Ireland

UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD BELFAST MARCH 2022

This building was completed in 1927 and may have replaced Ormiston Presbyterian church which was on a nearby site.

I had intended to return to the area to specifically photograph a number of churches but had to change my plans as I decided to visit Belfast City Cemetery instead. I may visit again in June or July.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the Republic of Ireland, and the largest Protestant denomination in Northern Ireland. Like most Christian churches in Ireland, it is organised on an all-island basis, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The church has approximately 210,000 members.

Apart from the seats for worshippers, the inside of a Presbyterian church is dominated by four items of furniture.

The Pulpit is the place from which sermons are preached. It generally occupies the central place in the church, reflecting the central place of the proclamation of the Word of God in the worship of the Church.

The Lectern, or Bible Stand, holds the Bible in a prominent place in the church. The Bible is the source of all authority in the life of the church.

The Communion Table is often placed directly in front of the pulpit. The associated chairs are occupied by the minister and elders during the service of Holy Communion.

The Baptismal Font is used during baptisms, which is regarded as a sign of the covenant between God and the Church, welcoming the child into the community of the Church. Children are regarded as sharing the promise of salvation with adults in the church and have as much right to be baptised as adults. (‘Infant Baptism’ does not guarantee admission to Full Membership. Full Membership is only accepted on Profession of a personal Faith.)