Our History

The story of SRPC is as much a story of ordinary members as it is of the big events that shaped our development as a congregation. It’s the story of people coming to faith, of growing in faith, of children and young people being raised to love and serve the Lord. It’s a story of people finding a spiritual home, of young and old alike. Finding fellowship, enjoying friendship and fun while facing up to the spiritual challenges of the times.

The below records some of the important dates in the life of our congregation since it was first established on 10thJanuary 1960.

1954

The Kirk Session of St John’s Newtownbreda decided, due to the large amount of housing being built, there should be the provision of an extension to Sunday School in the Beechill area.

1958

Rev L Rex Pedlow (Minister of St John’s) began a Sunday school in the Orange Hall (Now Furniture warehouse) at Beechill.

1960

Rev James McAdam was installed as the first Minister of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church and for the first time a congregation gathered for worship in the Hall.

1962

The current Church building was officially opened on 13th January following 2 years of construction.

1963

A semi-permeant Hall (known as the wooden hall) was opened by Rev Jack Weir. This hall was in operation well beyond its estimated 25 year life and was demolished in 2003.

1965

The congregation grew rapidly and in the first 5 years of its life there were 167 baptisms.

1972

A new suite of halls, with the McAdam Hall being the centerpiece was opened which cost £32,024 to build.

1981

A new Scripture Union mission called Newtownbreda CSSM was launched in partnership with a number of other local churches in the area.

1985

Mission committee was established to encourage mission at home and overseas.

1987

Rev James McAdam retires after 27 years of service.

1988

Rev Paul McClenaghan is installed as Minister.

1989

The Hamilton’s are called to serve in Cote d’Ivoir with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

The Campbell’s are called to Congnac, France with PCI.

1990

The Rodgers are called to Malawi with PCI.

1994

Rev Alistair Bill is installed as Minister.

1996

The old Manse at 489 Saintfield Road is sold and a new Manse is bought in Royal Lodge Park.

1999

Church Office with part time administrator is appointed.

2000

Lissy Hatch is appointed as the first Youth Worker

2002

Small Groups are launched.

Rosalind White called to serve in Malawi with PCI.

2003

Johnny Bell is appointed Youth Worker.

2007

New suit of Halls are opened by PCI moderator Rev Dr David Clarke.

2010

Congregation celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

2011

15 members of the congregation climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to clear the debt of the hall extension.

2012

2nd Phase of the new halls was completed with new offices, kitchen and breakout rooms created.

2014

New Church Administrator appointed.

2016

Double Arson attack on the church occurred in July causing extensive damage to the church and suite of halls. SRPC relocates to various other venues during this time.

2017

Church halls are refurnished and church services resume in the McAdam Hall. Plans are drawn up for a radical change to the church sanctuary.

Vision 2020 is launched focusing the church on Worship, sending & Serving.

John and Birita Timothy are called to serve in Japan, Heather Lowry is called go serve in India and Gerald & Louise Mwangi are called to Kenya.