Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council hosts Church Service to mark Northern Ireland’s Centenary
Sun, May 02, 2021
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has held a special church service at St Patrick’s in Coleraine ahead of Northern Ireland’s Centenary.
The event, organised as part of the Council’s NI 100 programme, took place on Sunday 2nd May 2021.
First Minister Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA, Lord- Lieutenant of County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar and Lord- Lieutenant of County Antrim Mr David McCorkell were among the dignitaries in attendance.
They joined the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and other elected members for the service, which offered an opportunity for commemoration, thanksgiving and reflection on 100 years of Northern Ireland.
One of the hymns featured in the service was the globally revered ‘In Christ Alone’, written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, who live in Ballybogey.
Speaking afterwards, Alderman Fielding said: “Today’s church service brought us together in prayer to look back on the past 100 years and reflect on our borough’s place as part of the story of Northern Ireland.
“St Patrick’s is a beautiful and historic church located in the heart of Coleraine town centre and it provided a fitting backdrop for Council to mark this significant occasion. I want to thank Rev John McCammon for leading our meaningful and poignant service, and Rev Donard Collins for delivering the Sermon as we came together to mark this significant date.
“Council is looking forward to sharing its full NI 100 programme of events and initiatives which will take place throughout 2021.
“The Church Service encouraged us to reflect and look forward to the future. Given the events of the past year, and the challenges of the pandemic which we continue to live through, this has never been more important.”
First Minister Arlene Foster said: “It has been a pleasure to attend the service of commemoration, thanksgiving, and reflection on the eve of Northern Ireland’s 100 year anniversary.
“It is fitting that, as we turn into the second centenary we focus on the future of this wonderful place but also draw strength and wisdom from our past. Certainly down the generations there have been challenges, perhaps none greater than the global pandemic, but we have also shown how much we can achieve when we work together for the common good.”
You can find out more about Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s NI 100 programme at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/ni-100.
