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The Church Outside the Walls
A History of Joymount Presbyterian Church
Written and compiled by Rev W Derek Weir M.B.E., B.A.,
B.D. |
"The Church Outside the Walls"
This is the story of Joymount Presbyterian Church,
Carrickfergus from its foundation in 1852 to the present day.
The title implies the close proximity of the congregation's
property to the town wall and north- east bastion of Carrickfergus, a town in Ulster "steeped in a past of 800 years."
It is distinguished for the unique position it has occupied
in the religious and political history of Ireland.
As recently as 2011, Carrickfergus acquired a wider interest
when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon her grandson,
Prince William and his wife Catherine Middleton, the titles of
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl and Countess of Strathearn
and Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus, a title which had lain
unused since 1883. |
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The Founding of Joymount Presbyterian
The genesis of the congregation was due to the initiative,
encouragement and support of the First Carrickfergus (North
Street) founded in the early 17th century. Guided by a succession
of faithful ministers Joymount Church has adhered to its original
aim, i.e. to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ.
The author has placed the story of the congregation in the
context of the history of Ireland and the Irish Presbyterianism.
Also he has endeavoured to record the valued contribuition
of the ministers and people to the life of the community of
Carrickfergus, past and present.
In 2014 the historical importance of the Church property has
been enhanced by the transfer to the Knot Garden of the "Burning
Bush Memorial" from the Market Place, where it was originally
placed in 1992 to mark the 350th anniversary of the organization
of Presbyterianism in Ireland.
Ministers of the Congregation
Rev James Warwick G.C.; Rev Edgar Stewart, B.A.; Rev. John
Young Minford, B.A.; Rev. Thomas Carlisle, M.A.; Rev Ronald William
Campbell Clements, B.A.
Rev T Richard Graham, B.A. is the sixth and present minister
of the congregation. He believes that this history will be
"cherished by members of the congregation and those who in times
past have been members of, or are in some ways associated with
Joymount". Moreover he asserts that the Book with provide insight
for those "who will follow us in the days to come".
"The Church Outside the Walls" is in hardback containing
224 pages and selling at £10.00 per copy. It includes a wide range
of black and white and colour photographs illustrating the life
of the congregation both past and present. |
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