10th December, 2022 - Carol Singing at Coleman’s Garden Centre
A very enjoyable morning was spent at Coleman’s Garden Centre at Templepatrick singing Carols to entertain the Christmas shoppers. Eight parishioners joined choristers from Ballyclare Presbyterian Church for a few hours and helped raise a very credible £240 for Christian Aid.
26th November, 2022 - Autumn Clean-up
A team of willing volunteers arrived at the church early this morning to begin the annual clean-up of the the church grounds. With a poor weather forecast for the afternoon it made sense to get started early and armed with brushes, rakes, shovels and leaf blowers the team worked hard to dispose of the large quantity of dead leaves, beech nuts and other debris that had fallen from the trees in recent weeks. Large builders’ bags were filled to maximum capacity and taken to the local green waste depot before being returned to be filled again. In all three trips were required and by 2 o’clock the grounds were once again extremely tidy. The workers took a short break in the Parish Hall at 11 o’clock for a well-deserved cup of tea or coffee. Another small team gave the inside of the church a thorough clean and dusting in time for tomorrow’s service on the first Sunday of Advent. The rain forecast thankfully never materialised, although it did become extremely windy, so everyone was able to work without getting wet. The Rector gave his personal thanks to everyone for their hard work before he, together with Bishop George, began the next meeting in the Parish Room for the pilgrims going to the Holy Land.
9th November, 2022 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies Group
The ladies of the parish got together this evening for an hour of energetic fun enjoying line dancing in the Parish Hall. Barbara Rea was the dance instructor and she demonstrated various steps to the ladies ( and one gentleman!). After some practice the steps were joined together in a dance routine. There were a few teething issues in getting feet in the right place at the right time but everyone had mastered the steps by the end of a great evening. Punch and mince pies finished off the evening. There is a distinct possibility that Barbara will organise another session now that everyone has shown an interest in learning more. Thanks to Barbara for organising this event and to everyone who provided the refreshments.
16th October, 2022 - 50th Anniversary of 1st Kilbride Brownies
It was back in 1972 that 1st Kilbride Brownie Pack was formed and to celebrate this wonderful anniversary a special service was held in St Bride’s this afternoon. Current members of the pack attended and many former members were able to join them to enjoy a service of celebration led by our rector, Rev. Canon David Humphries. The Brownie Pack was formed during the incumbency of Rev. Clyde Irvine and his wife Mildred was the driving force in getting the new section established. It was wonderful to be able to have both of them at the service today where they met many former Brownies from across the fifty years of its existence. A special cake was baked for the occasion and Mrs Irvine and Nahla, the youngest Brownie in the pack at present, had the honour of cutting it. Tea, tray bakes and of course the anniversary cake were enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee in the Parish Hall after the service.
The service was also the perfect opportunity for a very special presentation to a member of 1st Kilbride Guide Group. Rachael Eatock was presented with the Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award attainable in the Guide Movement and one that very few girls achieve. Rachael is one of only four across the county to have earned this award this year and she is the first Guide from 1st Kilbride ever to have been awarded this prestigious badge. The former Northern Ireland Commissioner for Guides, Brenda Herron, was delighted to be asked to make the presentation to Rachael in St Bride’s today. Rachael’s mother Fiona also achieved this award during her time in Guides and she is still a leader in the Movement.
12th October, 2022 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies Group
The first meeting of the Ladies’ Group was held this evening in the Parish Room and it was extremely well attended by ladies from the parish and friends. Samantha Coleman, a representative from the Belfast-based charity, the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, gave a very informative and interesting presentation on the work of the charity and the care it provides. The Children’s Heartbeat Trust has been working since 1984 to provide practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people living with heart disease and their families and the Ladies’ Group was delighted to be able to present a cheque for £300 to the charity.
For further events in the Ladies’ Group calendar please look at the ‘Diary Dates’ page.
2nd October, 2022 - Service of Thanksgiving for 100th Anniversary of the Formation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
Following the partition of Ireland a new police force for the newly formed Northern Ireland was established on 1st June, 1922. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (R.U.C.) replaced the previous Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.). Following the Patten report the police force was reformed and renamed as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (P.S.N.I.) on 4th November, 2001.
To commemorate this significant anniversary a special service was held today in Kilbride Parish Church to recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by police officers in Northern Ireland over 100 years. This was the main service for the borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey and the Worshipful the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, was in attendance together with other councillors and local M.L.A., Dr Steve Aiken O.B.E.. It was an honour for St Bride’s to host this important event and the service was well attended by many past members of the R.U.C. The lessons were read by former officers and the praise was led by the P.S.N.I. Ladies Choir. The preacher was the Rev. Campbell Dixon, M.B.E., a former officer in the R.U.C. and later the P.S.N.I. for 33 years before retiring in 2004. He was ordained in 2007 and has served in St. Patrick’s, Jordanstown, St Anne’s Cathedral and St Mark’s, Ballysillan. In his sermon he reminded everyone of the strong sense of duty held by officers in the police force and of the great losses and suffering endured throughout its long existence in Northern Ireland with more than three hundred members making the supreme sacrifice.
