An Armagh city church is set to round off its 350th anniversary celebrations with a ‘Big Sing’ evening coinciding with the city’s Georgian Festival.
First Presbyterian Church, Armagh, is one of Ireland’s oldest congregations in continuous worship, with the original church having been first established in 1673.
To mark their 350th year in 2023, the church has organised a number of events, including a festival of creative displays back in May.
Fittingly, their celebrations will reach a climax as the whole city steps back in time for its popular and spectacular Georgian Festival.
The church will be open on Saturday, November 25, from 10am to 4pm.
Members of the congregation will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to the public, whether they are visiting for a time of quiet reflection or to view the beautiful building and its treasure trove of historical items and artefacts.
The weekend will then be brought to a close with the ‘Big Sing’ at 7pm on Sunday, November 26, with all invited to attend this special evening of traditional and contemporary hymns, as well as anthems by the Church Choir.
Former minister, Rev Dr Tony Davidson will return to lead the service, sharing a number of anecdotes from the congregation’s rich and fascinating history.
The offering will be in aid of Air Ambulance NI and refreshments served afterwards will include birthday cake, albeit not quite decorated with 350 candles!
The current building used by First Armagh was built in 1879 and the unique, High Gothic Church has been a constant in the city ever since as the landscape continues to change across the area.
Read more: First Armagh Presbyterian welcoming summer visitors to celebrate 350th year
Watch: The lesser-known history of 1st Armagh Presbyterian’s meeting houses
