Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church celebrates 60 years

All sorts of events and services were arranged to mark sixty years since the church was founded in 1954.

The working title for the week of celebration was ‘Our story, your story, His story’. The present Minister, Rev. David Knox and the Minister Emeritus, Rev. Harold Gray both took part in the opening service on 5 October 2014. The main guest speaker throughout the week was Rev. Charles McMullen, the Minister of West Church, Bangor, previously Assistant in Harmony Hill during the period 1988 to 1991.

Rev. Ruth Patterson spoke on ‘Forgiveness’ on October 9, another very challenging topic.

A breakfast was arranged for 11 October 11 when Stuart Elliott, former Northern Ireland international footballer spoke about his Christian faith in the ruthless world of professional football. Stuart described how God had played such a major role in his life and that he regarded this as a greater achievement than his football.

The young people had their own youth celebration too. They were entertained by Stephen McGall, another well known Christian speaker, who helped answer the question, ‘What is life about?’

In addition, at each service, a member of the congregation was interviewed by Rev. Knox about their involvement with the church and the story of their journey of faith.

The final interview involved Mr Clifford Boyd, a 91-year old former Clerk of Session and one of the founding elders. He explained how the church began in 1954 in the old schoolhouse in Lambeg, the first ‘meeting house’ of the congregation. He described the move to its present site in 1964 and some of the difficulties in getting started as a new church.

A timeline display was prepared illustrating the first sixty years of Harmony Hill Church and was placed in a prominent position in the Church Foyer.

The Church Choir contributed regularly during the week and there was food at every event.

If this week’s celebration is anything to go by, there is no doubt that Harmony Hill is a welcoming and vibrant church and has a relevant contemporary message for everyone in the Lambeg and wider Lisburn area.

All services and events were well attended by many current members of the congregation, together with visitors, friends and former members.

The celebration created a real ‘buzz’ around the church as people were entertained, uplifted and challenged about their faith.