Local Churches

Second Presbyterian

The foundation stone of the church in Cow Street (now Catherine Street) was laid on 15th October 1840 and the building was completed in August 1842, being formally opened and dedicated by the Rev Dr Henry Cooke. The first minister was Rev Robert Gault, who took an active interest in the education of the young and thus resolved to have a school in connection with the congregation. The two-storey building to the rear of the church was completed before the end of 1844. The first school master was Mr John Downes and he was succeeded by Mr John Davidson, Mr Daniel McCaw and Mr Robert Greer. Miss Amelia Gilmore was mistress for 40 years, retiring in 1912. In 1940 staff and pupils transferred to the new Public Elementary School on the Shrigley Road.

On Mr Gault's resignation in 1852, Rev Alexander McCreery became minister. He is remembered for his long ministry of 58 years in the one church and for his book "The Presbyterian Ministers of Killyleagh", an immensely interesting historical record of Killyleagh and district from 1622. Mr McCreery took a particular interest in the Sunday School and its scholars. The Annual Outings to the Castle Demesne and later the Show Grounds were much enjoyed, the children marching there behind silk bannerettes bearing scriptural texts for games and sports.

In 1860 the Seaside Manse was built at a cost of £350 and in 1880 a teacher's residence was built on the remaining vacant plot in Irish Street. In 1885 a new school house and Lecture Hall were built.

In 1902 Mr McCreery was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Divinity and in that, the year of his Golden Jubilee he was presented by the congregation with his portrait executed in oils - this was eventually returned to the congregation in 1954 by his grandson Dr Alex Wallace of Lisbane.

Dr McCreery was succeeded by Rev Thomas McCaughan and during his ministry and American organ was installed and the Church Hymnary introduced (before this only unaccompanied psalms were sung).

Rev Samuel McVicker became the fourth minister of the congregation in 1820.

The Freewill Offering Scheme came into operation in 1923 and in 1925, a Communion Set with individuals cups was used for the first time, replacing the pewter set dated 1840. A pipe organ was installed in 1927. Rev Clifford Boggs was ordained in 1928. Electric lighting was installed in the church in 1936. During the Second World War the Lecture Hall was used as a billet for soldiers. In 1942 Edward Wallace, Ulysses Bain, Alexander McClurg and Samuel Simpson were elected and ordained elders. Edward Wallace being appointed the first Clerk of Session.

1946 saw the inception of the Lord's Supper being celebrated on the first Sunday of the New Year jointly with 1st Killyleagh.

A Children's Church was begun in 1965 under the leadership of Mrs Elizabeth Watt and a bowling club was formed in 1967.

In November 1972 Mr Boggs' mother celebrated her 106th birthday.

The pipe organ was replaced by an electronic one in 1973 and the choir box removed.

The Silver Jubilee of the Queen in 1977 was marked by the presentation of an inscribed Bible to each child in the congregation.

To celebrate Mr Boggs' Golden Jubilee in March 1978, he was sent on a tour of The Holy Land.

He retired in 1980, after 52 years as minister, and was replaced by Rev Fred Bradley in March 1982.

A new manse, on the site of the old one, was completed later that year. More fund raising events then took place and much fun and fellowship was enjoyed, so that renovation of the Lecture Hall could be carried out. The official opening was by the Moderator of the General Assembly, The Right Rev Dr G Brown, on 15th April 1989.

Mr Bradley moved to Whitehead congregation in February 1993 and Rev Norman Cameron was installed on 5th May 1994.

Norman, Kay and family moved to High Kirk Ballymena in July 2006.

Mission Praise now supplements our Church Hymnary.

Members are encouraged to read the lessons and lead in prayer at Sunday Worship. Family Services, with praise groups taking part are held.

Sunday School is now held during Church time. A public address system has been installed with the facility of recording the services and this tape ministry is appreciated by the house bound of our congregation. BB, GB and a "K" Club is held for the children, a Bible Focus Group and Home Bible Studies take place on alternate weeks. A more informal service is held in our Church Hall on Sunday evenings (alternating with 1st Killyleagh).

A Warm Welcome awaits everyone at our Morning Service at 11.30am each Sunday.

More information available from our Minister:

Rev Peter Banney
Seaside Manse
Killyleagh
Co Down
BT30 9QY
Telephone: 028 44 828 167
e-mail: