Killyleagh Parish Centre Dedicated
On 21st January 2018, on a wet mild afternoon, just a day or two after Killyleagh experienced some cold snowy weather, Bishop Harold Miller dedicated the new Parish Centre to the glory of God. Mrs Miller cut the ribbon at the door, while Bishop Harold unveiled the plaque in the porch, before the worshippers and guests moved inside for some fellowship and afternoon tea, provided by the hard-working Parish catering team.
Sam Graham, chair of the Building Committee thanked all involved in any way in the construction, while the Rector commented that the parish now had the best possible new building on the small site that was the old hall. He continued that this new facility was for the whole community.
The official opening ceremony followed an inspiring and uplifting service in a full church, where those present looked backwards to the life of the parish in the old hall, recognising God’s faithfulness to every generation, gave thanks for the day with its culmination of a long building project, and looked forward to the future, as the parish faces a task unfinished, with its mission to connect with the people of Killyleagh and spread the good news of Jesus through the blessing of the new building resource.
During the service, the congregation heard how 7-year old Cristiano Fernandes had won a competition to design a stained-glass window panel for the new Parish Centre. His design, on the theme of prayer, was chosen from 50 entries from pupils of Killyleagh Integrated Primary School.
Bishop Harold gave an interactive address, taking as his text chapter 3 of Jonah and encouraging Killyleagh Parish to make use of the wonderful new facility to help fulfil the mission of God, in the face of challenge. Many members of the parish were involved in the service, including the Junior Choir, which sang Rend Collective’s prayer for God to ‘Build his Kingdom here’ and the robed Choir, which sang a relatively new Getty/Cash composition, ‘Living Waters’.
To access photographs from the hall dedication click here
