Ballyhobridge Presbyterian Church

History

The congregation was formed as a Seceder cause in 1836, following mission work by the probationer Frederick Buick. Rev Matthew Clarke was the first minister, from 1836 to 1845, and the third minister, Rev Robert Clarke, who served from 1852 to 1863, was his son. The seventh minister, Rev Robert Kennedy, was ordained here on 4 March 1879, 33 years after he was licensed, and served for 22 years.

Attempts were made in the early twentieth century to unite the congregation with others, but it continued as a single charge after it was realised that the property would revert to the landlord if the congregation ceased to have its own minister. It was united with Clones in May 1921. Stonebridge joined the group in 1961 and Newbliss was added in 1965.