Following the service an afternoon cup of tea was enjoyed in the Parish Hall.
Pictured above are the R.U.C. standard bearers together with Rev. Campbell Dixon, M.B.E., Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross and our rector, Rev. Canon David Humphries.
1st October, 2022 - Holy Land Pilgrimage Information Day
Today the Rector held an information day for prospective pilgrims wanting to find out more about the planned pilgrimage to the Holy Land next May. The leadership team for this trip will be our Rector, Rev. Canon David Humphries and the Bishop of Connor, The Rt Rev. George Davison. Our Rector has lead well over twenty five pilgrimages over the years and has vast experience of the many Biblical sites in Israel. The purpose of today’s information day was to give more detail regarding where the pilgrimage would visit, transport, accommodation and cost. There was a very informative display set up to look at, with many artefacts brought back from previous trips. There were approximately 30 visitors to the church hall which began at 11 o’clock and a number of former pilgrims from St Bride’s were on-hand to tell of their experiences on their visit to the Holy Land. An Israeli-style lunch was then served giving everyone a literal taste of what the food in the Middle East is like. Our Rector then gave a talk on the pilgrimages explaining in detail the finer points of what anyone going next year would experience first hand. A number of people signed up at the end of the session with others leaving to give it further consideration. If anyone who couldn’t attend this meeting would like more information please contact our Rector either by phone or through the Contact form on this website.
18th September , 2022 - Wild Flower Garden
Earlier this year the Cub Scout section and Beaver Scout section in 1st Kilbride Scout Group prepared a small flower bed and sowed some wild flower seeds. This has been a great success as both beds have produced a wonderful display of colour in recent weeks. Indeed so successful has this exercise been that the area devoted to wild flowers along the roadside fence may well be extended next year. Stop and take a look if you happen to be passing the church hall in the next week or two.
13th September, 2022 - Service of Reflection for the Life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Cathedral Church of St Anne, Belfast
The life of Queen Elizabeth was commemorated in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast today in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, the Queen Consort and 800 invited guests from all walks of life in Northern Ireland and beyond. Our Rector was honoured to receive an invitation in his role as Canon of the Chapter of St Anne’s and he joined the new king for a wonderful service of reflection for the Queen’s life. The service was led by our own Bishop George who met the Royal party at the West Door of the cathedral and escorted them to their seats at the front of the nave. It was a wonderful tribute to the life of Queen Elizabeth and it was wonderful for our parish to be represented on such a emotional occasion.
The adjacent image shows the front cover of the Order of Service.
8th September, 2022 - The Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
30th August, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Titanic Quarter, Belfast)
This evening’s walk was unfortunately the last of what has been a very enjoyable series of walks across a wide range of locations that has included Scrabo Tower at Newtownards, the Giant’s Ring and Cavehill in Belfast and Glenarm Forest. The sun is setting around 9 o’clock at the end of August so daylight for walking in the evenings is severely curtailed. The venue this evening was the Titanic Quarter and it started on the Co. Antrim side of the River Lagan passing the Salmon of Knowledge at the quayside before crossing the river using the Lagan weir footbridge. Passing the S.S.E. Arena the walkers soon came to a fairly new addition to the street furniture in the shape of a giant set of chimes. Disturbing the pipes set small hammers in motion and as they made contact with the chimes around them the sounds replicated what would have been heard in the shipyard as ships were built in the shipyard. Then it was around to S.S. Nomadic, the tender which ferried passengers out from Cherbourg harbour to various liners, including R.M.S. Titanic, anchored just off-shore. Its use as a tender ended a long time ago and it was moored as a floating restaurant on the river Seine in Paris for many years. It was destined for the scrapyard but was bought by the Northern Ireland government and returned to Belfast where she was painstakingly restored.
Then it was past the iconic Titanic Belfast building and on to the famous slipways where R.M.S. Titanic and many other well-known ships were launched. Quite a number of beautifully decorated small model elephants were noticed in the area. These are to promote a charity and in total there are 70 different models located across the city. The walkers continued on to the Great Light which is the lens from a lighthouse which was formerly installed in a lighthouse on Tory Island off the coast of Donegal. Next stop was the famous W.W. 1 ship, H.M.S. Caroline, the last surviving vessel from the Battle of Jutland. Then it was on to the Thompson dry dock and its enormous pump house, built to take the ocean liners of the day and used to fit out the vessels after launching. It was extended to accommodate ‘Titanic’ and its sister ships, ‘Olympic’ and ‘Britannic’. The return journey passed the former Harland and Wolff office building that includes the famous drawing offices. It is now a hotel and many of its rooms have the wonderful view of the two cranes, Samson and Goliath, in the shipyard. The evening finished with refreshments in the Bullitt hotel near the city centre. Another great season of walks!
