A New City
During the 1960’s the Northern Ireland Government decided to build a new City in North Armagh called Craigavon. At the same time the Presbyterian Church Extension Committee of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland took the decision to build a Presbyterian Church in the centre of the new City.

The new building was erected and officially opened on the 3rd of May 1973. The first meeting of the Kirk Session was held in Hill Street Presbyterian Lurgan. The Kirk Session welcomed their first Minister the Rev A P McComb who was installed as minister of Craigavon in Lurgan Presbyterian church on Friday 5th of January 1968.

The first church Sunday meeting was held in the home of Mrs Erwin 62 Moylinn Craigavon on the 3rd of February 1968 the services were then moved to the new Manse at 9 Moylinn Craigavon. The first sod for the new Church was cut on Monday 14th June 1971 by the Rev Jack Weir and the building contract was awarded to Messers R Heathwood and Sons. The Contract price was £53,000.

The Foundation Stone was laid by the Rev Rupert Gibson on Saturday 9th October 1971.The Rev McComb was minister of the church for 11 months but thought it was too small a congregation for one minister to look after and accepted a call to to 1st Dromara Presbyterian church.

A new Minister the Rev James Campbell was appointed to share Craigavon and Newmills Presbyterian Churches. In 1971 the Rev J H Harrison was called as minister to Craigavon Presbyterian Church and was installed on Tuesday 20th April 1971.

The next minister of the Church was the Rev Bill Shaw then, who was then followed by the Rev Andrew Thompson. Our present minister is the Rev Bob Allely.

A booklet by Mr Alan Ince called A Short History of Craigavon Presbyterian Church is available.

The Opening
Craigavon Presbyterian Church was first opened in 1972 and was destroyed by fire in 1987. The church had to be completely rebuilt. Only to be damaged by fire again in 1993 and in 2000. No one was ever convicted for any these attacks.

Almost a year after the last arson attack, Craigavon Presbyterian Church, was re-opened by the then Presbyterian Moderator. Dr Trevor Morrow who said that,

“The church was to be congratulated on the enthusiasm and energy shown by the congregation, who once again had refurbished their church.”

He commended the resilience of their faith in the midst of may set backs as an example to everyone. The re-building had cost £250,000 of which the congregation had to raise £50,000. One of the great things to come out of these fires was the way that the whole community had come together to support the church through these difficult times.

There had been no lack of interest and goodwill shown to the congregation. The congregation had been moved by the tremendous care and encouragement shown by the local community and many people from further afield, not least the prayerful support in addition to both practical and financial help.

Bulletin:
If anyone needs anything added to the bulletin please email Laura.