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GENEALOGY H6S9E

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS

OP THE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND

AND

BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES

OF EMINENT

PRESBYTEEIAN MINISTEES AND LAYMEN.

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HISTORY

OP

CONGREGATIONS

OF THE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND

AND

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES

OF EMINENT

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS AND LAYMEN.

WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES

BY THE

EEV. W. D. KILLBN, D.D.,

PBOFESSOB OP ECCLESIASTICAL HISIOBr, QEKKBAL ASSBMBLX'S COLLEQB, BBLFAST.

ILLUSTSATED WITH PORTRAITS OF

THE REV. HENRY COOKE, D.D., LL.D. J REV. J. S. REID, D.D. ; AND REV. W. D. KILLEN, D.D.

WITH THE SIGNIFICATION OF NAMES OP PLACES.

BELFAST: JAMES CLEELAND. EDINBURGH: JAMES GEMMELL.

1886.

BELFAST: PRINTED BY HUGH ADAIR, ARTHUR STREET.

CONTENTS.

Introduction,

1-9

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

Aghadowev ... Ahoghill ist Anaghlone 1st Anaglilone 2nd Anahilt Antrim 1st . Ardglass Ardstraw 1st Armagh 1st . Armagh 3rd . Armoy Athlone Aughnacloy .

Badoney Bailieborough Ballacolla Ballina Ballinderry .. Ballindreat . . Ballinglen Baliybay 1st .. Ballybay 2ud Bally carry . . Bally castle .. Ballyclare Bally easton Is Ballygawley,.. Ballygowan, .. Ballygrainey, Ballyjamesduff Ballykelly, , Ballylennon, Ballymena 1st,

1st

Page 11 12 13 13 14 15 18 19 20 22 22 23 23

24 25 26

245 27 28

246 29 30 30 32 32 33 34 35 35 36 37 38 39

Pago Ballymena 2nd or High Kirk, 40

Ballymena, West Church, 41

Ballymena, Wellington St., 42 Ballymoate, ... ... 43-247

Ballymoney 1st, ... 43

Ballynahinch 1st, ... 45

Ballynahinch — Spa ... 229

Bally nure, ... ... 46

Ballyrashane 1st, ... 48

Ballyroney, ... ... 49

Ballyshannon, ... 50

Bally waiter 1st, ... 50

Bally waiter 2na, ... 51

Bally willan, ... ... 52

Balteagh, ... ... 53

Banagher, ... ... 53

Banbridge 1st, ... 54

Bangor 1st, ... ... 55

Bangor 2nd, ... ... 56

Ballymacarrett Ist ... 57

Belfast - Donegall Street 57

Belfast— Fisherwick Place 58

Belfast — Fitzroy Avenue 59

Belfast -May Street ... 60

Belfast — Rosemary Street 61

Belfast— Townsend Street 6i

Belfast— York Street ... 65

Belturbet ... ... 66

Benburb ... ... C6

Billy or Bushmills ... 68

Boardniills ... ... 69

Boveva ... ••• 69

Boyle 248

Hrigh ... ... 70

VI.

Broughshane Ist

Buckna

Burt

Bushmills or Billy

Cairncastle ...

Car Ian

Carlingford ...

Carlow

Carndonagh ...

Carnmoney ...

Carntall or Clogher .

Carrickfergus 1st

Castlebar,

Castleblayney

Castled awson

Castlederg 1st

Castlereagh ...

Cavan

Cavaualeck ...

Clare

Cloglier

Clogher or Carntall ..

Clonmel

Clontibret 1st

Clough, Co. Antrim ..

Clough, Co. Down

Clougherney,..

Coagh

Coleraine 1st...

Coleraine 2nd

Comber 1st ...

Comber 2nd ...

Conlig

Connor

Convoy

Cookstown 1st

Cootehill

Corboy and Tully

Cork — Trinity Churclx

Corlea

Creggan

Creevelea

Croaglunore ...

Crumlin

Cullybackey ...

Cumber, Co. Derry

Cushenduu ...

Page		Page
70	Dervock	111
72	Donaghadee 1st	111
73	Donaghadee 2nd	113
68	Donagheady 1st	113
	Donagheady 2nd	114
74	Donegal	114
75	Donegall Street	57
76	Donegore 1st	115
77	Donoughmore, Co. Down	117
78	Donougbmore, Co. Donega'	1!8
78	Douglass	119
89	Downpatrick	119
80	Drogheda	120
248	Dromara 1st ...	121
84	Dromore 1st ...	122
85	Dromore West,	250
86	Drum 1st	123
87	Drumachose ...	124
87	Drumbanaglier 1st	125
88	Drumbo	126
89	DrumloLigh ...	127
249	Drumquin ...	127
89	Dublin — Mary's Abbey	128
90	Dublin — Usher's Quay	130
91	Dunboe	132
92	Dundalk	132
93	Dundonald ...	134
94	Dundrod	135
94	Dunean	135
95	Dunfanaghy ...	136
97	Dungannon 1st	137
97	Dunluce	138
99	Dunmurry ...	139
99
99	Enniskillen ...	140
102	Ervey	142
103
104	Fahan	143
11)4	Faunet	144
106	Faughanvale	144
106	Fintona	145
107	Finvoy	146
249	Fisher wick Place,	58
108	Fitzroy Avenue,	69
1C8
109	Galway	146
109	Garvagh Ist ...	147
110	Glastry	148

Vll.

Glenarm	Page 149	Maghera	Page 188
Glendermot 1st	15]	Magherafelt 1st	190
Glendermot 2nd	152	Magherally ...	191
Glennan	153	Magilligan ...	192
Glenwherry ...	154	Maguiresbridge	192
Grange	155	Malin	192
Greyabbey ...	166	Marketbill 1st	193
Groomsport ...	158	May Street, ...	60
		Milford	194
High Kirk or 2nd Ballymena 40	Millisle	194
Hillsborough	158	Minterburn ...	195
Hilltown	159	Moira	196
Hollymount	250	Monaghan 1st	198
Holy wood 1st	159	Moneymore 1st	198
		Monreagh, ...	200
Inch	161	Mountmellick	201
Islandmagee 1st	161	Mountjoy	203
		Mourne	203
Keady 1st ...	163	Moville	204
Keady 2nd ...	163	Mullingar	205
Killala,	251	Mary's Abbey	128
KiUead	164
Killeshandra...	165	Newport	252
Killeter	166	Newry 1st ...	206
Killinchv	167	NewtoAVTiards 1st	207
Killyleagh 1st	168	Newtownards 2nd	208
Kilmore	169	Newtowncrommelin ...	209
Kiiraughts 1st	170	Newtownhamilton	210
Kilrea 1st	171	Newtownstewart 1st ...	210
Kingstown ...	173
Kirkcubbin ...	173	Omagh 1st ...	211
Knowhead ...	174	Omagh 2nd ...	211
		Ormond Quay	130
Lame 1st	174	Orritor	212
Letterkenny 1st	176
Limavady 2nd	176	Pettigo	212
Limerick	177	Portadown 1st	213
Lisburn 1st ...	178	Portaferry ...	214
Lislooney	180	Portglenone 1st	217
Lissara	181	Portrush	217
Londonderry 1st	181
Londonderry 3rd	184	Eamelton 1st...	220
Longford	184	Ramoan	221
Loughbrickland	184	Randal stown 1st	221
Loughgall	185	Raphoe 1st ...	224
Lurgan 1st ...	186	Rathfriland 1st	225
		Ray 1st	225
Macosquin ...	187	Richhill	227

VIU.

	Page		Page
Rosemary Street	61	Tobermore . . .	236
Rutland Square	128	Town send Street	64
Saintfield 1st	227	Trinity	106
Scriggan	228	Tullamore . . .	237
Sion and Urney	240	Tullv and Corboy	104
Sligo	252	Tullylish ...	239
Spa — Ballynaliinch	229	Turlougli	253
Stewartstown 1st	230	Urney and Sion	240
St. Johnstone	230	Usher's Quay	130
Stonebridge ...	231	"Wellington Street	42
Strabane 1st...	232	Westport	254
Stranorlar 1st	233	West Church	41
Tandragee ...	234	York Street ...	65
Templepatrick	235

BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES.

	Page
The Fathers of the Irish Presbyterian Church ...	256
Walter Travers	257
Rev. Samuel Hanna, D.D.	258
Rev. James Seaton Reid, D.D.	260
Rev. James Carlile, D.D.	262
Rev. John Edgar, D.D., L.L.D.	263
Rev. James Morgan, D.D.	264
Rev. Henry Cooke, D.D., LL.D.	266
William Kirk, Esq. ...	271
John Getty, Esq.	272
James Kennedy, Esq., J. P.	273
William M'Comb, Esq.	274
Rev. William M'Clure,	276
S. Hamilton Rowan, Esq.	276
William Todd, Esq. ...	278
Miss Hamilton	279
John Sinclair, Esq. ...	279
Rev. John Thomson ...	280
Rev. Henry Jackson Dobbin, D.D.	283
John Young, Esq.	284

Signification of Names of Places

288

INTEODUCTIOK

HE greater part of the information contained in the work now presented to the public, was col- lected by the Eev. J. S. Eeid, D.D., before his appointment as Professor of Ecclesiastical and Civil History in the University of Glasgow. For the twentv years preceding, his attention had been specially directed to the rise and progress of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ; and he had enjoyed special facilities for becomino- acquainted with its condition. He had travelled throuo-h most parts of our ISTorthern Province ; had gathered up the traditions of the Presbyterian inhabitants ; had carefully examined the manuscript records of the Synod of Ulster ; and had noted down, in a little volume which he usually carried about with him, every important fact or date which helped to guide him in his investigations. Shortly after his decease, I undertook, at the request of his executors, to complete his unfinished History ; and this manuscript book was put into my hands to assist me in the work. I found that it contained a brief account of the congregations of the Synod of Ulster, arranged in alj)habetical order ; and as, for many reasons, it appeared very undesirable that the rare knowledge it supplied should be lost to the public, I sug- gested to the proprietor of M'Comb's Pkesbyteeian Almanac that he should permit me to introduce some extracts from it, year after year, into his well-known annual. He adopted the advice ; and thus it has been that for upwards of thirty years past these notices have been continued in that publication. They are now collected together ; and, with not a few addi- tions, are to be found in the present volume.

To many readers the following pages, — consisting, to a great extent, of dates and names, — may have a rather

2 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

uninviting aspect; but, to thousands and tens of thousands in this and otlier lands, they cannot be altogether -without interest. The inscription on a tombstone generally furnishes very scanty information relating to the dead ; and yet, at the distance of a century or more, it is perused with avidity by heirs or descendants. The departed ministers of the Presby- terian Church in Ireland have miiltitudes of living represen- tatives scattered all over the world ; and, to these, this work will supply some statistical details relating to their ancestors which they must seek for in vain elsewhere. Nor to readers of another class can it be altogether devoid of value. It incidentally throws light on the state of society at different periods during the last two hundred and seventy years ; and illustrates in various ways the progress of the country.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has had a somewhat strange and eventful history. It was planted in Ulster early in the seventeenth century by immigi*ants from Scotland, who hoped to have here a greater amount of religious freedom than they were permitted to enjoy at home. For a time their pastors were suffered to exercise their ministry without disturbance ; and a signal blessing rested on their labours : but the hand of High Church intolerance was soon put forth to interfere with their operations; they were ejected from the parish churches in which they had heretofore officiated ; and were otherwise exposed to grievous persecution. The Black Oath — pledging them to obey all the royal commands — no matter how wicked or unreasonable — was next required from all the Scotch settlers ; and when they refused to comply with this unrighteous demand, they were fined and imprisoned. But He who can bring light out of darkness overruled these oppressive meastires for their good. The Presbyterian ministers and people, thus driven out of the country, escaped to a large extent the Irish massacre of 1641, in which so many thousands of the Protestant inhabitants perished. A Scottish army soon afterwards arrived in the north to quell the insurrection of the Romanists ; and, under its auspices, on the 10th of June, 1642, the first Irish Presbytery was constituted at Carrickfergus. Congregations were established almost immediately afterwards in various parts of Down and Antrim ; and, ever since, the Presbyterian Church has main- tained a firm footing in the Province of Ulster. The Solemn League and Covenant — adopted in 1643 by the English Parliament and the Assembly of Divines at Westminster —

INTKODUCTION. 3

was entered into with enthusiasm by the Scottish settlers in Ireland ; and at the same time a considerable number of the Episcopal clergy in the north joined the Presbyterian standard. Presbyterianism was now rapidly developed in the country ; fresh immigrants arrived from Scotland and England ; and the Reformed faith spread its influence to the •utmost bounds of the Northern Province.