27th August, 2022 - The Kilbride Herald
The latest edition of the Herald is available to read by following this link to the ‘Useful Information and Links’ page - The Kilbride Herald
23rd August, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Rathlin Island)
Last year the rambling group finished the walking season with a trip to Rathlin Island and had a very pleasant walk around parts of the island. Unfortunately the beauty of the only inhabited island off the coast of Northern Ireland couldn’t be seen to its full extent due to extremely low cloud but this was not the case today as the group returned to the island for the penultimate walk of the season. Leaving Ballycastle aboard the ‘Spirit of Rathlin’ ferry the weather was a little grey with lots of clouds but the sun was trying to break through and this was a sign of things to come as the weather began to improve and was almost perfect for walking around the island. Leaving the harbour a large tall ship could be seen anchored just beyond the marina breakwater. The ship is a Dutch training vessel called the ‘Thalassa’ and it makes regular visits to Ballycastle. A mile or so out from the coast a shout went up that dolphins had been spotted and passengers crowded at the railings to get a better of view of a large pod of these fascinating mammals as they followed the ferry for a time before returning to look for fish again. It was a calm crossing and with a journey time of 40 minutes it wasn’t long before everyone was disembarking in Church Bay, Rathlin Island. Before starting out to walk to the south light the group made its way the short distance to St Thomas’ Anglican church beside the harbour. Rev. Patrick Barton, who is the rector of this church, had ensured that the church would be open to allow the party to go inside and learn a little of its fascinating history.
The group then split up into smaller groups with some staying near the harbour to explore the area around Church Bay and visit the small shops selling souvenirs of the island. The main walking group walked the 2.5 miles down to the south lighthouse at Rue Point where the views across Rathlin Sound to the sheer cliffs of Fairhead and across the North Channel to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland were superb. Lunch was enjoyed sitting on the rocks at the foot of the newly-painted lighthouse, enjoying the warm sunshine and fresh sea air. Time was taken to watch the numerous seals basking in the sun along the shoreline and to explore the ruins of former kelp storage buildings nearby. Then it was back to the harbour for a short time before walking out to the east light and back. The return ferry was at 5:00pm so there was plenty of time for everyone to come together again and have some refreshments before boarding for the crossing back to Ballycastle. The trip ended with everyone enjoying fish and chips from the famous Morton’s chip shop at the harbour in Ballycastle. A thoroughly enjoyable visit to Rathlin Island once again.
21st August, 2022 - Holy Baptism
It has only been three weeks since the last baptism in St Bride’s and this morning during the service of Holy Communion a warm welcome was extended to the family and friends of baby James Michael Taggart as he became the newest member of the church family. James is pictured above with his parents J.P. (in the dark suit) and Laura, together with his godfather and Rev. Canon David Humphries. Laura and J.P. were married in Kilbride on 22nd April last year and it was a delight to meet the new addition to their family.
16th August, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Cregagh Glen)
It was back to Belfast again for this evening’s walk but sadly numbers were down on last week’s walk. The walk started at the Orange Order Museum on the Cregagh road and having safely crossed the Knock dual-carriageway the walkers arrived at the start of the Cregagh Glen. This is a National Trust property and the well maintained path wound its way up into the Castlereagh hills with a few steep sections to negotiate. Near the top the walkers left the trail and made their way across a recently cut field of barley to the Lisnabreeny American War Memorial. The field in which it sits was a temporary war cemetery during World War 2 where almost 140 American servicemen who had died in air crashes and road accidents were buried. At the end of the war the remains were all exhumed and either repatriated for burial in the United States or reinterred in an American cemetery in Cambridge. As a mark of respect an American flag was raised for a short time on the flagpole beside the memorial. Then it was back to the trail and up to Crossnacreevy where the views across Belfast and the surrounding hills were spectacular. The returen journey brought the group down the Church Road and Ballygowan Road to the dual-carriageway and back to Cregagh. A very pleasant evening and an enjoyable walk which finished with coffee in Tim Horton’s at Connswater.
9th August, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Minnowburn & Giant’s Ring)
The church rambling group was joined this evening by members of the Ballyclare Historical Society for a combined walk from Minnowburn to the Giant’s Ring. It was an extremely pleasant evening for walking and with blue sky above and warm sunshine it was an excellent evening for the two groups to interact. Around 20 walkers left the National Trust car park at Minnowburn and walked along the bank of the river Lagan before turning up the hill towards the Giant’s Ring. The path narrowed as it got close to the massive fort and nettles and briars were hard to avoid but most arrived at the top unscathed. A little of the history of this Neolithic settlement was given before it was time to walk back to the car park passing the Minnowburn bridge. Those who stayed enjoyed refreshments and some good conversation before making their way home after an enjoyable walk.
