4th November - Poppy Display

Following the success of the wonderful display in 2023, St Bride’s Church has once been decorated with 850 poppies, knitted and crocheted by parishioners and friends, in remembrance of the fallen of the parish in two world wars. It was at the suggestion of parishioner Fiona Charlton that the poppy display was created last year, and she and her husband Simon were on-hand to co-ordinate the display once again.

This year there are also fantastic displays created by Kilbride Primary School, Doagh Primary School and 1st Kilbride Cub Scouts.

The wonderful painted Lancaster bomber, with handmade poppies trailing in its wake, was created by Doagh Primary School Craft Club.

For their display pupils in P6 and P7 at Kilbride Central Primary School crafted beautiful clay poppies and wrote poignant postcards home from ‘the front’. These were surrounded by lovely, coloured remembrance pictures.

1st Kilbride Cubs idea was centred around the experience of a soldier who fought in the First World War as part of the 36th Ulster Division. The display depicts a typical trench and then a poppy field which appeared on the battlefield once the war was over.

Finally, outside the Church, under the cherry tree, there is a Garden of Remembrance with soldier silhouettes and poppies.

Visitors have enjoyed viewing the displays on the various open days in the days leading up to this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

22nd September, 2024 - Pastoral Letter from the Most Reverend John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh, and Bishops of Dioceses in Northern Ireland.

During this morning’s harvest thanksgiving service Ivan Topping, Honorary Secretary of the Select Vestry, read out a summarised version of a letter sent out on behalf of the Archbishop and all the bishops of the Church of Ireland dioceses that cover Northern Ireland. The letter was written in response to the recent street protests, rise of hate crime and intimidation, and deliberate spreading of fear around topics of racial diversity and immigration and emphasises the attitude that Christians should take on these topical issues.

The Irish Council of Churches, of which the Church of Ireland was a founder member, has recently published a Handbook entitled ‘From every Nation’ on these matters and which would be a very useful long-term resource. In addition the Diocese of Down and Dromore has published a booklet entitled ‘Go and do Likewise’ based on the same theme.

To read the letter in full or to read the handbook or booklet please click on the appropriate link below;

Pastoral Letter From Every Nation Go and do Likewise

22nd September, 2024 - Harvest Thanksgiving

The interior of St Bride’s was looking particularly beautiful this morning ahead of the annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service. A large number of volunteers spent yesterday morning decorating the church with sheaves of corn, flower arrangements and other farm produce tastefully placed around the church. The service was led by Rev. John McClure and the guest preacher was the Very Rev. John Bond, former Dean of Connor, and since 2019, Connor Diocesan Curate. During the service a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to his wife Joyce. The church choir led the praise and sang the anthem ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’ (arranged by Martin How) accompanied by Tim Wilson and conducted by David Monahan. Immediately following the service everyone enjoyed a light lunch in the Parish Hall organised by the church’s Ladies’ Group, with donations going to the local charity, Women’s Aid.

14th September, 2024 - Wedding Day

The church bell in St Bride’s rang out to welcome wedding guests today for the marriage of David Harris and Laura Sloan. Rev. Canon Derek Kerr officiated by special request as David’s family have links to Derek’s former parish of Drummaul, Duncan and Ballyscullion. Derek also officiated at Laura’s older sister’s wedding in St Bride’s ten years ago so it was wonderful to have him visit Kilbride once again, this time travelling from his new parish in Co. Armagh.

Everyone in Kilbride would like to wish David and Laura God’s richest blessing on their marriage and sincere best wishes for the future.

8th September, 2024 - Holy Baptism

Parishioners were delighted to welcome another child to be baptised at this morning’s service of Morning Prayer. The little boy was presented by his parents, Lee and Charlotte Boyd, together with his godparents, and was baptised Theo James McCloskey Boyd by Rev. John McClure.

8th September, 2024 - Celebration

It has been a year since Rev. John McClure agreed to look after St Bride’s following the retirement of of Rev. Canon David Humphries and by way of celebration of John’s ministry in Kilbride for the last year a special cake was presented to him and his wife Margot, who has joined the parish choir, at the beginning of this morning’s service. John and Margot were very pleased to do the ceremonial cutting of the cake before it was taken and cut into slices for distribution to everyone as they left the church at the end of this morning’s service.