On the accession of Oliver Cromwell to supreme power, the Presbyterian ministers in Ireland were involved in trouble ; for they gave deadly offence to the Eepublicans by protesting against the execution of Charles I., and by refusing to take the Engagement binding them to the support of the new government. When, however, the Protector saw that they were men not disposed to create political disturbance, and bent mainly on the spiritual enlightenment of the people, he changed his policy, and gave them considerable encourage- ment. Presbyterianism meanwhile made steady progress for several years, so that, at the period of the Restoration, its adherents in Ulster were computed to amount to one hundred thousand. But dark days now awaited it. The ministers were exposed to a fresh proscription when the Protestant bishops, who had meanwhile been in exile, were restored to power.

During the twenty-eight years intervening between the Restoration and the Revolution, the Irish Presbyterian Church was almost uninterruptedly in the furnace. Its ministers were often obliged to preach to their people under cover of the darkness of the night ; they were again and again thrown into confinement ; they celebrated their ordina- tions in places of concealment ; and, if they ventured to dispense the Lord's Supper, they were liable, on conviction in each case, to a fine of one hundred pounds. Strange as it may appear, they obtained, during this dreary interval, their first grant of Recjium Donum. It was given in 1672, and amounted only to d£600 per annum. It seems to have been due, as much to the fears, as to the gratitude of Charles II. He knew, indeed, that the Presbyterians had contributed efiiciently to bring about the Restoration ; and he admitted the hardship of their being obliged to suffer, first for him, and then under him ; but, had he not dreaded the machina- tions of the disaffected Cromwellians who were still in Ireland, and had he not expected that the grant would help to keep the Presbyterians from joiniug with these exasperated

4 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

enemies, it may be cToubted wliethei' he ever would have thought of bestowing on them the Royal Bounty. It was paid very irregularly; and, when his brother, James II., succeeded to the throne, it ceased altogether.

The Revolution of 1688 was like life from the dead to the Irish Presbyterians. They hailed with delight the arrival of their Dutch Deliverer in England ; and, mainly through their instrumentality, the city of Derry brought its memor- able siege to a triumphant termination. The new monarch was well aware that they were almost the only reliable friends he had in this country ; and, a few days before the battle of the Boyne, he testified his appreciation of their support by bestowing on their ministers a grant of d£l,200 per annum. But, notwithstanding this token of royal favour, they were still left to struggle under various legal disabilities. The members of the Irish Legislature were, with a very few exceptions, High Churchmen ; and even the influence of the King could not induce them to concede to their non-conforming fellow- subjects the indulgence of an Act of Toleration. The war of the Revolution had well-nigh depopulated not a few districts of the country ; many farms in Ulster had become vacant ; and Scotchmen, tempted by the prospect of cheap rents and a fertile soil, had, in a few years, vastly augmented the Presbyterian population. Prelacy had just at this time been overthrown in North Britain ; and its friends began to entertain fears that it was destined to share a similar fate in this country. Hence it was that Presbyterianism was viewed with so much jealousy in high places throughout the whole reign of William III. The Episcopal clergy felt very uncomfortable as they contemplated its progress. As a body they stood low in ministerial character ; many of them had continued to pray publicly for the success of James II. until they found that they could no longer with safety proclaim theii attachment to his dynasty ; they had little of the zeal, and they could not emulate the ability of the ministers of the Presbyterian Church ; and they resisted most vehemently every attempt to improve the political position of their dreaded rivals.

When the grave closed on King William, the Irish Presby- terians were made to feel that they had lost a friend. He had been unable to induce the Irish Parliament to relieve them from the pressure of the jienal laws ; but, when they were harassed for non-conformity, he had kindly interposed, and

INTRODUCTION. 5

quashed the lirosecution. They experienced very different treatment in the reign of Queen Anne. Their disabilities were then increased ; and had it not been for the rather unexpected death of that weak-minded Princess, they would have been deprived of almost the last vestige of religious freedom. The Test Act, passed soon after she ascended the throne, excluded them from all offices of trust and emolu- ment under the Crown, whether civil or military; and by this most nefarious piece of legislation, some of the very men who had so nobly defended Derry Avere driven out of the corporation of the Maiden City, and marked with a brand of social degradation. Before the close of her reign the doors of some of their meeting-houses were nailed up, and the Recjium Donum withdrawn. On the accession of George I. the grant was restored; and soon afterwards a considerable addition was made to it. In 1719 they at length obtained an Act of Toleration ; but at this time their numbers began to be much thinned by emigration. Many of the leases given, on very moderate terms, about the close of the wars of the Revolution, then expired ; and the farmers, discouraged by the demand of doubled or tripled rents, crossed the Atlantic in large numbers, and settled in the Western world. It is said that in 1729 six thousand Irish — almost all of whom were Presbyterians — removed there. Before the middle of the century twelve thousand persons of the same class arrived annually on the Western shores. When we consider that this emigration has been going on constantly, and sometimes to a far greater extent, for upwards of one hundred and fifty years, we may well wonder that Irish Presbyterianism holds its present position in the national census. It has been computed that its children now in the great Western Republic amount to about two millions. Had it not been for this prodigious drain of emigration, Presbyterians would at this day constitute an overwhelming majority of our Irish Protestant population.

In the reign of George I. a calamity of a far more serious character sadly weakened the Irish Presbyterian Church. At that time some of its leading ministers began to plead for relief from subscription to its recognised creed — the Westminster Confession of Faith. They did not openly attack its doctrines — though they were suspected of a leaning to a more lax theology — but they maintained that all such formularies were unauthorised as tests of orthodoxy; and

6 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

they argued with so much plausibility that they secured the adherence of a number of the more influential laity. The controversy, which was carried on for several years with much bitterness, terminated in 1726 in a separation. The majority, forming by far the greater portion of the Synod of Ulster, persisted in requiring subscription to the West- minster Confession from candidates for the ministry ; and the minority, who were known as Non-Suhscrihers, formed themselves into what was called the Presbytery of Antrim. This schism greatly impaired the strength and reputation of the whole Presbyterian body. Several members of the Synod of Ulster, who did not join with the Separatists, were under- stood to sympathise with them ; and from this period till the end of the century a section of its ministers, designated the New Light party, and preaching a diluted Arminianism, if not something worse, occupied not a few of its pulpits, and conti-olled its deliberations. The Synod thus lost much of its prestige as an evangelical denomination.

When the controversy between the Subscribers and Non- Subscribers was agitating the North of Ireland, the Church of Scotland was disturbed by disputes relative to ecclesias- tical patronage. In the end the Erskines and a few other ministers withdrew from its pale ; and in 1739 formed a new organization, which assumed the name of the Associate Presbytery. The Seceding preachers soon found their way into Ireland ; and as the more pious portion of the Presby- terian laity in this country had little confidence in the New Light ministers, these new evangelists were cordially received here, and quickly succeeded in collecting congregations. The first Irish Seceding minister was ordained at Lyle Hill, near Temj^lepatrick, in the County of Antrim, on the 9th of July, 1746. Within fifteen years afterwards no less than three Seceding Presbyteries were constituted in the Noi'th of Ireland ; and in 1784 their ministers received from Grovern- ment an endowment of =£500 per annum. In the forty-six years, between 1746 and 1792, they erected in the north forty-six congregations and ordained forty-six ministers. In the next seventeen years they increased still more rapidly, for in 1809 their pastors amounted to ninety-one, having been nearly doubled during this short interval.

The last twenty-five years of the eighteenth century witnessed the rapid advance of the Irish Presbyterians in political importance. When the settlers in North America

INTRODUCTION. 7

set up tlie standard of independence, so many troops were sent there that most parts of Ireland were left almost destitute of military protection ; and when Fi-ance declared on the side of the revolted colonies, her ships of war appeai-ed in the British Seas and threatened a descent on the coasts of Ulster. The people in Down, Antrim, and other counties, obliged, in consequence, to take measures for their own defence, formed military organizations in their respective districts, and accustomed themselves to martial exercises. These Volunteers soon combined ; appeared together in thousands at reviews ; and presented the appearance of a large and well-equipped army. At their great meetings they dis- cussed the politics of the day, passed resolutions, adopted petitions to the legislature, and proclaimed their determina- tion to exert their united strength in struggling for the removal of existing grievances. As the Presbyterians in the north constituted the bulk of the Volunteers, they wielded for the time being a preponderating influence ; and Grovern- ment soon saw the expediency of lending a favourable ear to their representations. Thus it was that several disabilities under which they had long laboured were quickly removed. In 1780 the Test Act was repealed. In 1782 an Act was passed declaring the validity of all marriages celebrated among Presbyterians by ministers of their own denomination ; and in the same year another Act permitted Seceders to swear by lifting up the right hand, instead of kissing the book. Other favours soon followed. In 1784 one thousand pounds per annum were added to the Regiiim Domim of the Synod of Ulster ; and in 1792 an additional augmentation of d£5,000 per '>nnum was granted.

Whilst the ministers and people of the Synod of Ulster were obtaining relief from their political disabilities, they were otherwise exhibiting few indications of improvement. Por the twenty years preceding 1789 not one new congrega- tion was erected ; and much the same state of things continued for the twenty years following. Little regard was paid to the sanctification of the Lord's Day; intemperance abounded ; family worship was neglected ; error in various forms raised its head ; and infidelity made not a few proselytes. But the awful scenes connected with the rebellion of 1798 helped to awaken a sleeping Church. From that date we may trace the development of a more religious spirit among both ministers and people. Evangelical

O HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

preachers appeared in greater numbers ; decayed meeting- houses began to be repaired or rebuilt ; increased attention was given to the education of candidates for the sacred office ; and arrangements were made for the more faithful administration of ecclesiastical discipline. At length the New Light party in the Synod found themselves so encircled by a network of regulations for the conservation of orthodoxy, that they saw they must be prepared either to leave the body or to submit to certain extinction. In 1829 they accordingly withdrew from it, constituted themselves into a new society, and adopted the title of Remonstrants. Their separation prepared the way for a junction between the Ulster Synod and the Seceders. The union was consummated in 1840, when the ministers and people thus incorporated assumed the designation of " The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland." The Synod of Ulster contributed 292 congregations to the United Church, and the Seceding Synod gave 141 — thus making up a total of 433. Since that period the congregations have continued to increase ; and at present (1886) they amount to 553.

In the early part of this century a new arrangement was made in reference to the Begmm Bommi. It had before been generally distributed, share and share alike, among the ministers, so that, as their numbers multiplied, the portion of each diminished. With all the augmentations made since the days of William III., the share of each recipient of the Synod of Ulster in 1800 little exceeded =£30 per annum. But shortly after the Union between Great Britain and Ireland the grant was increased to considerably above .£14,000 per annum, and the ministers were divided into three classes — the first class receiving ^6100 per annum, the second ^£75, and the third ,£50. In 1809 the Seceders also obtained an enlarged grant of Royal Bounty, and the recipients were arranged in three divisions: but they were dealt with according to a lower rate of j)ayment — the first class receiving .£70 per annum, the second =£50, and the third c£40. In 1838 this system of classification was aban- doned ; and Government agreed, on certain conditions, to grant <£75 per annum, late Irish currency, to every minister connected with the Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod. This endowment added very considerably to the amount paid out of the Imperial Treasury ; but it was exceedingly satis- factory to the two Synods, as the unequal payments under

INTRODtrCTION, 9

the nale of classification had ever since the time of its introduction been the sul)ject of complaint and remonstrance. The money was annually voted by Parliament, and the erection of every new congregation involved an enlargement of the allowance. In 1868, when the grant was about to be discontinued, the portion of it paid to the ministers of the General Assembly had grown to about d83 7,000 per annum.

In March, 1868, Mr. Gladstone moved, in his place in Parliament, a series of resolutions to the effect that the Irish Protestant Ej^iscopal Establishment should cease — that the endowment of the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth should be discontinued — and that the Begium Bonum should be withdrawn — full compensation being made for the life interests of the existing beneficiaries. These resolutions were adopted by a large majority of the Commons, and a Bill — known as the Suspensory Bill — was introduced to legalise them ; but though the proposal was readily adopted by the Lower House of Legislation, it was negatived by the Lords. A dissolution of Parliament followed. Mr. Gladstone was sustained in the new house by an increased majority of supporters — and in the end the Disestablishment Bill became the law of the land.