8th August, 2022 - Happy 100th Birthday to George Robinson
Our Rector, Rev. Canon David Humphries, was extremely pleased to call in at the home of parishioner George Robinson in Doagh this morning to wish him a very happy 100th birthday from the people of Kilbride Parish. Centenarian George was delighted to see him and shared stories of where he was born (Hudson Street off the Shankill Road), where he went to school, his first job and how he got a job as an apprentice aircraft fitter in Short brothers and Harland where he worked during the war. He then related his experiences of the Luftwaffe raids in the Belfast Blitz and how he moved out to a family holiday cottage in the Ballyclare area to avoid the bombing raids. He had to travel into Belfast by bike and bus to get to work. It was while living in the country that he met Sarah Ann Bell (Sadie) and they got married in the Methodist church in Doagh before returning to the Church of Ireland at Kilbride. They lived in Doagh village and raised a family of 5 girls and three boys. George is pictured above holding his certificate from Kilbride Parish Church and his birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II.
2nd August, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Cavehill)
Numbers were up from recent weeks as seven walkers made their way up the iconic Cavehill from the country park near Belfast Castle. The rambling group had visited this location before but hadn’t tried this particular starting point so it was new territory for some. It was a very warm and pleasant evening for walking although it was quite windy at the top so everyone stayed well clear of the edge of the cliffs. The views were once again excellent and the many landmarks across the city of Belfast were easily seen in the near perfect conditions. Tea was enjoyed at the end a short distance from the Castle but eventually, as the wind died, the midges appeared from the trees and it was decided to head for home. Have a look at the photos in the gallery below and in particular the second image where the walkers had a little fun using the ‘panoramic’ mode of an iPhone!
Next week the Kilbride group will be joined by walkers from Ballyclare Historical Society and the combined group will visit Minnowburn and the Giant’s Ring.
31st July, 2022 - Holy Baptism
St Bride’s was well filled this morning for today’s Songs of Praise service with Holy Baptism as family and friends of parents Curtis and Rebekah witnessed the welcoming of their baby girl into the church. She was baptised Matilda Jean and is pictured here with her parents, her brother Bobby, her godparents and Rev. Canon David Humphries.
26th July, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Slemish)
Holidays and maybe the terrain meant that walker numbers were very low this evening as only three made the climb up to the top of Slemish. However the climb was well worth the effort as with such good weather the views all around were spectacular. The coast of Scotland was very clear as were the Mournes to the south and the Sperrins to the west. The route up took the walkers around most of this iconic mountain, a volcanic plug exposed after the ice retreated more than 10,000 years ago, before making the ascent on the more gently sloping eastern side. Once they made the ridge the walk to the top was quite easy and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside were enjoyed for half an hour before making a careful descent on the western side. Then it was time for coffee at the picnic table at the car park.
23rd July, 2022 - Wedding Day
The church bell rang out today for a wedding in St Bride’s when Leanne McLeod and Padraig McMahon were married by Rev. Canon David Humphries. After rain earlier in the morning the weather improved and guests were able to enjoy warm temperatures outside the church before moving inside ahead of the bride’s arrival. Padraig is from Monaghan and many of his family and friends had an early start this morning to make the long journey from there to Kilbride for the noon wedding service. Leanne’s father Alan gave her away and her mother Heather read the lesson. St Bride’s choir lead the singing of the hymns and during the signing of the register sang two anthems, followed by David Monahan who sang a solo.
The bridal party and guests then made their way to the Old Rectory in Killyman, near Dungannon, for the wedding reception.
Best wishes go to Padraig and Leanne for a long and happy life together from everyone in Kilbride.
19th July, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Newtownabbey Way)
The blistering temperatures of Monday had gone but it was a pleasantly warm evening for the ramblers who were able to walk part of the Newtownabbey Way. Shorts and T shirts were the order of the day. The walk started at the northern end of this linear, way-marked walk close to Corr’s Corner roundabout on the A8. The full Newtownabbey Way winds it way right down to the northern shore of Belfast Lough at Whiteabbey but this evening’s walk only went as far at Twinburn near Monkstown, taking in a number of wooded areas and the grounds of Mossley Mill en route. There was still some energy left, for some at least, to climb the mound beside the roundabout at the end.
13th July, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Glenarm Forest)
Despite it being a holiday period a reasonable number of walkers were able to make their way to Glenarm for a very pleasant walk through the village to the scenic glen beyond. The scheduled walk couldn’t take place as Cranny Falls has experienced some landslips in recent times making it quite dangerous so the venue was changed at the last minute. The sky was a little dull but the sun did make a brief appearance casting long shafts of sunlight through the trees as the walkers made their way along the forest paths. On the return leg a little exploration took place around this very historical village, the highlight being the Barbican Gate into the castle at the bridge over Glenarm river.
5th July, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Scawt Hill)
This evening’s walk was in the Antrim hills starting from the car park on the Feystown Road just above Cairncastle and walking to Scawt hill. In good weather the views across the hills of Co. Antrim are spectacular and normally Scotland can be seen across the sea but the low cloud meant that visibility was very poor. Numbers were very low for this evening’s walk with the recent wave of new Covid infections taking its toll. Only four braved the light drizzle and low cloud to walk part of the Antrim Hills Way/Ulster Way route towards Glenarm. On reaching the top of Scawt Hill the wind and rain seemed to increase so the walkers decided to cut it short and return to the car park. It was good to get out after a two week break, even though the weather wasn’t ideal, but hopefully in weeks to come there will be a little more pleasant weather.