21st July, 2024 - Guest Preacher

It was a pleasure to welcome Rev. Terry Kerr to preach this morning in St Bride’s at the service of Morning Prayer. Terry has now retired after more than 30 years of full-time ministry but is happy to provide cover during vacancies, holidays or illness as required. Terry’s sermon gave a wonderful insight into his life growing up near Ahoghill, especially his real lack of interest in religion despite regular attendance at his home church of St Colmanell’s in the village. He became a mechanical engineer and with his wife Carol, spent some years working in Saudi Arabia before returning to Northern Ireland. He returned to his home church and became heavily involved in its life coming to Christ in 1983. He then felt that he was being called to higher service and and was accepted as a student to train as a Church of Ireland minister in Trinity College, Dublin. He has served in various locations in the Diocese of Connor, including Drummaul in Randalstown, and in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe where he served in Maghera parish immediately before his retirement in September 2021.

14th July, 2024 - Guest Preacher

St Bride’s gave a warm welcome to Dougie Tyler, a diocesan lay reader, at this morning’s service of Morning Prayer when he was the guest preacher. Dougie, originally from Magherafelt, has lived in Carnlough since 1981 and up until recently had managed a Barnardo’s family support service for the Northern Trust. His home church is St Mary’s, Ardclinis which is located just outside the lovely village of Carnlough on the picturesque Antrim coast road. He had never been to Kilbride Parish Church before today but he complimented everyone on what a beautiful church they have to worship in. He used the passage about the beheading of John the Baptist from the gospel according to St Mark as the theme for his sermon.

30th June, 2024 Summer Barbecue

Usually on the fourth Sunday of the month, after the service of Morning Prayer, tea and coffee is provided in the Parish Hall, but it was decided to have something a little different today. The ladies of the church were busy this morning cooking sausages and immediately after the service everyone enjoyed at least one hotdog, with apple tart accompanied by ice cream or fresh cream and a cup of tea or coffee.  It was a chance for everyone to enjoy the food and each other’s company and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event, one that may be repeated before the end of the summer. As always there were plenty of volunteers to clear the hall and tidy up afterwards, including Rev. John McClure who was kept busy drying dishes in the kitchen. Sincere thanks to everyone who made this event such a great success.

25th June, 2024 St Bride’s Rambling Group

The rambling group took advantage of a very pleasant evening to walk up to the top of Cavehill. Given the lovely weather this wonderful vantage point afforded views across Belfast and even though it was a little hazy the Mourne mountains could be seen in the distance to the south. Refreshments were enjoyed at the bottom of the hill, near the Belfast castle although eventually everyone had to move due to the unwelcome attention of midges which were out in force. Another enjoyable, if challenging, walk.

20th May, 2024 - Watchmen (An Audience with the Bishop of Connor)

The Watchmen finished off their season this evening with a very enjoyable evening in the company of the Bishop of Connor, the Right Reverend George Davison. Bishop George was interviewed by David Holmes, Kilbride Parish Reader, who put a number of questions to him relating to his early life in Belfast, his faith and his calling to become a minister. Other questions related to his service in the Church of Ireland in general, the problems that all denominations have in falling numbers at church of both adults and children and the societal reasons for many of them, and his experience of meeting the King and Queen in St Anne’s following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It was a very relaxed evening and Bishop George was completely at ease answering some quite searching questions. As he said he enjoys nothing more than meeting and talking to a small group of people in a more informal setting and he finished off the evening with a cup of tea and a chat. Bishop George is pictured above with Rev. John McClure who is looking after Kilbride Parish during its vacancy.

15th May, 2024 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group End of Season Dinner

The ladies of the church finished off their season as they all enjoyed a meal in the Hilton Kingfisher Country Estate at Templepatrick. The ladies have had a very busy and successful season and it was wonderful for everyone to get together informally to enjoy the delicious food and good company.

12th May, 2024 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group Cheque Presentation

Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group have had a number of fundraising events throughout the year and this year the money raised has been allocated to church funds. Joan Lutton, Ladies’ Group Chairperson, is pictured here presenting a cheque for £1,500 to Ivan Topping, Honorary Secretary of the Church’s Select Vestry. Also in the photograph is Rev. John McClure, Rector -in-Charge.

12th May, 2024 - Guest Preacher, Andrew Brannigan

Guest Preacher

Rev. John McClure extended a warm welcome to guest preacher Andrew Brannigan for the Sunday morning service of Morning Prayer on 12th May.  Andrew is a parishioner in St John’s Ballyclare and is employed as Youth Officer in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. John and Andrew have been friends for many years and Andrew was delighted to accept John’s invitation to preach in St Bride’s.

