This church is the oldest in Belfast having been opened in June 1783 (N.B. The congregation was established in 1644!) The present building was designed by Roger Mullholland and at the time was radical with its elliptical style. It is now a Grade 1 listed building. Sadly bomb damage to the church in the 1970s meant the windows were blown out, but thankfully these were replaced post Troubles.
So far the church has seen twenty two First Presbyterian ministers leading its congregation since the first session in 1644. The current minister is Rev Nigel Playfair. On Wednesday mornings the general public are free to look around the interesting building. The staff who look after the church will be happy to help you with any enquiries you may have. There are a few booklets printed which will divulge a little more of the churches history and past. You can pick these up from inside the building.
There are many links between this church and the two others in the area where Henry Joy McCracken and the United Irishmen are concerned. If you're a history buff, don't miss this out. read more