3rd July, 2022 - Somme Commemoration Service
The annual Somme Commemoration Service was held this afternoon in Ballyclare Memorial Park when wreathes were laid in remembrance of the many men from the Ballyclare area who fell in that long offensive in what became known as the Battle of the Somme. It began on 1st July, 1916 and ended on 18th November, 1916 and it was one of the deadliest battles in the history of warfare with approximately a million men killed or wounded. A number of parishioners from Kilbride died in the battle. Rev. Canon David Humphries officiated at the service on behalf of the Ballyclare Branch of the Royal British Legion. Disappointingly there was a very low turnout for this very important commemoration, although Kilbride Parish Church was again well represented. Local politicians who attended were Dr Steve Aiken O.B.E., M.L.A., Councillor Vera McWilliam and Councillor Norrie Ramsay.
26th June, 2022 - Holy Baptism
It was wonderful to welcome family and friends to St Bride’s for today’s service of Morning Prayer with Holy Baptism. The little boy being baptised is the great-grandson of two former parishioners, the late David and Valerie Hamill, who attended St Bride’s faithfully for many years. He was baptised Hunter William David and is pictured here with his parents, Ross and Rebecca, together with Rev. Canon David Humphries.
21st June, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Scrabo)
Glorious sunshine had been hoped for as the walkers made their way this evening to Newtownards to begin their hike up to Scrabo tower. Unfortunately the wonderful weather of the day before had changed dramatically and it was grey and very cloudy as they set out from the shopping centre car park. A light mizzle fell as the walkers made their way into the country park but luckily it soon stopped and coats were removed as it was a pleasantly warm evening. A few challenging hills were negotiated before emerging at the top beside the iconic Scrabo tower. The cloud had cleared a little to the east and the coast of Scotland was clearly visible as the cliffs near Portpatrick were bathed in late evening sunshine. Sadly the Mournes couldn’t be seen to the south. There were some strange sights on the way up and down as the ramblers encountered Vikings and ladies in period costumes at a number of locations near the top. However it wasn’t an invasion but rather a council-sponsored event for a local group who were hearing about the history of the area through the ages. The ladies in hi-vis vests and hard hats were a little puzzling though!
Returning to the car park, coffee was enjoyed in the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.
14th June, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Tardree)
Tardree forest was the location for this evening’s walk and, even with numbers down a little from the norm, a party of fifteen walkers set off from the forest car park on the Connor - Parkgate road to explore this lovely part of Co. Antrim. It was a pleasant if dull evening but it stayed dry throughout and a cup of tea and biscuits were enjoyed in the car park at the end. Eventually this had to be abandoned as midges eventually made their presence felt but an enjoyable evening was had by all regardless.
8th June, 2022 - Stained Glass Windows
A new page has just been added to this website that will take the visitor to a fairly new facility on the main Church of Ireland website where the stained glass windows in every church can be viewed. Follow this link to see the windows in St Bride’s and then visit the new page under the ‘History’ tab.
7th June, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Knockagh)
A dry evening welcomed the walkers to Woodburn forest car park for the start of this walk through the forest to the Knockagh monument. A couple of walkers couldn’t make this evening but being familiar with the route they enjoyed bright sunshine this afternoon as they walked the 5 miles to the monument and back. Another 17 ramblers followed this evening and with the rain staying away they set a good pace taking only 45 minutes on the outward leg. The views over Belfast lough were good, albeit a little hazy, but many of the usual landmarks were visible. Then it was back to the carpark where the now regular refreshments were enjoyed before heading home.
5th June, 2022 - Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving Service and Church Picnic
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations continued today with a special service of thanksgiving for the now more than 70 years’ service that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has given to her nation and Commonwealth. The church choir had been practising a specially commissioned anthem for the past few months and sang it beautifully today immediately following the Administration. Entitled “In Our Service” it was commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music and was composed by Thomas Hewitt Jones and speaks of the incredible steadfastness and constancy of our Queen during her reign. The composer took inspiration from the words of speeches given by Queen Elizabeth herself during her long reign. Choirs from across the United Kingdom, and indeed the Commonwealth, were encouraged to learn this piece and to sing it in celebration of this historic occasion.
Follow this link to listen to it being sung by the Royal Holloway Choir - In Our Service
Following the celebratory service it was picnic time for parishioners immediately after the church service. It had been planned to enjoy the picnic outside but with a coolish breeze blowing it was taken inside to the Parish Hall. Everyone brought their own picnic food and teas and coffees were supplied. Everyone enjoyed their lunch and the hall was filled with the buzz of conversation until it was time to pack up and head home. Another very successful event in what was a busy weekend for the church.