7th May, 2024 - St Bride’s Rambling Group

The church walking group had its first walk of the season around the Six Mile Park in Ballyclare. It was a beautiful evening for the walk and everyone enjoyed getting out together in the fresh air (so did Toby the dog!).

28th April, 2024 - Holy Baptism

Orla is pictured here with her parents, brother, godparents, grandparents and Rev. John McClure.

21st April, 2024 - Rev. Gareth McFadden visits St Bride’s.

10th April, 2024 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group Talk on the Murder of Patricia Curran

The dreadful murder of Patricia Curran, a young student, in 1952, shocked the community not only where she lived in Jordanstown, but across the whole of the country. Patricia was the daughter of a high court judge and was studying at Queen’s University, Belfast and her body was found in the large garden of her own home. It was believed that her murderer was a young man from the nearby R.A.F. base called Iain Hay Gordon and he was subsequently convicted of the murder but then discrepancies emerged in the evidence and questions began to be raised about the case and many years later it was realised that he had been wrongly convicted and his conviction was overturned. The person who actually did murder Patricia was never found and convicted, and to this day many theories abound as to who actually killed her. Stephen Cameron, a researcher and author of a number of books, has researched this case extensively and he came to the Parish hall this evening to present his findings and speculate on who the actual killer was. He noted that in the course of his research he came up against many obstacles regarding access to records, indeed he said he was denied access to many key documents relating to the case. It was a fascinating talk and the Parish Hall was full to capacity, even though there had been only seventy tickets sold in advance, with many turning up to pay at the door. Clearly this mysterious case still captures the public’s imagination to this day.

Refreshments were served immediately after the talk.

Stephen is pictured above with Joan Lutton, Chairperson of the Ladies’ Group.

6th April, 2024 - Storm Kathleen

Storm “Kathleen” hit Ireland hard over the weekend causing widespread damage across Ireland and parts of Scotland. Kilbride didn’t escape as the ranch fence near the Parish Hall and beside the road was completely flattened by the strong winds. Clearly the years have taken a toll on the fence posts as it was very evident that they had all rotted just below ground level and the strong wind resulted in the fence falling over. Thankfully no other damage was caused to church buildings.

24th March, 2024 - Palm Sunday

This morning our celebrations for Palm Sunday began in the Parish Hall as the choir and congregation processed up to the church for our service of Morning Prayer. The procession was headed once again by Annie the donkey symbolising Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the days before his trial and crucifixion. Annie was led by her handler, Kerry, and as always was very quiet and placid as she walked up the path and into the church completely unaffected by the music or the people. The children in the congregation had a chance to stand beside her and stroke her head.

19th March, 2024 - Badminton Group

The church badminton group meets every Tuesday evening in the Parish Hall and is always happy to welcome new members. If anyone would like to play, even if you haven’t played before, feel free to drop in between 8:00 and 10:00pm. You will be made very welcome. The group will be meeting every Tuesday evening until the end of April.

19th March, 2024 - Watchmen Meeting

Edward Montgomery M.B.E., D.L., a parishioner in Kilbride, is an Honourable member of the Irish Society and had served as the society's representative and as charity manager in Northern Ireland since 1996. He retired from the position just a few weeks ago, on 29th February, and he very kindly agreed to give a talk on the Honourable The Irish Society to the church’s Watchmen group. In an extremely interesting and informative presentation he took everyone back to the origins of the society in the early 17th century during the time of the Plantation of Ulster. He explained the society’s involvement in the plantation and how major investment in mainly the northwest of what is now Northern Ireland took place, mainly in the city and the county of Londonderry, and how the society evolved over the centuries until the present day. He went on to describe the work of the society today and its charitable role in many aspects of our society, with many grants being given annually in support of a wide and varied range of activities. Everyone who came to Edward’s talk found the subject fascinating and many were able to buy a book on the society’s history at the end, when Edward was able to chat with everyone over a cup of tea.

12th March, 2024 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group

The ladies were pleased to welcome Geoff Baird along this evening for a cookery demonstration in the Parish Room. Geoff is a qualified chef and on the menu for this evening was a meal that everyone enjoys from time to time - fish and chips! Geoff went back to basics explaining what is needed to get the genuine chip shop taste or better. He described how to prepare the batter for the fish and how to cook it and the chips to perfection. The ladies were expecting to be able to taste a few samples but Geoff prepared enough so that everyone almost had a full meal to enjoy. Geoff’s demonstration was excellent and the food was delicious as was evident by the clean plates at the end.

