Two churches in the diocese of Down and Dromore are amongst winners in the Ulster Historic Churches Trust ‘Places of Worship 2006’ competition. The Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, Magherally was Highly Commended in the Places of Worship built before1800-1900 category and awarded a £500 prize. The Parish Church of St Malachy in Hillsborough was also successful in being Highly Commended in the category for Places of Worship built before 1800 and also received £500.

The Trust, which has Church of Ireland, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist trustees, made the awards at a special ceremony hosted by Paul Clark from UTV. The prizes were awarded for well-maintained places of worship and the panel of judges included people who have a background in architectural conservation.

Founded in 1995 the Ulster Historic Churches Trust promotes a wider understanding of Ulster's historic churches and disseminates information on how best to maintain them.
 

Pictured showing the ‘Places of Worship 2006’ award at Hillsborough Parish Church last Sunday morning are L to R: (front row) Noel Gillespie, Kenny Dougherty - Sexton and the Very Rev John Dinnen - Rector. (back row) Iain Gillespie - Rector’s Warden, Dermot Maginess, John Cochrane and the Rev Simon Richardson - Curate.	The Very Rev John Dinnen - Rector of Hillsborough, is pictured receiving the ‘Places of Worship 2006’ award from Paul Clarke (UTV), Primrose Wilson (UHCT) and the Rev Trevor Williamson (UHCT).	Elizabeth Hanna, Rector of Magherally, is pictured receiving the ‘Places of Worship 2006’ award from Paul Clarke (UTV), Primrose Wilson (UHCT) and Fr Hugh Kennedy (UHCT).