Mass & Service Times
Sunday
- 11:30
- (11:00)
- 19:00
About Kilkeel Presbyterian Church
Kilkeel Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in Newry, County Down.
History
Kilkeel Presbyterian Church was formed in 1822 as a Seceder congregation, at a time when the only Presbyterian church in the area was Mourne. The Markethill Presbytery reported in that year that its attempts to establish a further congregation in Kilkeel had not materialised. The congregation was at first unable to secure a minister, and Rev John Allen became its first minister on 21 August 1827. Having no meeting place other than a small room, Allen hired a large house which accommodated both his family and the congregation, in an apartment that could hold 150 to 200 people.
A rood of ground, approximately a quarter of an acre, was purchased soon afterwards for a church and a burial ground at Meeting House Lane, which became the congregation's graveyard. The first church building was completed in 1829 and measured 54ft long, 27ft wide and 14ft high. Allen left in 1831 and emigrated to the United States. Rev George Nesbitt was installed in September 1831 and retired in 1874, and Rev Robert White was installed in February 1875 and served until 1910.
The building
The foundation stone of the present church, on Newcastle Street, was laid on 3 July 1894 by the Countess of Kilmorey, and the new church was opened in 1897. It is a listed building.
An extension and a balcony were added in 1986. Because of the listing, every brick of the front wall was numbered, dismantled and replaced in the same position, 30ft closer to Newcastle Street.
Clergy
- Minister Rev S S Johnston
