The first seeds of the separated witness in Lurgan were sown in the early 1960′s when Dr. Paisley and the late Rev. John Wylie were invited to speak at the meetings convened in the Town Hall by the Lurgan Christian Fellowship. This fellowship was small but dedicated band of men who were concerned about the downgrade apostasy of the ecumenical Protestant denominations.
In 1964 Dr. Paisley conducted a gospel campaign in a tent near Donaghcloney. Through the faithful preaching of God’s Word many precious souls were saved and the need for a fundamental gospel witness became apparent.
Efforts to acquire suitable property were hindered by people opposed to the formation of a Free Presbyterian Church in the area. Prayer was answered and in 1965 a room in High Street was secured and used to good effect. At the beginning of 1966 the Orangemen kindly offered Clare Orange Hall for use as a meeting place for Free Presbyterians. A year later on 5 February 1967 the Church was officially constituted as a congregation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.
As the congregation increased, larger premises were needed and the old schoolhouse in George Street was purchased for three thousand five hundred. Following extensive renovations, the building was opened by the Moderator, Dr. Paisley on 17 February 1968. Rev. Michael Patrick was placed by the Presbytery as the student minister of the church in December 1968. On the 19 August 1971, Rev. John Wylie was installed as the first ordained minister of the congregation. He remained in Lurgan until his retirement in April 1978. The present minister, Rev. David Creane was installed on 1 November 1978.The Church remained in George Street until September 1984 when a spacious new building on the Banbridge Road was opened for the preaching of the gospel. Rev. David Creane (ME) retired after 37 years of service. Rev. Thomas Murray was installed as Minister in 2019. We look forward with expectancy to the further growth of the congregation and to times of refreshing from the presence of the LORD.
UK - N. Ireland