The period of Disestablishment was an anxious time with all interested in the prosperity of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Some feared that it could not well survive the crisis of the withdrawal of the Regium Domim. But its doctrines and polity are very dear to thousands and tens of thousands of those connected with its communion ; and it soon appeared that its friends were prepared to meet the emergency. With very few exceptions its ministers com- muted their life incomes in the interest of the Church ; and in this way a capital fund of upwards of d£580,000 was at once created. A Sustentation Fund — now amounting to about d£25,000 per annum — was also commenced ; and thus, not- withstanding the depression of the mercantile and agricul- tural interests for some years past, the ministerial income has not suffered. At a great public meeting, held in Linen Hall Street Church, Belfast, on the 29th of September, 1869, John Lytle, Esq., J.P., in the chair, the representatives of the laity pledged themselves to do their utmost to raise a Sustentation Fund of not less than ^£30,000 per annum, with a view to make up the income of all participators in the Sustentation Fund and their successors to at least d8100 per

10 ■ HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

annum independent of congregational payments. The Sustentation Fund has not yet received the support of a considerable section of the Presbyterian laity : and the "unfavourable circumstances of farmers and traders have hitherto interfered with the accomplishment of these good intentions ; but it is to be hoped that in a short time the sum aimed at by the Belfast meeting will be fully idealised.

The manuscript volume — most parts of which have been transferred to the following pages — was left behind him by the writer in a state evidently not designed for publication ; and it is quite possible that the critical reader may be able to detect some slight errors in dates or the spelling of names ; but Dr. Reid was remarkable for the accuracy with which he noted down all things of historical value ; and I believe that if any mistakes have been committed, they will be found to be but few and unimportant. It may be that some of them are to be attributed, rather to the editor, than the author. The ministerial succession in the several congregations are brought down to the present time ; and as upwards of thirty years have now passed away since the last entry was made in Dr. Reid's book, I must be held accountable for these recent additions. In all such cases I have taken the dates and names from the Minutes of the General Assembly.

Appended to the history of congi'egations, it has been thought desirable to supply the readers of this volume with a few brief notices of distinguished ministers and laymen who have adorned the Ii'ish Presbyterian Church during the present century. Some other articles of an historical character have also been subjoined.

W. D. KiLLEN.

■^-■fe:'

j&ofessor of Ecclesiastical History] I Assemtlys College, Belfast. l

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

AGHADOWEY.

The fii-st minister was tlie Eev. Thomas Boyd. He was deposed in 1661 for non-conformity, and in 1662 was ordered to be tried by tlie House of Lords ; but, notwithstanding, he still continued to minister to the jieople. We find him in this charge in 1671-2. He retired to Derry at the period of the troubles, and remained in the city during all the time of the siege. He died in this charge in 1699. He was suc- ceeded by the Eev. James M'Gregor, who was ordained here June 25th, 1701. About 1720, Mr. M'Gregor resigned the charge of the congregation, and went to America. He was succeeded by the Eev. John Elder, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Coleraine, May 7th, 1723. In 1726, Mr. Elder joined the ISTon-Subscribing Presbytery of Antrim, and a new erection was in consequence attempted, but without success. Mr. Elder died on the 24th of September, 1779, in the 87th year of his age. He had previously become infirm ; and, on his resignation of the congregation, it revei'ted to the Synod, and the Eev. Samuel Hamilton was ordained here June 8th, 1773. Mr. Hamilton died July 18th, 1788. The next minister was the Eev. Archibald Fullerton, who was ordained on the second Tuesday of December, 1790. He died January 1st, 1813, and left a large family. One of his sons, the late George Fullerton, M.D., rose to distinction in the Australian colonies, and when a Eepresentative Govern- ment was granted to Queensland, he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council or Upper Chamber. Shortly before his death — which happened only a few years ago — he gave a donation of d£2,000 to Magee College, Derry. His father was succeeded as minister of Aghadoey by the Eev. John Bx'own, who was ordained on the 11th of December, 1813. In 1820, Mr. Brown appeared before the public as an author. His

12 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.

sermon on " The importance of learning to Society and the Christian Ministry," then issued from the press. In 1832 he was chosen Moderator of the Synod of Ulster, and about that time commenced an agitation for an equalization of the Begium JDonum, which eventually proved successful. In 1839 he received the degree of D.D. from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Brown wrote numerous letters in the news- papers, and published several tracts and sermons. In 1844 he was unanimously chosen Moderator of the General Assembly. He was never married, and lived to an advanced age. In 1872 he retired from the active duties of the ministry, and died on the 27th of March, 1873. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Wallace, who was ordaiued to the pastoral charge on the 6th of May, 1873. His ministry .was very short, as he died on the 14th of July, 1874. He was succeeded by the Eev. James B. Huston, formerly minister of 1st Eandalstown, who was installed here on the 22nd of December, 1874.

AHOGHILL 1st.

The first minister we find here was John Shaw, who was ordained in May, 1658. He was deposed by the bishop in the year 1661, but continued privately to ofiiciate among his people. In February, 1674, Adam Strehorn, commissioner to the presbytery, reported that " though the charge be gi'eat and vast, yet the quota to the minister is small, being con- siderably short of ^30 per annum, and that even of it there are arrears due." Mr. Shaw died in 1674-5, and his successor, M. Haltridge, was ordained here on March 8th, 1676. A visitation was held here in 1790, when it appeared "that the arrears due to Mr. Haltridge were =£177, that all was desperate but about ,£12, and that they could only secure £,21 for the next year." He continued in this charge till his death, which occurred October 20th, 1705. His successor was Thomas Shaw, ordained here December 20th, 1710. He became a member of the Non- Subscribing Presbytery of Antrim in 1726, in whose communion he died in October, 1731. In 1732 the congregation applied to the Synod of Ulster, stating that they were about 200 families, and wished to be joined to the Presbytery of Route. The request was granted, and supplies were ordered. Their next minister was Mr. John Semple, ordained here June 1st, 1736. The same year the

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 13

Synod ordered a collection through all their churches to aid the people of Ahoghill in erecting their meeting-house. In 1749 Mr. Semple was removed to Anahilt, and was succeeded here by Mr. James Ker, formerly minister at Pettigo, who was installed here in the beginning of 1753. He died in this charge September 18th, 1757. The next minister was Mr. James Cuming, ordained here October 14th, 1760. He was grand-uncle to Professor Gibson of Belfast. Becoming infirm, Mr. Joseph Howard was ordained his assistant and successor June 20th, 1808. Mr. Cuming died March 3rd, 1809, leaving a widow, but no family. Mr. Howard died on the 2nd of May, 1810. The next minister was Mr. George M'Clelland, ordained December 24th, 1810. Mr. M'Clelland having retired from the discharge of the active duties of his congrega- tion, Mr. David Adams was ordained his assistant and successor on the 8th of June, 1841. Mr. M'Clelland died on the 15th of February, 1850. Mr. Adams died on the 6th of March, 1880, and was succeeded by Mr. William Colcjuhoun, who was ordained here on the 18th of January, 1881.

ANAGHLONE 1st.

This congregation was established by the Seceders about the beginning of this centuiy. Its first minister was Mr. David M'Kee. His ministry was of great length, extending to sixty-six years. Mr. M'Kee died on the 12th of Januarv, 1867, and was succeeded by Mr. John Waddell, who was ordained here on the 31st December, 1867. Mr. Waddell, on his removal to Belfast, demitted this charge on the 4th of April, 1876, and was succeeded by Mr. David T. Mackey, who was ordained here on the 24th of October of the same year.

ANAGHLONE 2nd.

In 1819 certain inhabitants of the Parish of Anaghlone, who had hitherto adhered to the congregation of Lough- brickland, applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a separate charge. Leave was granted to them to build a meeting-house, and the Presbytery of Dromore was appointed to supply them with preaching as they should see cause. In 1820 they were erected into a congregation, and their first minister was Mr. Samuel Crawford, who was ordained here on the 21st of June, 1821. He resigned this charge on the

14 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

22nd of August, 1822, and removed to a congregation in Leeds, England. After inuch altercation and frequent appeals to the Synod, Mr. Alexander Orr was ordained here on August 5th, 1824, by a Committee of the Synod of Ulster. In 1827 this congregation was annexed to the Presbytery of Armagh. On the 11th of September, 1838, Mr. Orr resigned the charge of this congregation, and removed to Ballyhemlin, under the care of the Remonstrant Synod. He was succeeded by Mr. William Dobbin, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the 19th of June, 1839.

ANAHILT.

This congregation was sometimes called Hillsborough. We find Mr. John M'Broom settled here before the Revolu- tion. He died in 1682, as appears from the tomb-stone still to be seen in Anahilt graveyard. It is there stated that his ministry was of twenty years duration. Some disputes about the boundaries of the congregation and that of Lisburn arose in 1696. In those days people were required to go to the meeting-house of the district, and not to another at a greater distance, even though they greatly preferred the distant minister. In 1697 perambulators were appointed by the Synod of Ulster to settle these disputes between Anahilt and Lisburn about boundaries ; but in 1698 we find the people of Blaris supplicating the Synod of Ulster to be rejoined to Lisburn, " finding by experience their annexation to Hills- borough (as it was then called) to be extremely inconvenient." The next minister, after Mr. M'Broom, of whom we have any account in this charge was Mr. James Ramsay, who had pi'eviously supplied Maghera, and who appears to have been ordained here shortly after the Revolution. He was present at the Synod in June, 1694. He died February 24th, 1708. The next minister was Mr. Charles Seaton, who was ordained here December 9th, 1708. He died in this charge August 27th, 1737. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Simms, who was ordained here June 18th, 1739. He removed to Tullylish in November, 1746, and was succeeded by Mr. John Sample, formerly minister of Ahoghill, who was installed here by the Presbytery of Di'omore on the 7th of June, 1749, Mr. Semple took an active part in the controversy with the Seceders, then beginning to establish congregations, and published a pamphlet, which obtained extensive circulation,

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 15

entitled " The Survey Impartially Examined," in answer to another pamphlet entitled " A Brief Survey." He died in this charge March 24th, 1758. The next minister was Mr. Eobert M'Clure, who was ordained here on the 29th of April* 1760. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Wright was ordained his assistant and successor on the 24th of June, 1802. Mr. M'Clure died May 11th, 1823, leaving a family. Mr. Wrio-htj commonly called Dr. Wright, becoming infirm, Mr. Thomas Greer, son of the minister of Dunboe, was ordained assistant and successor on the 17th of January, 1839. Mr. Wrio-ht died August 20th, 1844, in the 73rd year of his age.

ANTEIM 1st.

The first minister here was John Ridge, an Englishman, who had been admitted to the oi-der of deacon on the 8th of March, 1611, by the Bishop of Oxford, and was instituted to the vicarage of Antrim, July 7th, 1619, on the presentation of Arthur Lord Chichester. He was deposed August 12th, 1636, by Leslie, Bishop of Down and Connor, and flying to Scotland, died shortly after at Irvine. In April, 1642, John Livingston spent six weeks at Antrim, entertained by Sir John Clotworthy, and held the communion there. They gave him a call, but he would not accept it. Archibald Ferguson was ordained here by the Presbytery about 1645. In 1646 he was Moderator of the Presbytery of Antrim, and presided at the ordination of Kennedy, at Templepatrick. He was imprisoned by Venables in Carrickfergus in June, 1650, and summoned to Dublin in 1653. He died the following year. He was succeeded by James Cunningham, son of Mr. Cun- ningham, of Holywood, who died, as his tomb-stone relates, minister of Antrim, October 2nd, 1670. In July, 1671, they called Thomas Gowan, formerly minister of Glasslough, who appears to have been eugaged in supplying Connor from 1667. The following reasons were drawn up in Ajjril, 1672, in favour of his removal and settlement at Antrim : — 1. The j^arish of Antrim being more considerable than Glasslough. 2. The unhealthfulness of his body in his former place. 3. His usefulness in philosophy, and the accommodation in Antrim for his scholars. 4. The great difiiculty of planting Antrim in the person of another with consent of all parties. These reasons j)revailed, and his relation to Glasslough was formally loosed in August, 1672. Shortly after we find him comijlaining

16 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.

to the Presbytery of want of a pi-eachmg-liouse. It may be here noticed that the celebrated John Howe came to Antrim in May, 1671, as chaplain to Lord Massereene, that he assisted the Presbytery, and joined with them in their proceedings, and that he continued here till 1676, when he removed to London. When in Antrim he often pi-eached in the parish church. In February, 1673, Mr. Gowan also had liberty offered him to preach there, through the influence of Lord Massereene, and the propriety of his accepting the offer was discussed at the subsequent meeting in March in these terms : — " A case being propounded by Mr. Thomas Gowan concerning an offer of liberty to him to preach in the church, the question was put whether, if Mr. Gowan should embrace this liberty, so that the people who own him be not ensnared to countenance the liturgy, or to profane the Sabbath by attending at the church door when it is reading, and withal, so that a considerable number of the people do not absent themselves from the public ordinances in the congregation ; whether, these cautions being observed, the brethren will take offence at his practice ?" It was answered to this query, " That the brethren would not take offence." But in June the people of Muckamore complained of this arrangement, and the Presbytery met at Antrim in July to consider the business more fully, but did not come to any positive decision. They concluded, however, by stating " that, upon the whole matter, if it were not for their great respect for Lord Massereene and his family, they would be clear to advise Mr. Gowan to withdraw altogether from using the church." In consequence of this, Lord Massereene wrote to the Presbytery, in September, that he hoped to get all grievances and difficulties removed. In April, 1674, John White, elder, reports that they j^ay £,40 per annum stipend, and that the cause of the quota being so small was owing to its falling on the town, and little on the country. Mr. Gowan died in August, 1683, leaving a widow. In August, 1684, they called Jo. Abernethy, but he having another call from Moneymore, accepted it in preference to Antrim. In October, 1686, they succeeded in obtaining Mr. John Ander- son, who was removed from Glenarm, and who continued with them till April, 1688, when he I'eturned to his former congregation in Scotland — a liberty which he had reserved for himself when he settled at Glenarm and Antrim. In July following they called Mr. William Adair, minister of

