Stranmillis: pressing on
Harold Gibson
It is with a sense of great anticipation and with thankfulness to God that the congregation of Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Belfast returned to its normal location in September.
For the past 12 months the church has been in a period of transition. Having vacated their normal location at 36 Stranmillis Road at the end of July 2017, due to the major building and redevelopment project, services of worship relocated to Stranmillis University College on Sunday mornings and to Lisburn Road Hall in the evenings.
Belfast: Stranmillis expanding
Harold Gibson
The congregation of Stranmillis Evangelical
Presbyterian Church has seen significant
growth with the present building being at
capacity on Sundays. Furthermore with limited space available for Sunday school, creche,
and community and student outreach, the
Deacon’s Board gave consideration as to the
best way ahead to accommodate the needs.
Thought was given to refurbishing, moving or
rebuilding on
the present
site.
Conscious of
the need
to move
forward
prayerfully with the Lord’s guidance it was decided to rebuild on the current site. The
church is located in the heart of student land,
Queen’s University being a short distance from
its doors, and it has had a ministry to both
home and overseas students for many years.
Ireland’s vote on gay marriage
Harold Gibson
Harold Gibson, former editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian magazine, gives his comments.
The change in Irish society within a few years has been enormous and was reflected in the recent referendum on the issue of gay ‘marriage’ held at the end of May.