising £900, Elsie’s event launched the re-roofing fund in great style, as those keen to show their support were rewarded with warm sunshine.

In addition to the scores of friends, neighbours and church associates who attended, the amount collected was boosted by donations, and Elsie has thanked them for their generosity, and she also thanked her relatives and in-laws for their hostessing help on the day.

Their efforts have been applauded by the Rector, Rev Robert Miller, who said: “Our vision of Transforming Community, Radiating Christ has led us to seek to engage more fully with our local community. We are conscious of the many lives that have passed through the doors of our church. People who lived, worked in Culmore, and who and served their local community.”

Culmore church was originally one of the Chapels of ease, attached to the parish of Templemore. The first church building on the site was a large Chapel built about three miles from Londonderry. It was originally used by the Garrison of the Culmore fort, but only twice held services.

During the seige of Derry in 1689 it was used as a hospital by King James’s army, at one time holding 400 Jacabite wounded. This service was not appreciated though, as King James’s army went on to burnt it down. This original building was not repaired or rebuilt, and part of the old ruins still stands at the rear of the present church.

In 1840 the Irish Society acquired the lands of Culmore from the crown and replaced the old church with ‘Holy Trinty Church’ in 1867.

Rev Miller continued: “Culmore has been part of a group of parishes since 1921 when it joined with Muff. This trend continued with St.Peter’s Church, Belmont being added in 1978. In September 2007 our current Grouped Parishes of Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peter’s was established.

“To ensure the place of Holy Trinity in the heart of the local community we are currently seeking to raise about £90,000 to replace the roof. This investment in the building will help us continue to serve our local community.

“Holy Trinity is the worshipping heart of the parish and helps us to remember God’s call to serve Him in our local community. Our sister parish of Muff has just completed a project to replace the roof at a cost of about 80,000 Euro, thus ensuring our place in the local community. This was achieved in partnership with the local community and we hope that this project in Culmore will be the same.”