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 17

Ballyeaston, but, the troubles soon coming on, tbis intended an-angement was interrupted. In May, li690, the Presbytery recommended to them Neil Grey, of Ologher, but the"^ con- gregation did not relish it, because they thought his voice was too low. They then pi-esented their call to Mr. Adair, and the Synod — the first that met in the North after the Eevolution — in September, 1690, countenanced them in it, and in November he was removed thither, the congregation promising him ^48 per annum. Mr. Adair died February 14th, 1699. This same year they called Mr. James Kirk- patrick, afterwards of Belfast, but he had previously a call from Templepatrick. They at length succeeded in obtaining Mr. John Abernethy, son of Mr. Abernethy, of Coleraine, who was ordained here August 18th, 1703. In 1711 he had a call to Derry, but the Synod would not permit him to remove. In his time the Subscription controversy occurred. Mr. Abernethy was one of the leaders of the Non-subscribers ; and, in consequence, a schism took place in his congregation. In 1726 those dissatisfied with his proceedings were erected into a new congregation by the Synod of Ulster. In 1727 the Synod granted them assistance to build their meeting- house. In 1728 their commissioners, Robert Eainey and David White, acknowledged the assistance they had received from several congi-egations. In 1729 they called Mr. Hemp- hill, minister of Castleblayney, but the Synod would not permit him to remove. They then supplicated for supply of probationers, which was granted, the congregation promising thirty shillings each month, with entertainment for man and horse. Their first minister was Mr. William Holmes, a licentiate of the Strabane Presbytery, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick, September 7th, 1730. In 1731 he had a controversy with Mr. Duchal, the minister of the Non-subscribing congregation. He died in this charge May 1st, 1750. He was succeeded by Mr. John Rankin, who was settled here October 16, 1751. Mr. Rankin died in this charge in 1789. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Montgomery, ordained here May 31st, 1791. He was sus- pended by the Presbytery in 1806 for two Lord's days for celebrating marriages irregularly. Becoming infirm, Mr. Robert Magill was ordained his assistant and successor June 20th, 1820. Mr. Montgomery died October 19th, 1820, leaving a widow and family ; and Mr. Magill died on the 19th of February, 1839. He was succeeded by Mr. Charles

18 HISTORY OP CONGEEaATIONS.

Morrison, who was ordained liei-e March 24th, 1840. Mr. Morrison demitted this charge on the 6th of September, 1859, and was succeeded by Mr. George Magill, minister of Lylehill, who was installed here on the 20th of December, 1859. Mr. Magill, having accepted a call from Cork, i-esigned the charge of this congregation on the 1st of May, 1867, and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas West, who was ordained here on the 20th of November of the same year,

AEDGLASS.

Ardglass, though now but a small place of little con- sequence, chiefly known in connection with the herring fishery, was, four or five hundred years ago, the second trading town on the eastern coast of Ulster. Carrickfergus then held the first rank. Presbyterianism never seems to have obtained any very broad footing in the neigh- bourhood of Ardglass. In 1697 the Synod of Ulster ordered that Bailee, Down, and Drumca or Clough, should be formed into two congregations. Bailee is only two or three miles distant from Ardglass; and in August, 1701, William Smith was ordained by the Presbytery of Down as minister of Bailee. He died in this charge in July, 1747. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Smith, probably his son, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Killileagh on the 3rd October, 1750. He died June 15th, 1787, having obtained as his assistant and successor Mr. James Patterson, who was ordained here October 28th, 1782. He died in this charge on May 7th, 1798, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. Josiah Ker, who was ordained here March 18th, 1799. He resigned this charge in August 26, 1809 ; and was afterwards suspended for immoral conduct. The next minister was Mr. David White, who was ordained here August 27, 1811. The Arian controversy soon after- wards commenced in the Synod of Ulster ; and in 1829 the Unitarians withdi'ew. Mr. White adhered to the separatists ; and, in consequence, the orthodox party were left for several years without a ministry. At length, about 1841, chiefly through the exertions of the late Dr. James Seaton Eeid, then Professor of Church History for the General Assembly, and the late Captain Rowan, of Downpatrick, a congregation was organised at Ardglass ; and, on the 31st of May, 1842, the Rev, Joseph Burns was ordained the j^astor. The con-

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 19

gregation had then no place of worsliip, and tlie ordination took i>lace in one of the outbuildings connected with Ardglass House. Mr. Burns resigned the pastoral charge on the 13th of August, 1844 — having accepted a call from the congrega- tion of Whitehaven, England. On the 28th of March,"l845, Mr. Thomas Macafee was ordained to the charge.

ARDSTEAW 1st.

The first minister was Mr. William Moorcroft. The second minister of this congregation appears to have been Mr. Adam White. He had been settled in Fannet in 1654, where he was deposed in 1661, and with three others Avas imprisoned by Leslie, bishop of Eaj^hoe, for six years. He resigned Fannet in 1672, and removed to Ardstraw, Avhich was vacant in 1671 — probably after the death of Mr. William Moorcroft, its first minister. In 1688 Mr. White fled to Scotland, whence by letters he demitted the charge to the Presbytery of Lagan in January, 1692, and afterwards settled at Billey, near Dunluce. Their next minister was Samuel Holyday or Haliday. He had been minister of Omagh, and retired to Scotland at the Eevolution. On his return, Omagh congregation declared its inability to support him ; and, ministers being then scarce, in November, 1692, he had calls from Donagheady, Urney, and Ardstraw. The two former offered <£30 per annum, to provide a farm for him, and build the necessary accommodation ; Ardstraw offered d£27 per annum, with 27 barrels of corn, and to advance half a year's salary to defray his charges in removing his family from Scotland. He accepted Ai'dstraw, and was installed here in December, 1692. He was the father of Dr. Haliday, minister of the 1st Congregation of Belfast, so famous in connection with the Subscription controversy. He died in February, 1724 ; but previously, in March, 1718, Mr. Isaac Taylor had been ordained here as his assistant and successor. In May, 1729, Mr. Taylor conformed to the Established Church. In 1731 the people called Mr. John Holmes, of Donegall, but the Synod opposed his removal. The next minister was Mr. Andrew Welsh, ordained here August 22nd, 1733. In 1736 an application was made to Synod by a discontented party for a new settlement, but the Synod refused to interfere. Disjjutes, however, continued ; and the Synod, in 1741, sanctioned a new erection at Clady,

20 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

and put it under the care of the Presbytery of Letterkenny. Mr. Welsh died May 15th, 1781, leaving a widow and children. In October, 1779, Mr. Robert Clarke was ordained here as assistant and successor to Mr. Welsh. Mr. Clarke becoming infirm, Mr. Matthew Clarke was ordained his assistant and successor September 21st, 1820. Mr. R. Clarke died December 3rd, 1821, leaving neither widow nor family. On the 21st February, 1861, Mr. Leslie A. Lyle was ordained assistant and successor to Mr. M. Clarke. Mr. M. Clarke died on the 28th of December, 1875.

ARMAGH 1st.

Presbyterianism was first introduced into Armagh after the great rebellion of 1641. From " Goodall's Memoirs" it appears that Mr. Hoj^e Sherrid, who was minister here in 1661, was deposed with his brethren by Bramhall. Worship was, however, continued in a private manner. We have no account of this congregation till we find Archibald Hamilton, son of James Hamilton, of Ballywalter, loosed from his charge in Benburb, in May, 1673, and thereafter settled in Armagh. At the time of the troubles in 1688, he retired to Scotland, and afterwards in 1692, at his own request, the Synod dissolved his connection with this congregation. He was then settled as minister at Killinchy. In 1694 the people of Armagh applied for Mr. Hutchison, minister of Down- patrick, and soon after, for the return of Mr. Hamilton ; but the Synod declined to accede to either of these applications. In 1697 they called Francis Iredell, minister of Donegore, but he declined their offer; and in the end of the same year they obtained John Hutchison, formerly minister of Downpatrick, and son of Alexander Hutchison, minister" of Saintfield. The second son of this minister of Armagh was the celebrated Dr. Francis Hutchison, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Mr. Hutchison died on the 10th of February, 1729. In 1731 the congregation applied for the removal of James Bond (ancestor of Captain Bond, of Farra, County Longford) , who was then minister of Longford ; but the Synod would not sanction this translation. Mr. John Maxwell, son of the minister of Omagh, was ordained here March 15th, 1732. Mr. Maxwell, who had much in- fluence during his time in the Synod of Ulster, died on the

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 21

IStli of December, 1763. In December, 1764, tlie famous William Campbell, D.D., was installed his successor. Dr. Camj^bell bad been minister of Antrim where he was ordained in 1759. He was an excellent scholar and a vigorous writer. He attracted much attention by a controversy in which he was engaged with the Bishop of Cloyne. In 1772 it was reported to Synod that Arthur Graham, Esq., had bequeathed d£'130 for the use of the ministers of Armagh, which sum, with additional subscriptions, was laid out in building a manse on a tenement which had been granted for lives renewable for ever, in December, 1768. In 1730 a large tenement was taken for three lives from Mr. Maxwell, after- wards Lord Farnham, on part of which the meeting-house stood and also the manse ; the rest was given up to John Johnston, Esq., for valuable consideration. The manse was built dui-ing the ministry of Dr. Campbell. This gentleman removed from Armagh to Clonmel in 1789 and died there November 17th, 1805. His successor in Armagh was Mr. "William Henry, formerly minister of Stewartstown, who was installed here July 14th, 1791, but in May, 1795, he was suspended sine die. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Cuming, father of Dr. Cuming, of Armagh, and uncle of Professor Gibson, of Belfast. Mr. Cuming, who had formerly been minister of 1st Dromore, was installed here January 9th, 1796, and died August 19th, 1816. He was for many years the clerk of the Synod of Ulster, and was brother-in-law of the celebrated Dr. Black, of Derry. The next minister was Samuel Eccles, who was ordained here June 16th, 1817, and who died February 21st, 1823. After a protracted vacancy, Mr. P, S. Henry (son of the minister of Eandalstown), was ordained here December 7th, 1826. On the 2nd of February, 1846, Mr. Henry, afterwards D.D., resigned the charge of 1st Armagh, in consequence of his appointment as President of Queen's College, Belfast ; and on the 17th of April, 1846, Mr. Alexander Fleming was installed as his successor. On the 17th of November, 1851, Mr. Fleming died; and was succeeded by Mr. John Hall, who was installed on the 30th of January, 1852. On the 17th of August, 1858, Mr. Hall, now D.D., of New York, resigned the pastoral charge, and removed to Dublin ; and on the 27th of June, 1859, Mr. Jackson Smyth, now D.D., was installed as his successor.

22 HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS,

AEMAGH 3ed.

This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Armagh in connection with the Synod of Ulster in November, 1837. The first minister was Mr. John Richard M'Alister, formerly minister of Ballygrainey, who was installed here on the 13th of June, 1838. Mr. M'Alister died on the 27th of June, 1871, and was succeeded by Mr. T. B. Meharry, formerly minister of Moy. Mr. Meharry was installed as minister of 3rd Armagh on the 9th of October, 1871. On the 2nd of March, 1875, Mr. Meharry resigned the charge of this congregation, having accepted a call from the congrega- tion of Trinity Church, Newcastle-oh-Tyne ; and on the 30th of June, 1875, Mr. John Elliott, formerly minister of Donoughmore, County Down, was installed as the pastor.

AEMOT.

This congregation was erected in 1768 by the Presbytery of Eoute, The Synod of that year disapproved of the erec- tion, but permitted the Presbytery, if they saw cause, to supply the place till next meeting. In 1769 the peojile sent John Neal and Hugh Fulton as commissioners to the Synod, and the Synod appointed a committee of its members to meet at Ballywillan and determine the propriety of the erection. The erection was thus sanctioned ; and the first minister was Mr. Hugh M'Clelland, who was ordained here June 10th, 1771. He died in this charge in October, 1813, leaving a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr. Jackson Graham, who was ordained here August 15th, 1814. Becoming infirm, Mr. John M'Dermott was ordained his assistant on the 24th of February, 1869. Mr. Graham died on the 9th of January, 1880. Mr. M'Dermott resigned the pastoral charge on the 7th of October, 1873, on his removal to Strabane ; and, on the 22nd of July, 1874, Mr. William J. Thomson was ordained here. On the 15th of October, 1879, Mr. Thomson resigned the charge, having accepted a call from the Free Church congregation of Bridgeton, Glasgow ; and, on the 18th of August, 1880, Mr. John Milliken was ordained as minister of this congregation.

HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS. 23

ATHLONE.

In 1704 Major Thomas Handock supjjlicated the Synod of Ulster to send supplies of preaching to Athlone. On this occasion it appeared that it had already been visited by Presbyterian pi-eachers. As an encouragement to a minister to settle among them, the people offered =£30 per annum and a farm of twenty-five acres free, and free accommodation to the minister so long as he remained unmarried. They did not, however, succeed in obtaining a minister until 1708, when Mr. Samuel Dunlop was ordained here by the Presby- tery of Monaglian on the 29th of April of that year. His support was but scanty, and in 1722 he resigned the charge because of insufficient maintenance. For a long time Athlone remained without any stated Presbyterian ministry ; but in 1836 the congregation was i*evived, and the Rev. E. H. Allen, formerly minister of Hilltown, was installed here on the 29th of March, 1837. Mr. Allen died on the 18th of July, 1849 ; and on the 25th of March, 1851, the Rev. James Mawhinney was installed as minister here. On his appoint- ment as an army chaplain, Mr. Mawhinney resigned this charge on the 3rd of April, 1861 ; and was succeeded by the Rev. S. E. Brown, who was installed here on the 18th of June, 1861. Mr. Brown resigned this charge on the 5th of November, 1878, having accepted a call from the congrega- tion of Clough, in the County of Antrim. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Watson, who was ordained here on the 5th of August, 1879.

AIJaHNACLOY.

The first minister was Mr. Baptist Boyd, who was ordained here some time before the year 1697. He died in this charge November 25th, 1749. He was succeeded by Hugh Mulligan, formerly minister of Bailieborough, who was installed here October 13th, 1757. He died January 1st, 1786. The next minister was Mr. James Davison, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Clogher to the joint charges of Aughnacloy and Ballygawley July 10th, 1787. He was suspended for two months in June and July, 1811, and finally resigned this joint charge on the 19th of August, 1811. He was succeeded by Mr. John Anderson, who was ordained to the same charge

24 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

June 23rd, 1812, Mr. Davison died February 3rd, 1813, leaving a widow and family ; and Mr. Anderson died May 16th, 1829, leaving a widow. At Mr. Anderson's death, Ballygawley was separated from Auglmacloy, and each became a separate congregation. Mr. John Henderson was then chosen to the pastoral charge of Aughnacloy, and was ordained here on the 8th of October, 1830. On the Ilth of May, 1842, Mr. Henderson demitted the cai-e of the congrega- tion, and on the 14th of February, 1843, the Kev. William M'llwain was ordained to the pastoral charge.

BADONEY.

The first notice we have of this congregation is in connec- tion with the ordination of Mr. Alexander M'Cracken, who was set apart to this charge on the 26th of July, 1710. He appears to have been educated at the University of Glasgow, where, as we learn from the college registry, Alexander M'Cracken, Scoto Hyhernus matriculated on the 27th of February, 1702. Mr. M'Cracken was minister of Badoney upwards of thirty years. He died in September, 1743, and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh M'Cracken, probably his son, who Avas ordained here June 4th, 1761. He at length demitted this charge, and resided at Carrickfergus, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Templepatrick, where he conducted himself imprudently, and in 1775 he was dep»osed by the Synod for irregular marriages. In 1768 we find Mr. Joseph Coulter minister of this congregation. Mr. Coulter died in 1789. He was succeeded by Mr. William Dunlop, who was ordained here March 15th, 1790. In 1798 he removed to Strabane, and was succeeded by Mr. Charles Hemphill, who was ordained here February 21st, 1799. Mr. Hemphill becoming infirm, the Eev. Thomas Johnston was ordained as his assistant on the 16th of June, 1843. Mr. Hemphill died on the 13th of January, 1844. Mr. Johnston died on the 1st of September, 1875; and on the 19th of January following, Mr. John Boyd was ordained here. On the 26th of November, 1880, Mr. Boyd resigned the pastoral charge, having accepted a call from the congregation of Portaferry; and on the 31st of May, 1881, Mr. Jackson M'Fadden was installed here.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 25

BAILIEBOEOUGH 1st.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. David Simm, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Monaghan March 25th, 1714. In 1724 he had a call to Carlow, and the Synod of Ulster permitted him to remove. He was succeeded by Mr. Wilson, who was ordained here December 20th, 1726, after which he was joined to the Presbytery of Dublin. In 1732 the people stated to the Synod that they were able to pay him but d£12 per annum. He died in this charge November 11th, 1735. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Mulligan, who was ordained here July 27th, 1742. He removed to Aughnacloy in October, 1757. The next minister was Mr. Alexander M'Kee, formerly minister of Drum, who removed here May 4th, 1761, and died the 13th of the same month. He was suc- ceeded by Mr. Jo. Mathewson, who was ordained here by the Presbyteiy of Cootehill February 10th, 1762. He resigned this charge October 3rd, 1780. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Montgomery, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Monaghan June 5th, 1781. He died January 1st, 1803, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. John Kelso, who was ordained here February 7th, 1804. He died March 23rd, 1810, leaving neither widow nor family, and was succeeded by Mr. Patrick White, who was ordained here August 28th, 1810. In 1819 the minister, session, and congregation applied to the Synod of Ulster for their support in defending their title to a farm set apart for the benefit of the pastor, upwards of one hundred years before, by the proprietor, Mr. Hamilton, of Bailieborough. The Synod agreed, and the suit was gained. The farm thus secured is, perhaps, the most valuable glebe belonging to any congrega- tion connected with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ; and Mr. White gained great credit for the integrity and zeal with which he contended for the conservation of the property. Mr. White died on the 17th of January, 1862, and on the 13th of March following, his son, the Rev. Patrick White, who had been minister of Donoughmore, was invested with the pastoral charge. On the 7th of October, 1873, Mr. Patrick White, having received a call from a congregation in Liverpool, resigned this charge ; and Mr. Thomas K. White was installed as pastor.

26 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.

BALLACOLLA.

After the famine of 1847-50, a few Scotclamen took farms from Lord De Vesci near Abbeyleix, and Lord Castletown near Eathdowney. These families were occasionally visited by Eev. H. M'Manus, of Mountmellick, but no attempt was made to organize a congregation for some time. A lady has the credit of doing that. The young wife of Mr. Jonathan Millie, Abbeyleix, a Scotchwoman, feeling the want of the simple form of Presbyterian worship, to which she had always been accustomed, and seeing if the two little colonies of Presbyterians, only a few miles separated, could be united by meeting to worship at a central point, there was the nucleus of a substantial congregation. She visited each, and obtained their adherence to her plan. She and her husband afterwards waited on the late James G-ibson, Q.C, the chairman of Queen's County, when on his Sessions Circuit, who entered heartily into the jDlan, and by his wise counsel the matter was brought to a successful issue. Messrs. Millie and Purves attended the next meeting of Dublin Presbytery with a memoi'ial for organization. The Presby- tery, after due inquiry, granted the request, and formed them into a congregation on 7th April, 1858. The coui-thouse of Ballacolla was applied for and granted to hold public worship on every Sabbath until a church would be erected ; and supplies were sent. No Presbyterian family resided at the small village of Ballacolla, but it was a central point for the members to meet. Three acres of land at a nominal rent, with lease for 999 years, was obtained close to the village from Richard Caldbeck, Esq., J. P. A substantial church was erected, and opened, free of debt, by Eev. H. Cooke, D.D., LL.D., Belfast, on 22nd March, 1860, and the week after, on 27th March, Mr. Alexander Milligan, a licentiate of Newry Presbytery, was ordained the first minister of this charge, Eev. J. Elliott, of Armagh, taking part. The Eev. John Hall, D.D., then of Dublin, gave the charge on the interesting occasion. It was upwards of two years after this when the manse was built and ready for the minister to occupy. It was gratifying to all that when finished both church and manse were free of debt, showing the liberality with which the people contributed ; they wei'e aided also by a grant from the Church and Manse Fund. The strong Presbyterianism of Mrs. Millie was shown in the blue cloth,

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 27

with blue trimmings, she put on the pulpit. A member of the Purves family presented a superbly-bound pulpit bible and psalm book. As all the members of Ballacolla congre- gation live at a distance from the church, and ride or drive to worship, they were greatly inconvenienced for accommoda- tion for their horses in the village till Mr. George Purves, the secretary, aided by other members of the congregation, built stables sufficient for them all, and handed over the building, a free gift, to the congregation. A call from the congregation of Corlea, Bailieborough, came to Mr. Milligan, which he accepted, and resigned the pastorate of Ballacolla on 7th March, 1882. The congregation next called Mr. Alexander Mogee, a licentiate of Route Presbytery, who was ordained here on 7th August, 1882.

BALLINDEERY.

The first settlement in this neighbourhood was at Glenavy. In February, 1672, the Presbytery of Antrim, considering the need the people had of preaching, sent one of their number to examine what encouragement there was for the settlement of a minister. In April of that year, Robert Scott and John Johnson appeared as commissioners at the Presbytery, and they were recommended to make arrange- ments for building a meeting-house and manse. In August the people obtained a hearing of Mr. Archibald Yoimg, a pro- bationer; and they presented him with a call in the September following, promising to give him ^30 per annum, and to provide him with a house and garden. He proceeded with his second trials ; but, in May, 1673, he had a call to Down- patrick, which the Presbytery permitted him to accept, and he removed there in June. In September of the same year the people presented a call to Mr. Matthew Haltridge, which he accepted; and, in February, 1674, their commissioner, John Ferguson, promised for his support =£25 per annum, with a sufficiency of turf and a manse. With the exception of a visit to Cork in June and July, he continued to supply the congregation till December, when, the people having failed in their promises to him, the Presbytery freed him from the charge of this place. He was afterwards settled at Ahoghill ; and Grlenavy was thus again left vacant. In January, 1683, we find Mr. David Airth settled in this parish, having been ordained here some time in the interval between 1675 and

28 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

tliat date. His support being small and badly paid, he is declared transportable in August, 1685 ; and, in June, 1694, lie removed to a charge in Scotland. The congregation was now long vacant. The next minister, Mr. John Riddel, was ordained by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 12th of March, 1701. In 1712 he was prosecuted as a non-juror. In 1713 the congregation of Ballinderry, as it at present exists, was formed — part from Glenavy and some from Moira — whilst the greater part of Glenavy was incorporated into a later erection at Crumlin. The commissioners from Ballinderry to the Synod were Arthur Maxwell, Esq., a great benefactor of the Irish Presbyterian Church ; Dr. Ferguson, and Thomas Beatty. Their first minister, after their separation, was Mr. John Hasty, who was ordained here June 11th, 1724. He died in this charge on the 6th of April, 1743. Their next minister was Mr. Clotworthy Dobbin, ordained here February 5th, 1746, but in the following year he was removed to Ballynure. He was succeeded by Mr. William Rowan, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Bangor on the 30th of October, 1751. In 1783 he demitted his charge, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Carlisle, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Belfast in September, 1784. In May, 1794, on account of indisposition, the Presbytery disannexed him from this charge, and Mr. William Whitlaw was ordained his successor on the first Tuesday of August, 1794. Mr. Whitlaw becoming infirm, Mr. John Shaw was ordained his assistant and successor on the 6th of February, 1826. Mr. Shaw resigned his charge here in 1831, and removed to Ballynahinch. The next assistant to Mr. Whitlaw was Mr. Henry Leebody, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 17th of April, 1833. Mr. Whitlaw died January 11th, 1836. Mr. Leebody having become infirm, Mr. James Meeke was ordained his assistant and successor on the 24th of May, 1877. Mr. Leebody died in May, 1879.

BALLINDREAT.

