On Saturday, October 17, the new opening of the new annex was held in Ballygawley Presbyterian Church, linking the original meeting house and the Smyth Hall complexes.
Ballygawley Presbyterian Church has been on this site for over 200 years seeking to reach people with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The churche’s motto “Passion for Jesus, Compassion for People” is the goal of this church.
Said Rev Jonathan Boyd: “Our hope is that the new facility will help engage with the various generations and provide an open plan but practical meeting area, coffee dock, new creche and bathroom. One of the key ideas was to have a space that was open so that people could see in.
“Often people are not sure what happens in church and we hope that this new space enables them to see some of our activities. As Jesus highlighted in his sermon on the mount, ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.’ (Matthew 5:14)
“Therefore, we want to engage with the wider Ballygawley community in a manner that is transparent and open, while unashamedly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“We have been delighted by the diligence and hard work of all involved including the contractors and all those we have employed and the many volunteers who have given generously in various manners.
“Much hard work has gone into getting this project to the point of being open for use but above all things, at harvest time, we want to give thanks to God who has provided in many ways. The apostle James reminds us ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights’ (James 1:17)
“Our desire is that this facility will be used by many for years to come. We want it to be a hub for people of every generation to enjoy while engaging with the God who made them and knows them. If in some small way this building can help the people of the church family and the surrounding area engage with God that would be our desire. So we look to God to bless the work that has been done and to use it to advance His kingdom here.
“Ultimately, as Psalm 127:1 states, ‘Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.’”
1. Church Moderator Rev Dr Richard Kerr cuts the ribbon at the annex for Ballygawley Presbyterian Church. ST264336
Church Moderator Rev Dr Richard Kerr cuts the ribbon at the annex for Ballygawley Presbyterian Church. ST264336 | Sara Turkington
2. Contractor Steven Kilpatrick hands over the scissors to Moderator Rev Dr Richard Kerr for the ribbon cutting. ST264335
Contractor Steven Kilpatrick hands over the scissors to Moderator Rev Dr Richard Kerr for the ribbon cutting. ST264335 | Sara Turkington
3. There was a large crowd at Ballygawley Presbyterian Church's opening of the annex. ST264334
There was a large crowd at Ballygawley Presbyterian Church's opening of the annex. ST264334 | Sara Turkington
4. Ethan, Zach and Jacob supplying the sweet treats. ST264332
Ethan, Zach and Jacob supplying the sweet treats. ST264332 | Sara Turkington