Double birthday celebrations at Bready

Many friends, neighbours and former members joined the congregation for the celebration.

The guest preacher was Rev John Hawthorne, Moderator of Synod.

Rev Blair McFarland, minister of the congregation, welcomed visitors saying: “The building is not the church. The building is the ‘meeting house’ where the church meets.

“The church is people – big people and small people, old people and young people, people who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Because Jesus is the one who died to save his people, to redeem his bride. Christ is the head of the church, who directs her through his Word, the Bible.

“Jesus said, ‘I will build my church’ and it is a great privilege for us to play a small part in such a huge project.

“As we mark the 250th anniversary we look back and give thanks to God. We also look forward because the task of the church is not finished.

“The gospel is as relevant today as ever. The world needs the gospel more than ever. So we seek God’s blessing on the life and witness of the congregation in the days ahead.”

A delicious lunch was served after the morning service. Two amazing cakes had been baked for the occasion.

One depicted the Meeting House surrounded with cupcakes showing photos of the church members. The other cake was a birthday cake for Mrs Renee Blair, who was 100 years old on the day!

She was present and cut the cakes before receiving gifts to mark the special event.

The story so far, Dr William Roulston, well-known local historian, has written a book entitled, ‘Foyle Valley Covenanters, a history of Bready Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1765-2015.’

A special meeting will be held this Friday, May 8, at 8pm in Bready when Mr Roulston will give a talk on the history.

All are welcome. For more information phone: 028 7184 1192.