Whiteabbey Presbyterian to receive share of £200,000 repair fund for Northern Ireland’s historic churches
Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church in Newtownabbey is one of four historic church buildings to share in a £200,000 funding boost announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
The funding is to support the long‑term sustainability of Northern Ireland’s historic church buildings.
It will be administered by the National Churches Trust (NCT) to help address a range of urgent structural and fabric repairs at four church buildings.
Along with Whiteabbey Presbyterian (£55,000), the churches that will receive support are Mount Merrion Parish Church (CoI) in Belfast (£55,000), Bloomfield Presbyterian Church in Belfast (£55,000) and Seymour Street Methodist Church in Lisburn (£35,000).
Minister Lyons said: “Since 2018 my Department has supported the National Churches Trust via the Historic Environment Fund and through Covid recovery funding. The work of the NCT has been vital for places of worship in Northern Ireland, ensuring that these important buildings are cared for long into the future.
"I am pleased to be able to announce further support of £200,000 from my Department for this year’s grant programme.”
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Department and Minister not only for this funding, but for their continued partnership and support over the past eight years, which has made a real and lasting difference to places of worship and the communities they serve.
"These grants will fund essential works to safeguard four historic buildings, helping to keep these churches open, safe and welcoming. Each project reflects the dedication of local congregations and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for these important spaces.”