4th June, 2022 - Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fête
The church and grounds were bathed in sunshine today for the summer fête held to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and a large crowd of people attended and enjoyed a number of fun activities as well as afternoon tea. There were stalls selling books, pastries and plants to name a few of the itemss available and the ladies were kept busy in the kitchen serving refreshments right from the opening of the fête until it closed at 3 o’clock. Here are some photographs of the day.
3rd June, 2022 - Rector in a Tractor
It was privilege to welcome Rev. William Orr to St Bride's this morning. Today was the last day of his marathon journey around Northern Ireland visiting every Church of Ireland parish and almost every church in the process! He was collecting for SANDS and the building fund for his church, St Mark's in Portadown. A party of parishioners from St Bride's was there to welcome him and wish him safe travelling on the final leg of his long journey.
1st June, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Divis)
The normal Tuesday evening slot was abandoned last night as there was a very poor forecast for the Belfast area and Divis is a bleak place in bad weather. However with a few people with other commitments on Wednesday evenings the number walking was down a little but the ten who were able to come had sunshine and a very pleasant 14 degrees as they walked the 5 miles along the ridge trail to enjoy spectacular views of Belfast and south to the Mournes. Everyone took time to pick out key landmarks around the city such as the docks, the shipyard, hospitals and even Windsor Park football stadium. A little cloud drifted in from the north so it was decided not to venture up the last hill shortening the homeward leg of the walk. Completely unphased by the human visitors to their domain a number of hill cows even joined in at one point.
Next week’s the walkers will explore Scrabo hill in Newtownards and the tower could be seen clearly from the top of Divis this evening.
24th May, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Sallagh Braes)
Despite very heavy rain in and around Ballyclare during the afternoon the ramblers were very optimistic that the evening would be dry and so it proved. Sixteen walkers made their way to the car park in the hills above Cairncastle to begin the walk at 7:00pm. The sky was cloudy but with a little evening sunshine on their back they set off up the hill to walk part of the Ulster Way across the Sallagh Braes. A little detour from the main path took them to the Knockdhu Promontory Fort overlooking Cairncastle. This was a stronghold for local people during the Iron Age and evidence of its substantial defences is still evident to this day. Then it was a short distance to a wonderful view point nearby to look at the carpet of bluebells on the slopes below the escarpment. Returning to the Ulster Way the ramblers negotiated a few more stiles walking along the top of the escarpment for another mile before turning for the return journey. The coast of Scotland was still bathed in evening sunshine and everyone admired the view of the Ailsa Criag, the Mull of Kintyre and the Scottish mountains in the distance. Back down the hill the next point of interest was the Minford Barrows, another site of great archaeological interest in the area, then back to the car park for some good conversation over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Next week the rambling group returns for a very popular walk on Divis.
18th May, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Carrickfergus)
The normal Tuesday evening walk was postponed until this evening due to extremely bad weather. The forecast for the Carrickfergus area for this evening gave heavy rain around 9:00 p.m. with a band of bad weather approaching from the south. Despite the gathering cloud and the very strong wind the ramblers began their walk from the car park at Joymount and headed out the road towards Eden. First point of interest were the Sheils’ almshouses built in the 1860s by a local benefactor to provide accommodation for impoverished people. The Carrickfergus site is one of five such groups of almshouses in Ireland designed by the famous architect Charles Lanyon and funded by Charles Sheils, a very wealthy merchant from Killough in Co. Down. Follow this link for more information - Sheils’ Almshouses.
Travelling on the walkers arrived at Boneybefore and the site of Andrew Jackson Centre in Carrickfergus. The original cottage where the parents of 7th president of the United States of America lived was demolished to make way for the railway in 1860 but this cottage is similar to the one where the Jackson family lived nearby. Adjacent to the cottage is a museum which houses an exhibition dedicated to the men of the first battalions of the elite American Army Unit the U.S. Rangers that was first 'activated' in Carrickfergus in 1942. Andrew Jackson Centre
A short distance away is another small cottage with links to R.M.S. Titanic. The cottage is known as ‘Fool’s Haven’ and was the childhood home of Ruddick Millar, who later became a successful writer and playwright. Ruddick was born in 1907 and his mother Jean died in 1912 leaving his father, Thomas Millar, with the sole responsibility of looking after him and his older brother Thomas. Thomas senior had helped build Titanic and seeking a new life for him and his sons in America he took a job as a deck engineer aboard the ill-fated ship. The boys’ aunt took them in to her home at Boneybefore and before their father left he gave each of the boys a brand new penny. He would never return to take them to America as he was lost when the ship hit an iceberg and sank. Follow this link for the story of ‘The Two Pennies’ as told by Ruddick’s granddaughter, Susie Millar.
The return journey took the ramblers back to Joymount and then into the centre of this historic town passing St Nicholas’ Parish Church and then out the Belfast Road to Legg Park where a memorial to a local merchant’s son can be found. Charles Legg, 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, died following a fall from his horse during World War 1 and his father, Charles M. Legg, donated the land for the park to the local council and erected a monument in his son’s memory. Follow this link for more information on Charles Legg. Emerging from the park the route wound its way past the marina, the boat club and finally the iconic Carrickfergus castle. The ramblers got back to their cars just as the first spots of rain began to fall. Another very enjoyable and interesting walk.
12th May, 2022 - Holy Land Pilgrimage
Our Rector has been running pilgrimages to the Holy Land for over 25 years but due to travel restrictions over the past 2 years this was the first he had been able to go on since 2019. While the ramblers were walking around Ballyboley on Tuesday evening pilgrims from various churches who had joined this year’s pilgrimage were approaching Tel Aviv on the final flight of their journey to the Holy Land. They landed safely in Israel and made their way to Jerusalem to begin the pilgrimage yesterday. They will visit many of the sites associated with Jesus as well as numerous locations that are sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. The image above shows the Ecce Homo Convent on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. The images in the gallery below show other significant sights that the pilgrims visited today.
10th May, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Ballyboley Forest)
The original venue of Woodburn Forest had to be changed when it was learned that 150 enthusiastic runners would be pounding the forest tracks there but as most of the walking group members are in a WhatsApp group for the ramblers it was fairly easy to make a timely alteration. There were some very ominous dark clouds blowing through as the walkers set off from the forest car park on the Upper Ballyboley Road making their way up to the flat terrain at the top of the hill and then on to Killyglen reservoir where the obligatory photograph above was taken. Then it was back along the same path before following either the longer route down to the Shane’s Hill Road side of the forest, or the slightly shorter and more direct route back to the cars. The longer route was approximately 6.6 miles and took little more than two hours to complete. Other than a strong breeze and one short shower of rain it was a good evening for walking.
Next week it will be a flat 5 mile walk around Carrickfergus taking in some historic sites along the way and perhaps an ice cream from Maud’s en route. Details on the Diary Dates page.
4th May, 2022 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Antrim)
This evening’s walk was the first of the year and 20 walkers (and 2 dogs) arrived at the start of the walk enthused for the start of the new season. It was a fairly flat route of 5 miles starting at the loughshore car park at the mouth of the Six Mile Water in Antrim. Hugh clouds of flies were evident around the areas close to the water but thankfully they were only a minor irritation for a short distance as the walkers moved into the sanctuary of Rea’s Wood. Bluebells and the beautiful white flowers of wild garlic carpeted the ground in the wooded areas either side of the path. Emerging on to and across the Dublin road the route followed Kirby’s Lane for a short distance before turning into the lane down to the mill race trail. The group stopped on the Salmon Leap Bridge for a photograph before returning back to Antrim and the Castle Gardens. Another quarter mile or so brought them back to the cars and refreshments and some craic were enjoyed at the picnic tables beside the new visitors’ centre. A thoroughly enjoyable walk to get the season off to a great start. Next week it will be another walk of around 5 miles through Woodburn forest and on to the Knockagh monument. Look at the Diary Dates page for more details.
29th April, 2022 - Concert in Parish Hall
This evening’s concert was organised by Timothy Wilson, Musical Director in St Bride’s, and featured the Killyglen Accordion Orchestra supported by four young soloists, all pupils specialising in Classical and Music Theatre with the Wilson School of Music.
We were treated to a wonderful programme from Killyglen Accordian Orchestra ranging from "Highland Cathedral" to "Run" by Snow Patrol.
Sophie Hartley sang "Westering Home" beautifully in a suitably Scottish dress followed by Caitlin Shaw who sang a very thoughtful rendition of "When she loved me" from Toy Story. In the second half, Sophie sang "The Girl I mean to be" a haunting melody from The Secret Garden. Ella Kilpatrick, always oozing with theatrical flair, gave a wonderful rendition of "Little Girls" from Annie and Jasmine Mirfield finished the programme with an outstandingly mature performance of "She used to be Mine" from Waitress. Following the concert there was some very positive feedback and compliments on the performances of the four young soloists.
Timothy must also be commended as he did a wonderful job as compere as well as accompanying the singers. Thanks must go to all who worked behind the scenes to provide the supper.
Killyglen Orchestra
Ella Kilpatrick
Jasmine Mirfield
Sophie Hartley, Caitlin Shaw, Ella Kilpatrick & Jasmine Mirfield
14th April, 2022 - Maundy Thursday
The Holy Week services continued with this evening’s Maundy Thursday Service of Holy Communion. The format of this service was a little different in that near the end the altar table was ritually stripped of all coverings ahead of tomorrow’s Good Friday service. As the choir recessed the lights were gradually extinguished until the church was in almost total darkness and a reverent silence was observed throughout.