This congregation was formerly known by the name of LifEord. Its first minister appears to have been Mr. William Traill. He came from Scotland as a probationer in 1671, and was secretly ordained here the next year. Being much persecuted, he fled to Scotland about 1682. His successor was Mr. John Rowat. Mr. Rowat was in Derry during the

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 29

memorable siege, He died January 4th, 1694. He was succeeded by Mr. James Pringle, who was ordained here ou the 27th November, 1695. He demittedthis charge in July, 1699, and removed to Moy water (now Killala), in Mayo. The next minister was Mr. John Ball, who was ordained here September 25th, 1706. He died in this charge August 22nd, 1739. The next minister was Mr. John Marshall, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Letterkenny, July 27th, 1743. He died in this charge in the first week of May, 1795, leaving a family. After much disputing, the people obtained for their minister, Mr. James Houston, who was ordained here on the 10th of July, 1799. About this time a species of theological institute had been established at Strabane, con- ducted by the Eev. William Crawford, D.D., the minister of that place, and Mr. Houston was one of the students educated in that seminary. Becoming infirm, Mr. William M'Crea was ordained as assistant and successor to Mr. Houston by the Presbytery of Eaphoe, on the 20th of June, 1838. Mr. Houston died November 27th, 1839. On the 31st of January, 1871, Mr. M'Crea was suspended from the office of the ministry; and on the 18th of December, 1872, Mr. James MTarland Guy was ordained to the pastoral charge of this congregation.

BALLYBAY 1st.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. Humphrey Thompson, who seems to have been ordained here about 1698. He died in this charge April 7th, 1744. The next minister was Mr, Alexander Wadsworth, who was ordained as assistant and successor to Mr. Thompson January 19th, 1744. Mr. Wadsworth died, after a short ministry, on the 31st of March, 1747, and was succeeded by Mr. James Jackson, who was ordained February 21st, 1750. He demitted the charge through bodily indis- position in May, 1781, and died in September, 1792, leaving a widow and family. He was succeeded by Mr. John Arnold, who was ordained here December 18th, 1782. Mi". Arnold removed to America in 1797. After great disputes, Mr. James Morell was ordained here August 6th, 1799. He died in this charge on the 31st of August, 1831, leaving a widow and family. Of his sons, two are now ministers of the Assembly, the Eev. John Morell of Second Ballybay and the Eev. Charles L. Morell (now D.D.) of Dungannon, one

30 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.

of the ex-Moderators of the Assembly. After the death of Mr. James Morell, the congregation divided into two parts. Over First Ballybay, Mr. William Gibson (afterwards D.D. and Professor of Christian Ethics in the Assembly's College, Belfast), was ordained on the 1st of January, 1834. On the 29th of October, 1840, he resigned the charge, having received a call to Rosemary Street Congregation, Belfast. He was succeeded in Ballybay by Mr. Joseph Crawford, who was ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1842. Mr. Crawford resigned the charge on the 5th November, 1844, and was succeeded by Mr. John Moran, who was ordained on the 24th of March, 1846, and who, on the 27th of the following October, resigned the charge, having received a call from 1st Newry. He was succeeded by Mr. John Gordon Smith, who was ordained here on the 28th of September, 1847.

BALLYBAY 2nd.

This congregation was established upwards of forty years ago. After the death of , Mr. James Morell, who died, minister of Ballybay, on the 31st of August, 1831, a division took place among the people. A new j^lace of worship was erected near the town of Ballybay, and Mr. John Harris Morell, son of the former minister, was ordained to the pastoral charge of 2nd Ballybay on the 2nd of January, 1834. Mr. Morell has obtained leave to resign.

BALLYCARRY.

This congregation was formerly better known by the name of Broadisland. It is confessedly one of the oldest, perhaps the very oldest, of the Irish Presbyterian congregations. Its first minister, Mr. Edward Brice, had been minister of Drymen, in Stirlingshire, whence he was obliged to fly to Ireland to escape the severities of Spotswood, a Scotch prelate, notorious as a persecutor. Mr. Brice settled in Broadisland about 1611, under the sanction of his countryman Echlin, Bishop of Down and Connor. He preached in the parish church, and enjoyed the tithes, though he came under no engagement to use the Liturgy or conform to the discipline of the Episcopal Church. In 1634 the Calvinistic Confession, adopted in 1615 by the Reformed Church of Ireland, was set aside, and a series of canons requii-ing strict conformity was

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 31

adopted. Mr. Brice was some time afterwards assailed for uon-conf ormity, and a seuteuce of deposition was pronounced on him, but he died before the sentence could be carried into effect. All Presbyterian ministers were now driven out of the country, and multitudes of the laity fled to Scotland to escape the imposition of the Black Oath. But they were thus providentially taken away from the evil to come ; for whilst a considerable number of the Episcoj^al clergy perished in the Irish massacre of 1641, not a single Presbyterian minister suffered any injury, for they had all before been obliged to take refuge in Scotland. In 1645 Mr. Robert Cunningham, son of Mr. Cunningham, of Holy wood, was ordained in Ballycany. In June, 1673, a complaint was made to the Presbytery that the j^eople were paying no rent for the building which they used as a place of worship, whereupon they agreed to pay the arrears demanded, and to commence the erection of a meeting-house for them- selves. In April, 1674, the state of their congregational accounts was reported to the Presbytery, from which it appeai'ed that they had been making very little provision for the support of the minister. About that time the first grant of Begium Bonum was made to the Irish Presbyterian ministers, and, probably, many of the people imagined that they did not require to supplement it. At the same meeting Matthew Logan and George Straight aj^peai'ed as commis- sioners from the congregation, and informed the Presbytery that " they were laying down a way for securing their minister <£30 per annum for the future." In May, 1688, Mr. Haltridge, of Islandmagee, was appointed to inquire into the state of Mr. Cunningham's maintenance ; and in June it is reported that the " Laird of Duntreath " wrote to Mr. Henry, of Carrickfergus, showing " that the people are now very poor ; but that, if trading come in, he will be as active as may be in stirring up the people ; and, as for himself, he promises to do what he did for Mr. Pitcairn in Ballymena." Mr. Cunningham continued in this charge till his death in 1698. Mr. James Cobham was the next minister. He was ordained here about 1 700. He died in this charge February 23rd, 1759. He was succeeded by Mr. John Bankhead, who was ordained here August 16th, 1763. Becoming infirm, Mr. William Glendy was ordained as his assistant and suc- cessor on the 30th July, 1812. In 1829 Mr. Glendy, who avowed himself an Arian, seceded from the Synod of Ulster,

32 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

■with a portion of the congregation. The people adhering to the Synod gave a call to Mr. John Stuart, who was ordained to this charge by the Presbytery of Templepatrick on the 3rd of April,"l832. Mr. Bankhead— who was the father of Dr. Bankhead, the celebrated physician, in whose arms the famous Lord Londonderry expired — died July 5th, 1833, after having been in this charge seventy years all but forty-two days. Mr. Stuart died on the 6th of February, 1880 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Dickson, who was ordained here on the 27th of July, 1880.

BALLYCASTLE.

The Presbyterians of the town of Ballycastle, in the County of Antrim, formerly worshipped at Ramoan. Tliey were at length erected into a separate congregation by the Presbytery of Eoute in the beginning of the year 1827. Their first minister was Mr. Samuel Lyle, who was ordained hei'e on the 4th of March, 1829. At the meeting of Assembly in 1866, Mr. Lyle obtained leave for the congregation to choose au assistant and successor, and on the 19th of June, 1867, Mr. George M'Farland was ordained there by the Presbytery of Route. Mr. Lyle died on the 26th of August, 1868. Mr. M'Farland, on his appointment as Mission Secretary to the General Assembly, in June, 1882, resigned the pastoral charge, and was succeeded by Mr. John Jackson, formerly minister of Cloughwater, who was installed here on the 26th of October of the same year.

BALLYCLARE.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. Gilbert Simpson, who was ordained here August 9th, 1655. He was here in 1662. The next minister was Mr. Robert Patton. He was here in 1671, and probably for a considerable time before. We find him going on a visit to Scotland, with the leave of the Presbytery, in July, 1674, and returning in the November following. In June, 1675, John M'CuUy and John Wilson appeared as commissioners at the Presbytery, " acknowledging great deficiency in the paying of their minister ; and proposing that if the meeting would condescend to remove the able unwilling party of the parish from any particular inspection of their minister, their

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 33

able willing party would augment their several proportions, and endeavour to maintain him." The Presbytery, however, would not agree to the proposal. Mr. Patton, in conjunction with Mr. Gowan, of Antrim, was sent to Dublin in 1679 to satisfy Government that the Presbyterians in the North did not approve of the proceedings of the Scotch Covenanters, then just defeated at Both well Bridge. But, about this time, the famous Willie Gilliland, who was at the battle of Bothwell Bridge, had taken refuge in Glenwherry, and was hunted from place to place by the troopers stationed at Carrickfergus. Mr. Patton died shortly after his return from Dublin. His successor was Thomas Tuft, who was ordained here on December 7th, 1681. He died in December, 1713. He had previously become infirm; and Mr. Thomas Wilson, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Kircaldy, was ordained here as his assistant and successor on the 27th of February, 1711. In 1725 Mr. Wilson joined the Presbytery of Antrim. He was degraded in 1757. Among his succes- sors, who were connected with the Presbytery of Antrim, were Mr. Futt Marshall, who was ordained in 1785, and who died in 1813. He was succeeded by Mr. Heron, who was ordained here on the 21st December, 1813. The next minister was Mr. John Hall, who was ordained here on the 5th September, 1839. Meanwhile, a number of people in the place still adhered to Orthodoxy. In February, 1856, a memorial from certain inhabitants of Ballyclare and its vicinity, praying to be erected into a congregation, was pre- sented to the Presbytery of Carrickfergus ; and the General Assembly of the same year granted this request. On the 5th of March, 1857, Mr. Eobert M'Cully was ordained to the pastoral charge. On the 2nd of May, 1865, Mr. M'Cully resigned, on his designation as a missionary to Australia ; and on the 8th March, 1866, Mr. Ebenezer M. Legate was ordained as minister.

BALLYE ASTON 1st.

This congregation at first formed a j^art of Ballyclare. In August, 1672, the people of Glenwherry applied for privileges to the Presbytery, and they were then advised to join themselves to some neighbouring congregation. In the following month they annexed themselves to Ballyclare, and Mr. Paton, the minister of that place, took charge of them.

34 HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS.

In the interval between 1676 and 1681, Ballyeaston was erected into a separate congregation, and the first stated minister was Mr. "William Adair, son of Patrick Adair of Belfast. Mr. Adair was ordained here December 7th, 1681. In November, 1690, the Synod removed him to Antrim. The next minister was Stafford Pettigrew, who was ordained January 11th, 1699. Shortly after his ordination he was tried for a violation of the Seventh Commandment, but unanimously acquitted. He died March 28th, 1718, aged forty-four years. The next minister was Timothy White, "who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Antrim August 8th, 1723. In 1749 he was removed to Loughbrickland. The next minister was William Montgomery, ordained here July 27th, 1758. His settlement was preceded by much disputing, but he was an eminently peaceful and worthy minister. He died April 24th, 1809, aged seventy-nine years, leaving a widow and family. On his demise, there was again much disputing with respect to a successor, and at length Mr. S. H. Elder, son of the Rev. James Elder, of Finvoy, was ordained June 22nd, 1813. Mr. Elder died February 21st, 1821. The next minister was William J. Raphael, ordained here September 25th, 1821. Mr. Raphael died on the 5th of August, 1865, and was succeeded by Mr. William Youug, who was ordained here on the 30th of March, 1866. On receiving a call from Manchester, Mr. Young resigned this charge on the 29th of May, 1877; and was succeeded by Mr. William John M'Cracken, who was installed here on the 17th of Aj)ril, 1878.

BALLYGAWLEY.

In 1829 this congregation was divided from Aughnacloy, with which it had been formerly connected as a joint charge. The first minister was Mr. David Cochrane, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Clogher on the 30th of November, 1830. On the 15th of May, 1837, he was suspended for intemperance. Soon afterwards, that is, on the 1st of August, 1837, he resigned all connection with the congregation and j^resbytery. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. Freeland, formerly minister of Kingstown, who was installed here on the 16th of April, 1838. Dr. Freeland resigned the charge of this congregation on the 8th of July, 1841 ; and on the 18th of October, 1842, Mr. John Steel Dickson was ordained to the pastoral charge.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 35

Mr. Dickson resigned tliis charge on the 1st of March, 1844, on his removal to Ballysillan ; and on the 24th of September, 1844, Mr. William Ferguson was ordained to it. Mr. Ferguson died on the 9th of December, 1859 ; and on the 27th of March, 1860, Mr. John M'Bride was ordained as minister of this congregation. Mr. M'Bride's health soon gave way ; and in July, 1862, the Assembly granted leave to his congregation to choose an assistant and successor. Mr. M'Bride died on the 23rd of June, 1863 ; and on the 26th of January, 1864, Mr. William Ross Hamilton was ordained to this charge. Dr. Hamilton resigned the charge of the con- gregation on the 18th of March, 1872, on his removal to Galway ; and on the 28th of May of the same year the Rev. David Gordon Smyth Avas installed minister here.

BALLYGOWAN.

This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Belfast in 1837. Its first minister was Mr. John Gamble, who was ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1838. Mr. Gamble died on the 8th of January, 1854, and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Shaw Woods, who was ordained here on the 28th of September of the same year.

