Praise service for Christian Endeavour in Clonaneese as it celebrates formation of first CE Society in area

Mr Ivan Duff welcomed everyone to the special praise service for Christian Endeavour (CE) in Clonaneese, celebrating the formation of the first CE Society in the area, in October 1966, by the Rev Tom Cumming.

There were 14 young people at the first meeting, some of whom are still involved in Senior CE today.

Mrs Ruth Williamson, the current Local CE Union President, brought greetings from the Armagh & South Tyrone Union.

Mrs Hilary Colbert gave an overview of the history of the organisation. Christian Endeavour was started in USA in 1881 by Dr. Francis E. Clark, a minister who saw a need to help the young people, in his meetings, learn how to lead a meeting, read the Bible aloud and give Bible talks. He named this society, Christian Endeavour and soon the idea spread to other churches. By 1889 it had reached Ireland, where the first CE Society was in Agnes Street Presbyterian, Belfast.

After the Young People’s CE was started in Clonaneese, it was gradually added to, with a Junior Society, Junior High, Young People’s, Young Adults’; and Seniors’, all with their own leaders and different people taking part. The CE Choir sings at different venues as opportunity allows.

Today, CE is thriving in Clonaneese. Some former CE members have gone on to full-time Christian service. Mrs Mabel Brush and Mrs Elspeth Jones came to the anniversary service to speak about how CE is still an

influence on their lives. Both ladies recalled their involvement in meetings when they regularly took part in chain prayer, gave a devotional talk, etc. This helped to prepare them for their future Christian ministry along with their respective husbands, Leslie Brush and Geoffrey Jones.

Rev Knox Jones also grew up through CE in the Church and is now a Presbyterian minister.

He shared some closing thoughts from Ephesians 2:1-10: what Jesus does for us is all by His grace. We give God the glory for how He continues to use Christian Endeavour in Clonaneese.

Founder members gathered around Mrs Hazel Williamson for the cake-cutting ceremony. Further fellowship was enjoyed over a delightful supper when there was the opportunity to view a collection of beautiful and most interesting photos taken over the years.