4th March, 2024 - The Kilbride Herald

The latest edition of The Kilbride Herald is now available to read online by following this link - The Kilbride Herald

Hard copies are also available in the church.

3rd March, 2024 - Holy Baptism

During this morning’s service with Holy Communion our rector, Rev. John McClure, performed his second baptism in St Bride’s as a baby girl was presented for baptism by her parents, Stephen and Felicity Foster, together with her godparents Claire Cinnamon and Matthew Kirby. She was baptised Olivia Rose Claire Foster.

2nd March, 2024 - Litter-Pick at North Woodburn Reservoir

Following the release of the injured swan it was noted how much litter was scattered around the north Woodburn reservoir and a decision was made to return to it to tidy the area up. A team of seven hardy individuals braved the cold weather and the occasional shower of rain and sleet and spent a few hours walking round the reservoir and the surrounding area picking up all manner of litter from beer cans, bottles and discarded fishing line to a croc (not the reptilian variety!) and a discarded collapsible picnic chair! There was also a lot of dog dirt lying around on the paths and the grass areas but it had to stay. Some ‘responsible’ dog owners had made life easier by putting their pets’ deposits in little bags and they had left them on the grass for collection! By the time the litter pickers had finished 14 bin-bags had been filled with rubbish leaving the area much tidier. Sadly our society is such that no doubt in a few weeks the litter will be back. Still it was a very worthwhile exercise and removed a lot of potentially harmful material from the area. Thanks must go to everyone who took part and to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for providing pickers and some bags.

14th February, 2024 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies Group Meeting

14th February, 2023 - Swan Release

The swan that had unfortunately collided with the overhead electricity conductors beside the church car park on 4th February was taken from Clare Veterinary Practice to a specialist wild animal and bird family run by the USPCA in Newry and staff there continued its treatment until they were satisfied that it was well enough to be released. They brought it to the north Woodburn reservoir just outside Carrickfergus and released it successfully on St Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t known where the bird originally came from but if a bird like a swan is released into somewhere other than its original ‘home’ with other swans there is a good chance that it will be driven off as they are very territorial and will drive off intruders. This reservoir was a safe place for it to be released knowing that it would be return to its own normal habitat. On a visit to the reservoir two days later not surprisingly the swan had disappeared, no doubt back ‘home’ in familiar surroundings and maybe even its mate. It was noted that the area around the reservoir was a mess with litter so the wheels were set in motion for a litter-pick.

4th February, 2024 - An Unexpected Visitor

Wardens and choir members arriving at church early this morning were surprised to see a swan sitting on the car park. Clearly this was very unusual behaviour for this beautiful bird so on carefully approaching it blood was noticed on its beak and side. It stood up with some difficulty and sat down again on the grass so it was obviously hurt in some way. A number of Northern Ireland Electricity Networks linesmen had also arrived in the car park checking out a reported fault and it didn’t take long to realise that the two events were connected. On checking the electrical installation at the bottom of the church car park the linesmen discovered that there was a blown fuse on the overhead line feeding the nearby houses. The swan had probably collided with the conductors, shorting them together and blowing the fuse, before crash landing on the car park. A couple of phone calls were made and within 15 minutes a vet from Clare Veterinary Practice in Ballyclare arrived and, with the assistance of the NIE Networks linesmen, the bird was very gently prepared for transport to the surgery in Ballyclare. There the vet gave the swan a thorough examination and some antibiotics and moved it to an enclosure to recover. No major injuries were found thankfully and hopefully it should be fit to be released again in a day or two. Sincere thanks must go to everyone who helped with this rescue.

Look out for an update soon.

14th January, 2024 - Confirmation Service

This morning the Bishop of Connor, Rt Rev. George Davison, visited St Bride’s to officiate at a confirmation service. There were four candidates prepared for their confirmation and family and friends of each were welcomed to the church for this very special day in each candidate’s life. The Bishop put each of them at their ease as he guided them through this very important service. He explained the significance of confirmation as they themselves confirm the promises made on their behalf when they were baptised. Following the service the Bishop very kindly joined each family for a photograph before joining the rest of the congregation for refreshments in the Parish Hall where he was able to mingle with parishioners. He presented a Bible to each of the candidates, on behalf of the Parish, as an appropriate gift to mark the occasion.

 14th January, 2024 - The Kilbride Herald

The January/February edition of the Kilbride Herald is available to read by following this link - Kilbride Herald