New church hall set for Magheragall

Work is expected to start soon and the building will replace the current church hall which was built in 1935.

The Chairman of the Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Uel Mackin, and Vice-Chairman, Alderman James Tinsley, met with Reverend Angus McCullough of Magheragall Presbyterian Church recently to discuss the plans.

Reverend Angus McCullough said: “Obviously we are delighted that planning approval has been given for the Church Hall and I hope to see work begin shortly.

“This is a lovely location and the parishioners at the Church will be served well as we can offer further activities and together be proud of this new facility. I would like to thank Lisburn City Council.”

“The old Church Hall will be replaced by a fantastic new building which will be linked to Magheragall Presbyterian Church,” Councillor Mackin said.

“The current Church Hall was built in 1935 and it was felt that it was now time for a new building to take its place which will allow the Church to expand its parish activities.

“I am delighted to see this Church, steeped in history and heritage, continue to move forward with a new community facility and the Council were delighted to support this planning application.”

Alderman Tinsley too was delighted with the plans.

“The Church has been established from the mid-1700s and just celebrated its 250th Anniversary,” he said.

“I attended this Church Hall as a member of the Boys’ Brigade years ago and know the area very well.

“The new Church Hall will provide a modern building for the congregation and see the Church go from strength to strength.”

Magheragall Presbyterian Church has been established since 1846.

The first minister of Magheragall as a separate congregation was Mr Joseph Kelso.

During the ministry of Mr John Smith Brown (1829-1877) the present church was built on the site of McCollum’s barn in 1840.

Mr Robert Larmour, now Minister Emeritus, was ordained and installed there in 1953. He retired in 1988.

Mr Larmour was followed in 1989 by the Rev John Honeyford and in 1999 by the Rev George McClelland, who in 2004 was appointed National Director for The Boys’ Brigade in Northern Ireland.

The present minister, the Rev Angus McCullough, was installed on April 8, 2005.