BAXLYGRAINEY.

This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Bangor in 1837. Its first minister was Mr. J. R. M'Alister, who was ordained hei'e on the 20th of February, 1838. He resigned this charge on the 20th of May, 1838, and removed to Armagh. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Blaii*, who was ordained here on the 29th of November of the same year. On the 31st of December, 1844, Mr. Blair resigned the charge, having accepted a call from the congregation of Sorbie in the Free Church of Scotland ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Megaw, who was ordained here on the 19th of August, 1845. On the 2nd of April, 1861, Mr. Megaw was degraded for immorality ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Clarke, who was ordained here on the 3rd of September, 1861. On the 29th of June, 1876, Mr. Clarke resigned this charge, having accepted a call from the congre- gation of Burt ; and was succeeded by Mr. S. W. Morrison, who was ordained here on the 28th of March, 1877.

36 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

BALLY JAME SDUFF.

It is believed that Mr. Nathaniel Glasgow, wlio had been ordained to go to America in 1 719, was installed here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd February, 1721. He resigned his congregation and removed to Fintona in 1732. The place of worship is said to have been originally at Old- castle, where Mr. James Hamilton was installed by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 15th of May, 1733. He had l^reviously been minister of Killyshandra. He died here in August, 1756. In 1757 Lord Farnham wrote to the Synod on behalf of the congregation.* Some time afterwards Mr. William Sprot was installed here. The installation took place on the 16th of May, 1759. He died on the 20th of Aj^ril, 1789, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. Samuel Kennedy, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 4th of March, 1790. Be- coming infirm, Mr. John King was ordained as his assistant and successor on the 3rd of May, 1826. In 1833 Mr. King resigned this charge, and removed to the newly-erected congregation of Bellasis. He was succeeded by Mr. Hutchin- son Perry, who was ordained here as assistant and successor to Mr. Kennedy on the 8th of October, 1834. On the 6th of November, 1836, Mr. Periy resigned this charge and removed to Raws, near Castlefiu. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Eobert Gilchrist, who was ordained here on the 17th of May, 1837. In June, 1837, Mr. Gilchrist resigned the charge, and emigrated to Austi'alia. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Pollock, who was ordained here on the 6th of December, 1837. In the month of December, 1838, he was suspended by the Presbytery of Cavan ; and by the Synod of Ulster in 1839 he was disannexed from the congregation. He after- wards went to America. The next minister was Mr. William Hamilton, formerly of Killeter, who was installed here on the 24th of December, 1839. He resigned the charge on the 6th of April, 1840, and removed to Edenderry. He was succeeded by Mr. John Ritchie, who was ordained here on the 30th of September, 1840, as the sixth assistant and suc- cessor to Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy died on the 12th of June, 1842. Mr. Ritchie died on the 10th of March, 1855.

* The Farnham family have long exhibited a kindly feeling to the Irish Presbyterian Church. The late Lord Farnham, at the time of Disestablishment in 1870, was very bountifr^ to it.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 37

He was succeeded by Mr. William Hogg, wlio was installed here on the 30tli of May, 1856. Mr. Hogg, having been appointed a missionary to New Zealand, resigned this charge on the 21st of July, 1863. On the 11th of the following December Mr. Robert H. Clarke was invested with the pastoral charge. Mr. Clarke died on the 20th of February, 1883 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. Boyd, who was ordained here on the 1st of August, 1884.

BALLYKELLY.

The earliest minister of whom we have any notice here was Mr. William Crooks. He appears to have been ordained in this congregation about 1665. He was in Derry during the siege, and afterwards returned to Ballykelly, where he continued till his death, in 1699. The next minister was Mr. John Stirling, who was ordained in 1701. Mr. Stirling died in this charge January 21st, 1752, and was succeeded by Mr. John Haslett, ordained here by the Presbytery of Derry, April 21st, 1752. He left his congregation about the year 1757, and settled at Bandon, in the south of the kingdom. He was succeeded here by Mr. John Nelson, who was ordained October 5th, 1762. Mr. Nelson appears to have been at heart a Unitarian ; but he contrived for a time so to gloss over his creed that it could not be well detected, acting upon the principle of Erasmus, " to think with the wise and speak with the vulgar." But his wisdom only proved to be Jesuitism, and the people of Ballykelly soon found that his preaching was quite unprofitable. The Synod of Ulster "at the time was in a very lukewarm condition, and gave them little encouragement when they remonstrated against the doctrine of their minister ; so that they were obliged to take up the matter earnestly themselves, and they quickly made the place too hot for their false shepherd. Mr. Nelson was accordingly obliged to demit the charge in the year 1765, and soon afterwards published a pamphlet, in which he appeared in his true colours. He was succeeded by Mr. Benjamin M'Dowel (afterwards (D.D.), one of the most eminent ministers ever connected with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Mr. M'Dowel was ordained here on the 2nd of September, 1766. In July, 1778, he was removed to Mary's Abbey, Dublin. The congregation was now annexed to the Presbytery of Route, and Mr. Robert Rentoul,

38 HISTOKY OF CONGEEGATIOKS.

formerly minister of Lurgan, was installed here October 3rd, 1779. Becoming infirm, on the 22nd of December, 1822, the people gave a unanimous call to Mr. Richard Dill, formerly minister of Drumachose ; but the Presbytery of Route refusing to sustain it, the Synod of Ulster, in 1823, removed the congregation at their own request to the Presbytery of Derry, and Mr. Dill was installed October 9th, 1823. Mr. Rentoul died November 1st, 1824, leaving a widow and family. During Mr. Dill's ministry the present large and excellent church was erected at Ballykelly, at the expense of the Fishmongers' Company — an act commemorated in an inscription on an elegant marble tablet, placed in a con- spicuous position behind the pulpit. The erection of Bally- kelly Meeting-house, gave an impulse to the cause of ecclesiastical architecture among the Presbyterians of the North of Ireland. Mr. Dill died 17th Dec, 1854, and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Y. Killen, formerly minister of 3rd Ramelton, who was installed here by a commission of the Assembly, March 31st, 1857. Receiving a call from Duucairn, Belfast, Mr. Killen (now D.D.) resigned this charge on the 27th of January, 1862, and was succeeded by Mr. William Charles Robinson, formerly of Ramelton, who was installed here on the 27th of March, 1862.

BALLYLENNON.

Ballylennon is halfway between Raphoe and St. Johnston. The people of the district, most of whom are Presbyterians, had long felt the inconvenience of being so remote from a house of worship — being about three Irish miles distant from either of the places just mentioned. Nearly sixty years ago they began to think of obtaining more accessible church accommodation ; but there were adherents of the Secession Synod as well as of the Synod of Ulster in the locality ; and the rivalry of these two bodies created considerable difficulty. The Seceders, however, first occupied the ground ; and in October, 1829, Mr. John Lecky was ordained here as minister of the Secession Chui'ch. A house of worship was soon erected ; but, not long afterwards, another made its appearance in its immediate neighbourhood on the opposite side of the road, built by the adherents of the Synod of Ulster. On the 10th of February, 1835, Mr. George Hanson was ordained to the pastoral charge of the second congregation.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 39

Messrs. Lecky aud Hanson both reached old age; and, in the course of nature, both required assistance in the performance of their pastoral functions. Meanwhile the Secession Synod and the Synod of Ulster were united in the General Assembly, and the two congregations, which had all along been comparatively weak, very wisely resolved on incorporation. At this time Mr. Lecky had a son in the ministry ; the people of both congregations had known him from his childhood ; but he was now settled at Armagh- bi-ague. They agi-eed, however, to give him a call to his native place; and on the 5th of December, 1878, Mr. Alexander G. Lecky was installed as pastor of the united congregation of Ballylennon. Mr. John Lecky died towards the close of 1885.

BALLYMENA 1st.

The first pastor who ministered to the Pi'esbyterians of Ballymena was the Eev. Geo. Dunbar, minister of Ayr, in Scotland. Banished from that kingdom for his attachment to the cause of Presbyterianism, he took the charge of this congregation about 1627, but removed to Lame a few years after. He was subsequently deposed by Lesly, Bishop of Down and Connor, in 1636, when he returned to Scotland, and became minister of Calder, where he died in 1638. From his removal till after the rebellion of 1641 no Presbyterian minister had liberty to officiate here. The first minister who was statedly ordained by a Presbytery to this charge was the Eev. David Buttle, ordained in 1645 ; he was imprisoned for his loyalty by the Republican authorities in 1650, but soon after released ; he was deposed by Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down and Connor, in 1661, for refusing to conform to Prelacy, but continued to minister privately to this people till his death about the year 1665. He was succeeded by the Rev. Adam Getty, ordained about 1666, who died in 1675. The Rev. Jas. Pitcairn, licensed by the Presbytery of St. Andrews, in Scotland, was ordained to this charge in 1676, but he returned to Scotland in 1687, and having accepted a parish there, he demitted his charge of this congregation in 1689. The Rev. Joshua Fisher, previously minister of Minterburu, near Armagh, was installed here in 1689, and was removed by the Synod to the congregation of Donoughmore, in Donegall, in 1694, where he died in 1696. The Rev. Thos. Leech, ordained

40 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

here in the month of April, 1698, died September 10th, 1738. The Rev. John Brown ordained as assistant and successor to Mr. Leech, September 21st, 1737, died June 6th, 1771. The Eev. John Lindsay ordained as assistant and successor to Mr. Brown, May 28th, 1771, died May 17th, 1795. The Rev. Wm. Hamilton, ordained June 21st, 1796, died January 15th, 1811. The Rev. William Wauhope, ordained June 23rd, 1812. died January 20th, 1837. The Rev. Henry Jackson Dobbin (afterwards D.D.), previously minister of Hillsborough, was installed hei-e June 20th, 1837. Dr. Dobbin died on the 16th of April, 1863, and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel M. Dill (afterwards D.D.), who was installed here on the 27tli of September, 1863. On his appointment as Professor of Theology in Magee College, Dr. Dill resigned this charge on the 9th of October 1865 ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Park, who was ordained here on the 25th September, 1866. On receiving a call from Rosemary Street Church, Belfast, Mr. Park resigned this charge on the 29th of July, 1873 ; and was succeeded by Mr. S. M. Dill who was installed as pastor on the 7th of May, 1874. On receiving a call from Ayrshire Mr. Dill resigned this charge on the 19th of April, 1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. George Hanson, who was ordained hei'e on the 4th of October, 1881.

THE HIGH KIRK, or BALLYMENA 2nd.

This congregation originated in connection with the Secession Church in June, 1798. There were two congrega- tions ministered to by the one pastor. One of these churches was known as the Moor Meeting House, j)arish of Kirkinriola, some two miles from Ballymena ; the other was erected in the neighbourhood of Broughshane, in the Braid district. The first minister was a Mr. Carmichael. After him there seems to have been an interruption in the ministry. He was succeeded by a Mr. Wilson. In the year 1819 the Rev. William Campbell, A.M., a licentiate of the Donegal Presby- tery, was ordained pastor. He continued to preach alternately in the two places of worshij^ for three years, when the service at Broughshane was discontinued. On the 14th May, 1823, workmen commenced to take down the old church in the parish of Kirkinriola ; a new site was selected in High Street, Ballymena, and on this a church and manse were erected. The church was opened for public worship on the

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 41

4tli April, 1824, by the Eey. William Carr, Belfast. This being the second Presbyterian church erected in Bally- mena, it was afterwards known as such. From the year 1840 it was connected with the Ahoghill Presbytery, but the General Assembly in 1875 transferred it to the Ballymena Presbytery. It is licensed for man-iages as the High Kirk, Ballymena. Mr. Campbell died on the 26th of January, 1872 ; and on the 26th of March of the same year Mr. David M'Meekin, a licentiate of the Ballymena Presbytery, was ordained to the j^astoral charge, and the congregation has much improved under him. When opened for worship in 1824 the eldership consisted of Messi's. John G-regg, George Dugan, Andrew Thomjison, John Eaton, ISTathaniel Grant, Robert Smyth, and Matthew Montgomery. With the exception of Robert Smyth these are all long since dead. The elders at present in office are Messrs. Matthew Eaton, William R. Thompson, John Thompson, Samuel Millar, William Erwin, Thomas Eaton, Quintin O'Hara, and James King.

BALLYMENA WEST CHURCH.

