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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

th anniversary celebrations at Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church

Pictured at a service on Sunday 17th September to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church is L to R: (seated) The Mayoress - Mrs Laureen Lunn, the Mayor - Councillor Trevor Lunn, the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP, Baroness Eileen Paisley and Mrs Ina Barnes.  (standing) The Rev William Beattie, Mrs Sally Beattie, the Rev Dr John Douglas, Alderman Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA and the Rev Dr Stanley Barnes.

A special service was held on Sunday morning 17th September 2006 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church.  The minister, the Rev Dr Stanley Barnes chaired the service and welcomed the congregation and special guests - The Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP, Baroness Eileen Paisley, Alderman Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA, the Mayor - Councillor Trevor Lunn and the Mayoress - Mrs Laureen Lunn.

The Rev Dr John Douglas - Clerk of Presbytery, led the opening prayer.  The Rev William Beattie, who was appointed to oversee the newly formed congregation in 1966 also took part in the service and brought his congratulations and best wishes for the future.  In his welcome and announcements, David Williamson MBE - Clerk of Session joined Mr Barnes in welcoming the congregation and the distinguished guests.  Among many presents exchanged, David Williamson presented Dr Paisley with a framed painting by local artist George Bannerman, depicting the 21-gun salute at Government House to mark the Queen�s Birthday; and Mrs Ina Barnes presented a bouquet of flowers to Baroness Paisley.

The minister, the Rev Dr Stanley Barnes (third from left) pictured with special guests and church elders at a service on Sunday 17th September to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church.

Organist Marjorie Boreland MBE and the Ladies Fellowship Choir led the praise.  The hymns were - To God be the Glory, I�m not ashamed to own my Lord, and Revive Thy work, O Lord.  The choir, led by Patricia Hamilton and accompanied on piano by Elizabeth Cordner, brought two messages in song - �Lord, for the years� and �We are so blessed�.

Bringing the best wishes of Lisburn City Council, the Mayor - Councillor Trevor Lunn congratulated Mr Barnes and the congregation on reaching this important milestone in the history of the church and also congratulated the choir on their beautiful items of praise.

Dr Paisley recalled how from humble beginnings in an old band hut in 1966 the congregation now have this beautiful church.  In a challenging and inspiring address he spoke about the Birthplace, the Birth Right and the Birth Star of the Church.  He explained that at the end of Revelations, Jesus claims one title - �The Bright and Morning Star� and said that the Star of this church is the Bright and Morning Star - the Lord Jesus Christ and hoped that the church would reap the morning of revival.  He also emphasised the importance of the Blood Mark - the assurance of life everlasting.  Dr Paisley concluded by congratulating the congregation in reaching the 40th Anniversary and wished them continued happy times in the next 40 years.  

40th Anniversary Gospel Mission
The service on Sunday evening, conducted by the Rev Gary Goodes, was the start of a 40th Anniversary Gospel Mission.  The Rev Dr William McCrea MP will conduct the service next Sunday afternoon (24th September) at 3.30pm.  Harvest Services on Sunday 1st October, will be conducted by the Rev Ron Johnstone at 11.30am and the Rev Gary Goodes at 7.00pm; and a Harvest Thanksgiving Supper conducted by the Rev Gary Goodes on Monday 2nd October at 8.00pm will bring the harvest celebrations and the 40th Anniversary Gospel Mission to a conclusion.