10th April, 2022 - Palm Sunday
It was a cold, but dry day for today’s Palm Sunday procession from the Parish Hall up to the church. Led by the church wardens, the choir sang ‘All Glory, Laud and Honour’ as they made their way up the path to the church, closely followed by ‘Annie’ the donkey and the congregation. ‘Annie’ symbolised the colt that Jesus used on his final journey into Jerusalem in the days before his trial and crucifixion, when the road was lined with people who placed their cloaks on the road. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic ‘Annie’ hasn’t been inside St Bride’s since 2019 so her owner Alan brought her to church yesterday to give her a look inside and to familiarise her with her surroundings. She was kept calm today by the close attention and soothing words of Kerry, helped by a few treats! The children’s address explained the significance of a donkey in church today and then ‘Annie’ made her exit with a reward of hay in the back of the horse box in the car park.
6th April, 2022 - Wednesday Witness
The final service in the Wednesday Witness series featured David Monahan (baritone). David attends school in England but has become a familiar face in St Bride’s in the past year when he is home on holiday. David sang two pieces by well known composers and was accompanied on the organ by Timothy Wilson.
The pieces were;
Lord, What is Man? - Henry Purcell
Gott Sei Mir Gnädig - Felix Mendelssohn
30th March, 2022 - Wednesday Witness
Today’s Wednesday Witness organ recital didn’t quite go to plan as the much anticipated appearance of Dr. Joe McKee had to be cancelled as sadly Joe had tested positive for Covid-19 a day or two ago. However a very able substitute in the shape of St Bride’s own organist, Timothy Wilson, was able to step in to fill the void and his playing on the church organ was enjoyed by everyone. Best wishes go to Dr Joe McKee for a speedy recovery and we will look forward to welcoming him back to Kilbride on another occasion.
23rd March, 2022 - Wednesday Witness
The beautiful March weather today did not stop parishioners and friends from attending today’s Wednesday Witness service. The music today was provided by St. Bride’s own church choir who sang three unaccompanied pieces, conducted by Timothy Wilson.
The pieces were;
Hide Not Thou Thy Face From Us, O Lord - Richard Farrant
Psalm 43 - Hylton Stewart
The Lent Prose (Harken O Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us) - Plainsong
Timothy also played a beautiful organ piece entitled Postlude on a Ground by Herbert Murill
Lunch was enjoyed by around 40 people in the Parish Hall at the end of service. Next week Dr Joe McKee will be welcomed back to St Bride’s for a short organ recital.
16th March, 2022 - Wednesday Witness
Once again there was a good turnout for today’s Wednesday Witness service when the guest was soloist Caroline Woods (soprano). She gave marvellous renditions of four sacred pieces written by a number of well known composers.
Her programme included;
Bist Du Bei Mir - Bach
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Handel
A Hymn to the Virgin - Rubbra
Pie Jesu - Requiem by Fauré
Parishioners and friends enjoyed lunch and good conversation in the Parish Hall immediately after the service. Next week it will be the turn of Kilbride Parish Church Choir to provide the music for the service.
Guest soloist Caroline Woods with Rev. Canon David Humphries.
9th March, 2022 - Wednesday Witness
Today was the first of a series of short services being held every Wednesday at lunchtime during the Lenten season. Today’s guests were the St James’s Singers from Belfast, conducted by Pat Maxwell who is a member of the church choir here in St Bride’s. The choir was originally affiliated to St James’s Parish Church on the Antrim Road, Belfast but when it closed in 2008 the members of the choir continued to meet for occasional practices and to sing at special occasions.
St Bride’s was well filled for this the first of five services that will feature various choirs, singers and organists. The congregation enjoyed three pieces sung beautifully by the choir which were;
Great Shepherd of Thy People, Hear
Psalm 119 verses 1 - 8
Lord For Thy Tender Mercies’ Sake
Following a short homily by our Rector, which took the theme of the Prodigal Son, everyone made their way to the Parish Hall where they enjoyed a tasty lunch. Next week the guest singers will be a group of music students from St Malachy’s College in Belfast.
St James’s Singers pictured with Rector Rev. Canon David Humphries and organist Tim Wilson
20th February, 2022 - Rev. John McClure
The guest speaker at this morning’s service of Holy Communion was Rev. John McClure, former rector of St Jude’s, Muckamore. John retired at the end of December 2021 for health reasons and this was first time since then that he has taken part in a service. He took the theme of the blind beggar for his sermon highlighting than even though Jesus knew he was going to die on the cross only days later he still had time to cure the blind man begging at the side of the road. John also mentioned how touched he had been, as he lay in hospital seriously ill last year, when he heard that there was to be a sponsored cycle around Antrim Rural Deanery to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke, and it was being organised in his name. The cyclists rode around all 14 churches in the Rural Deanery on Saturday, 4th September, 2021 and raised £5,080.50 for the charity. Most of the cyclists who took part in the ride were at this morning’s service and John thanked each one individually for their considerable efforts both in completing the cycle and in raising such a large amount of money. John was accompanied by his wife Margot and they are pictured below with Rev. Canon David Humphries. Many of our parishioners know John from previous appointments he has held in the diocese and they were delighted to see him and to chat with him and his wife outside after the service.
