Ravarnet by the book

‘RAVERNET - A Century of Grace' is a new publication, just arrived on the shelves, the third book by Mavis Heaney, author of ‘Lisburn - Life in the County Down' and ‘To God Be the Glory' (the Personal Memoirs of Rev. W.P. Nicholson).

This time the village of Ravarnette (or Ravernet), midway between Lisburn and Hillsborough, is the subject, the book looking back as far as the arrival of the Hugenots, who introduced the weaving trade to the area.

From the onset of industry, the village developed; through the goodwill of local land and mill owners the small neighbourhood progressed and families made Ravarnette their home.

The new book celebrates one hundred years of Christian witness in the village.

In 1910 two young girls from Scotland arrived to hold a gospel mission at Ravarnette; they were ‘Pilgrims' workers for the Faith Mission, whose headquarters is based in Scotland.

The author has sought to recall those days around the beginning of the last century, when life was lived at a quieter and more gentle pace, when the preachers arrived in horse and trap to bring the message of the gospel - when charabancs were the mode of public transport, the only form of lighting was by oil lamp, and a familiar sound was that of the clang of the hammer of the village blacksmith at the crossroads, Alex Long, as he shaped horse shoes, iron gates, and other implements on his anvil.

In the midst of village life regular Christian witness had begun, the children had a Sunday School to attend, the men had their own weekly Bible Study and a regular weekly Gospel meeting was held each Sunday. And so it continued. Over the years the permanent meeting place moved to the building which is now known as Ravernet Mission Hall, based on the corner of the crossroads.

Throughout the decades many more came to bring the message of the gospel.

Mavis Heaney has included over 130 photographs in her book, including images of well remembered local preachers like Willie Collins, who preached every Tuesday morning in Lisburn Market, and, with colleagues from The Tansy Mission Hall, for years held a weekly service at the Department of Elderly Medicine at Lagan Valley Hospital.

Others featured include Bessie Sykes and the story of Seth and Bessie, who were famous for their hymns and choruses, and the Rev. Ronnie McCracken, who conducted a Gospel Mission at Ravernet in 1971.

After the collapse of Communism Ronnie was deeply involved in taking shipments of aid to Russia, Belarus and other former Soviet countries; later, groups of Chernobyl children were brought to Northern Ireland for holidays and Bible teaching and over the years numerous container lorries carrying clothing, food, and help of every description, left from the store at Loanends to reach the needy in far off lands.

Then there's Mr. Wolsey Ward (known as ‘The Yodelling Buckaroo' in earlier years) a former singer in the entertainment business before his conversion.

Evangelist Harvey Shaw was also a frequent visitor over the years. His life story and testimony is one of dedication to his role of evangelist in the face of adversity.

The Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson, MP also shares his testimony of family life in the Mourne district, his introduction into politics and his conversion to Christ.

‘Ravernet - A Century of Grace' is priced at 8 and is a limited edition. It is available at The Linen Centre, Market Square, Lisburn, and the Faith Mission Bookshop, 2 Chapel Hill opposite the Mall in Bow Street. It can also be purchased at the Faith Mission shop in Queen Street, Belfast. Interested Churches and Mission Halls are requested to telephone 075 9815 6191 to order books or arrange delivery.

The Rt Hon Jeffrey Donaldson, MP

Harland & Wolff in its heyday (featured in the testimony of Wolsey Ward)

Ravarnette Crossroads around the turn of the last century

Evangelist George Bates.

Evangelist Bert Finlay who spent several months in Ravernet village in 1945. (Please use only that part of the photo with Bert Finlay and omit wife and child, for Dromore Leader only thank you.

Evangelist Harvey Shaw, with Rev. Dr. Ian R. K. Paisley and Gordon Martin, Leader of the The WORD Bible Class at Ballygowan.