Tributes paid to Rev Samuel Grant, founding Pastor of Christchurch Carrickfergus
Tribute has been paid to founding Pastor of Christchurch Carrickfergus, Rev Dr Samuel Grant after his death at the end of May.
A well-known figure in the town, Rev Grant was awarded an MBE for services to the community in the Queen’s 2022 New Year Honours list.
Among many roles through the years, he served as chaplain for the Mayor twice, a position he also held for the local branch of the Royal British Legion for over 30 years.
He was also padre of the Ulster Defence Regiment Association for over two decades.
A former manager at Courtaulds, Rev Grant founded a church at the Orange Hall on Albert Road with other former employees of the textile factory.
The church later moved to Sunnylands Community Centre and then North Road, before settling at its current location on Oakfield Drive.
Speaking after his father was awarded the MBE in 2022, Rev Grant’s son Jonathan said: “Dad founded the Associated Ministers’ Fellowship, worked with ex-service men and women and with local ministers in the borough, and worked with council.
“He was also involved with many interventions during times of civil unrest in the town.”
Pastor Grant’s vision was to build at home and abroad, leading to missionary work with organisations in both India and Nigeria, including the foundation of a girls’ Bible school.
He also penned a weekly column for the Carrickfergus Advertiser newspaper for many years.
Rev Grant retired in 2020 due to ill health.
His work in the community was remembered in 2024 during a special event marking 50 years of ministry at Christchurch Carrickfergus.
In a statement posted on behalf of the family on May 30, Jonathan Grant wrote: “Dad fought courageously for the last six years or more with Vascular Dementia, and today he is at peace, having passed peacefully during the night.
"Dad had a vision to see souls saved at Christchurch and throughout the wider town of Carrickfergus. He served faithfully for more than 48 years, with Mum by his side every step of the way. Dad had a passion and love for his family, Christchurch, the Ex-Service community, Carrickfergus, and its people.”