This short 88 page booklet gives a brief account of the history of First Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill. It has a few pages on ‘Presbyterians come to Ireland (early 1600s)’, ‘Opposition to the Presbyterians’, ‘Presbyterians at Ahoghill (1654)’, ‘First Ahoghill
Congregation ‘began to grow’.
This is followed by various renovations and improvements over the years, then the long debate in 2003 about the need for major renovations. From 2007 to 2009 discussions took place about what should be done and by 2010 it was decided to build a new church complex. The old building was then renovated and leased to the Maine Medical Practice.
The Rev. Eddie Kirk said, I count it a real privilege to be asked to write the foreword to this little book which is an account of the building of the new meeting-house and suite of halls at First Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill.
I am so grateful to the Lord for allowing me to have a small part to play in this great adventure of faith. All through this process, (which was almost as complicated as the current Brexit negotiations), our focus as a property sub-committee and indeed Kirk Session and Committee, is that all the glory would go to our great God.
That is also the desire of all who have been involved in putting this account together.
This magnificent building is here to use in the 21st century simply because God did
it!
As I look back over the years, and it took about 10 years from first surveying the old meeting-house to opening the new buildings, I still can hardly believe what we, as a congregation, were able to achieve under God. Every time I enter the building it takes
my breath away. The Lord did it and it is marvellous in our eyes.
I remember one day near the end of the building programme I was walking up past the building after collecting the bin at the roadside, and as I was looking at the building I thought to myself, ‘well the church is complete but when will it be paid for?’ Then I thought of the true reality, i.e. Jesus said. “I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it”. So the true church is still being built and will continue to be built until all the elect are gathered in. But here is the thought that I rejoiced in as I towed my bin up the avenue, “it is all bought and paid for by the precious blood of Christ!”
Finally, one of the things that has absolutely thrilled my soul is how the Lord has motivated His people to give sacrificially to this project. From a total of 2.8 million pounds down to £600,000 in 5 years is astounding, and all the more so when you consider that through it all the giving to missions has not suffered at all.
It is my prayer that the building that he Lord has so generously provided to this congregation will be used by this and future generations for the ingathering of precious souls and the building up of God’s people.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.” Ps. 84:1
Eddie Kirk (Minister Emeritus)
The main responsibility of the work entailed in the move from the old meeting-house to the new complex fell upon the new build property committee who spent many hours and sleepless nights wrestling over the situation. The Rev. Eddie Kirk, Messrs Joseph McMullan, James Erwin, Robert McCord, William Hood, Roy Wilson, and David Shaw were part of that committee and have also given valuable help in gathering information for this booklet.
We also express appreciation to all the members of the Kirk Session and Committee who were serving at that time and were heavily involved in all the discussions and decision making in this project.
Thanks also to those who helped with the proof reading of the script and those who supplied photographs and other information. Ian Fleck
This book can be purchased at:
‘firstahoghill.co.uk ‘ contact page
or by contacting the author at Contact Page.