Local Presbyterian Church marks 200-year anniversary
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A full attendance for the 200th anniversary Service of Thanksgiving.Image 2 of 4
Rev Daniel Reyes Martin, Minister, Mullingar Presbyterian Church, and Jason McKevitt local historian.Image 3 of 4
From left, Noel Smithers, Sheila Bailey, Wilson Porter, Jeanette Porter, Ruth Flynn, Ethel Smithers and Alfie Bailey.Image 4 of 4
Rick Hill (left), secretary to the Council of Mission in Ireland, Rev Stephen Lockington, 1st Antrim Presbyterian Church, and formerly Mullingar Presbyterian Church (centre), and Rev Daniel Reyes Martin, Minister, Mullingar Presbyterian Church.By Jason McKevitt
Mullingar Presbyterian Church celebrated its 200th anniversary with a Service of Thanksgiving at the Presbyterian Church building in Rathgowan, Mullingar on Saturday last, October 8.
The actual year of the church’s formation was 1821, but due to Covid restrictions during 2021, the bicentenary celebrations could not take place until now.
The service of thanksgiving was led by Rev Daniel Reyes-Martin, Minister of Mullingar Presbyterian Church, who welcomed guests from the wider community of Mullingar, and further afield to the celebration.
Rev Daniel led worship with a prayer of adoration and thanksgiving. The children of the congregation, many of whom are fine musicians, led the music under the eye of Ms Sheila Graham for the ceremony, bringing an upbeat mood to what was a joyous occasion.
Moving testimonies of God’s faithfulness were delivered by Mrs Cora Leong and the former Minister of Mullingar Presbyterian Church, Rev Stephen Lockington. This brought both smiles and the odd nostalgic tear as they spoke about their time as members of Mullingar Presbyterian Church.
Historian Jason McKevitt presented a History of Mullingar Presbyterian Church over the 200 years, speaking about its people and places, from its beginnings in the old Market House in Mullingar to its former church building in Castle Street and finally to its current location in the Rathgowan area of the town.
The bible reading, 1Thessalonians 2:1-13 was read eloquently in the Irish language by Sheila Graham and in English by Jeanette Porter. This reading which speaks about St Paul’s Christian ministry, reminded everyone of the original Presbyterian Congregation in Mullingar and their mission in 1821.
The sermon was delivered by Rick Hill, secretary to the Presbyterian Council of Mission in Ireland. Rick spoke on the theme of how the 200-year history of Mullingar Presbyterian Church may be seen as a shining example of the Christian mission in action.
The service concluded as Rev Daniel playing a wonderful piece of film, created by Wilson Porter, of some of the church activities over the years, which brought smiles to all.
The 200th anniversary celebrations of Mullingar Presbyterian Church was a truly memorable occasion, here’s looking forward to the next 200 years.
Mullingar Presbyterian Church will continue to give Glory to God with worship every Sunday at 11.30am with a warm invite to everyone who wishes to come along.