Little more than fifty years ago, there was only one Presbyterian Congregation in Ballymena. About two miles from the town, towards the north-west, there was, as already stated, a small meeting-house connected with the Secession Church, which stood upon a piece of naked moorland, but was frequented by few worshippers. As the town was increasing, the difficulty of obtaining accommodation in its only Presbyterian Church was more and more felt : and it occurred to the seceding minister that he would considerably improve his position could he remove into it what was then commonly known as the Moor Meeting-lunise. Having 2)ro- cured a site and obtained subscrij)tions from sundry of the town's people and others, he successfully accomplished this object : and thus it was that what is now the Second Presby- terian Church was erected in Ballymena. But the Secession Church was not very popular in that locality : and many who wanted church accommodation did not care to connect them- selves with the transplanted building. About 1827 a number of persons of this description, associated with others, signed a memorial addressed to the Presbytery pi'aying for the erection of a new congregation in connection with the Synod of Ulster. This petition did not meet with much encourage-

42 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

ment from some members of tlie court to wliicli it was presented : and one venerable minister pleaded that, accord- ing to an old Synodical law, no new meeting-house could be built within two miles of another already in existence ! But the Rev. Robert Stewart, of Broughshane, who was then a leader in the Presbytery, and who was well aware of the want of another place of worship, easily removed this difficulty : and in due time leave was granted for the building of a new meet- ing-house. Though the edifice, which thus originated in Wellington Street, was considerably more capacious than the old Presbyterian Chui'ch, it was soon found to be not more than sufficient to meet the demands of the applicants for pews. On the 6th of April, 1830, the Rev. Alexander Patterson, who had previously been minister of Clontibret, was installed as the first pastor. Mr. Patterson laboured here with much acceptance and diligence for seventeen years : but early in the Summer of 1847 he fell a victim, in the prime of life, to fever caught in the discharge of his professional duty. He was succeeded by the Rev. James M'Keown, a young minister of much ability who was ordained here on the 14th of March, 1848. Mr. M'Keo-wn commenced his pastoral career most auspiciously : but he had occupied his position somewhat less than two years when he too fell a victim to fever. He died on the 8th January, 1850. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel J. Moore, who had formerly been minister of Donoughmore, and who was installed here on the 24th September, 1850. A few years ago the congregation re- solved on the erection of a new Church ; many contributed most liberally to the object ; and in due time what is now known as the West Church was opened for worship. Mr. Moore died on the 8th of April, 1876 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Edward F. Simpson, formerly minister of Lislooney, who was installed here on the 3rd of October, 1876.

BALLYMENA, WELLINGTON STREET.

A NUMBER of the people hitherto connected with the 3rd congi'egation declined to remove to West Church ; and those who thus adhei'ed to the former building in Wellington Street were recognised by the Assembly as a congregation. On the 31st of March, 1863, the Rev. William Macloy was ordained as their minister. Thus Bally mena which in 1820 had only one Presbyterian Church,

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 43:

has now no less tlian four, three of which are each much more capacious than the solitary edifice then in existence. Mr. M'Cloy resigned this charge on the 9th of August,, 1881, on his acceptance of a call from a Free Church in Paisley ; and was succeeded by Mr. William John M'Caughau, who was ordained here on the 1st of January, 1884. Mr. M'Caughan, on receiving a call to Mount Pottinger Church, Belfast, resigned this charge about the close of 1885.

BALLYMOATE.

This congregation appears to have been erected in 1759. It then consisted of fifteen families. It became a part of Sligo congregation about 1760. In 1822 the people applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a separate charge ; but the consideration of the subject was defen-ed in con- sequence of the non-attendance of Commissioners, and the absence of Mr. Scott the minister of Sligo and Ballymoate. The application was granted in the following year. Mr. Jacob Scott then resigned the charge of Sligo, and was ap- pointed to labour exclusively in Ballymoate. In 1828 Mr. Scott was deposed from the ministry. The congregation was then put under the care of a committee of Synod, and Mr. James Fleming was ordained here on the 22nd of Januarv, 1829. Mr. Fleming died on the 8th of May, 1850, and on the 9th of October of the same year, Mr. John Dewart was ordained to the pastoral charge and also as missionary to the surrounding district. At the Assembly of 1885, Mr. Dewart obtained leave for his congregation to choose an assistant and successor.

BALLYMONEY 1st.

The first minister here was Mr. Ker. His settlement was opposed by Mr. Stewart, of Ballintoy, who had some interest here. Mr. Ker was supjDorted by the majority of the people; but Mr. Stewart appealed to the Parliamentary Commissioners, and they referred the case to the Presbytery. He was ulti- mately settled about the end of the year 1646. In April, 1649, Mr. Ker refused to join in the Pi-esbytery's protest against the murder of Charles I., and took part with the Republicans and Independents. He was in consequence suspended by the Presbytery for some time; but upon owning

44 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

his errors, lie was afterwards restored. At tlie Restoration in 1660, he was deposed by Jeremy Taylor, bishop of Down and Connor. He now passed over to Scotland where he died not long after. Ballymoney was without a minister in 1671. It was supplied for a time by David Houston ; but he was suspended by the Presbytery in 1672 for irregular and insu- bordinate conduct.* This suspension caused a great division in the congregation, part adhering to Houston, and part to the Presbytery. We hear nothing farther of Ballymoney for some time. It was again vacant in 1688. In April, 1692, the people applied to the Synod of Ulster for advice about a minister, David Boyd and Robert Love being their commissioners. In 1693, the Synod transferred Mr. Hugh Kirkpatrick from Lurgan to this congregation ; but he being iu Scotland, whei'e he had fled at the Revolution, did not come over to his new charge till 1695. Mr. Kirkpatrick was Moderator of Synod in 1699. He was father to the Rev. Dr. James Kirkpatrick, aftei'wards of Belfast, the author of " Presbyterian Loyaltv." Mr. Hugh Kirkpatrick died in April, 1712. In 1714,"'the Sub-Synod of Derry divided this cougregation, deeming it too large for one minister, taking from it 20 quarter-lands, of which 14 were annexed to Kilraughts, and 6 to Derrykihan, or Dervock. Of this dismemberment the people complained to the Synod in 1715, and stated their willingness rather to support two ministers than have their congregation divided. It was accordingly declared a collegiate charge, and appointed to pay d835 and 10 bolls of oats yearly to each minister, and to provide convenient farms : but, on failing to give security for this, the order of the Derry Sub-Synod was to take effect. On reconsidering the matter, the jjeople gave up the idea of becoming a collegiate charge, and consequently lost the 20 quarter- lands. They then obtained as minister Mr. Robert M'Bride, son of the Rev. Mr. M'Bride, of Belfast, the author of "A Sample of Jet Black Prelatic Calumny." Mr. M'Bride was ordained here on the 26th September, 1716. He died September 2nd, 1759, aged 73. In 1753, having become infirm, Messrs. John Thompson and Grabriel Todd, as commissioners from the congregation, supplicated the Synod to grant them supplies with a view to obtaining an assistant to Mr. M'Bride. They now obtained

* Mr. Houston held the principles of the Cameronians ; and was a somewhat turbulent and unsteady character.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 45

as assistant Mx*. Robert Smylie, who was ordaiued here in 1759, and died in this charge on the 31st of August, 1768, aged 35. The next minister was Mr. Alexander Marshall, who was ordained here by the Px-esbyterv of Route, on the 18th of August, 1772. He died on the lOth of April, 1799, aged 50. In 1800 the congregation was annexed to the Px'esbytery of Ballymena, with which it i-emained long connected. The next minister was Mr. Benjamin Mitchell, who was ordained hex*e by the Presbytei'y of Ballymena, on the 12th of Novexnber, 1800. Mr. Mitchell resigned the charge on the 9th of May, 1815, and died in the month of August following. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Park, who was ox-dained hex-e on the 18th of March, 1817. Becoxning ixifirm, Mr. Park obtained as his assistant Mr. Alexander Patton, who was ordained hex*e on the 5th of Novexnber, 1866. Mx*. Park died on the 10th of May, 1876, after a ministx-y of 59 years, during 35 of which he had acted as clerk to the Genex'al Assembly. Mr. Patton, on receiving a call from the congregation of 1st Bangor, x'esigned this charge in 1879, and was succeeded by Mr. Nathaniel Ross, who was ox-dained hex-e on the 25th of November of the same year. Mr. Ross x-esigned the chax-ge on the 24th of Apx-il, 1882, and was succeeded by Mr. J. D. Osborne, Avho was ordained here on the 8th of Novexnber, 1882.*

BALLYNAHINCH 1st.

The first minister noticed in this parish was Mr. William Reid, ordained hex-e by the Presbytery of Down, July 14th, 1696. His successor was Mx-. Henry Livingston, son of Mx-. Henx-y Livingston, minister of Dx-uxnbo.f He was ordained hex-e Apx-il 16th, 1704, as assistant and successor to Mr. Reid, who died May 7th, 1708. The next minister was Mr. James M' Alpine, fox-mex-ly of Killyleagh Castle, who was installed hex-e March 20th, 1714. He died in this charge October 27th, 1732. His successor was Mr. Alexander Maclaine, son of Mr. Archibald Maclaine, of Markethill, and uncle to the

* There are now three congregations connected with the General Assembly in BallymoDey.

t Mr. Livingston was descended from the fir^t Lord Livingston of Scotland ; and from him the late John Barnett, D.D., of Moneymore, was lineally descended.

46 HISTOKY OF CONGREGATIONS.

celebrated Dr. Archibald Maclaine, the translator of Mosheini's Ecclesiastical History. Mr. Maclaine was ordained here by the Presbytery of Killyleagh, August 18th, 1735. A consider- able party, amounting to about 120, were dissatisfied with this election, and applied by their Commissioners, Mr. Alexander Holmes and others, to be ex-ected into a separate congrega- tion ; but this was refused by the Synod in 1736. Mr. Maclaine removed to Antrim in 1742. The next minister was Mr. John Strong, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Killyleagh, October 10th, 1744. Mr. Strong died August 10th, 1780, and was succeeded by Mr. John M'Clelland, ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore, October 21st, 1783. Becoming infirm, his son, Mr. James M'Clelland, was ordained his assistant and successor August 25th, 1812. Mr. M'Clelland, senior, died March 5th, 1818, and his son resigned through ill health in 1829. In consequence of disputes respecting the choice of a minister, the congregation ■was put under the care of a committee of Synod in 1831 ; and by this committee Mr. John Shaw, formerly minister of Ballinderry, was installed here August 10th, 1831. Mr. Shaw died on the 29th of March, 1870, and was succeeded by Mr. John M'llveen, who was ordained here on the 27th of December of the same year. Mr. M'llveen, on his removal to 1st Lurgan, resigned this charge on the 25th of February, 1879 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Boyd, who was ordained here on the 3rd of February, 1880.

BALLTNURE.

There was a congregation at Raloo in the neighbourhood of Ballynure, long before there was a congregation in Bally- nure itself. The Presbytery in 1659 jjermitted the people of Ealoo to choose a minister ; but the Restoration which immediately followed, defeated this design for a time. At length in November, 1671, the year before the first grant of JRegium Bonum was made, the Presbytery was again applied to. The people now requested that Mr. Robert Kelso should be settled among them as their pastor, and that the people of Glynn should be added to their congregation. This latter point being refused by the Presbytery, the people agreed to support a minister themselves, and Mr. Kelso was ordained at Larne, on the 7th of May, 1673. Mr. Jo. Anderson of

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 47

Glenarni preacliecl and presided on this occasion. The oi-diuation was private, as at that time the ministers subjected themselves to heavy penalties by performing it. This also ■was the reason why it took place not at Raloo, but at Larne. lu the June following, John Blair and Alexander Dunlop, elders, attended the Presbytery and in the name of the con- gregation publicly accepted Mr. Kelso as their minister. In April, 1674, however, after varioiis ineffectual attempts to secure a sufficient maintenance for Mr. Kelso, the congrega- tion acknowledged themselves unable to support a minister ; and the Presbytery at his desire accordingly loosed Mr. Kelso from his charge. He was subsequently settled, first at Wicklow, and then at Enniskillen. No farther attempts Avere made for upwards of a century and a half to establish a congregation at Ealoo. But in 1722 Mr. Andrew Lorimer and other commissioners presented a petition to the Synod of Ulster praying to have Ballynure erected into a separate congregation. The apjjlication was oj^posed on the j^art of Ballyclare ; but was, notwithstanding, granted. Mr. JSTevin and Mr. Michael Bruce protested against this decision. The final settlement of the separation was referred to the next Synod. The people then offered <£oO yearly stipend to a minister, and stated that they had scruples to live under the uon-subscribing minister at Ballyclare as one reason why they wished a separation. In 1747, David Archibald the commissioner from this congregation, represented to the Synod that as Mr. Clotworthy Brown had been transferred from Ballinderry to them, they think he may be continued their minister without being formally installed. The reason of this seems to have been that Mr. Brown had some scruples about subscribing the Westminster Confession of Paith. Another part of the congregation, by their commissioner, James Scott, represented it as the desire of a great number there, that Mr. Brown should be installed. The Synod decided that the Presbytery of Temjilepatrick should install Mr. Brown as soon as convenient, but in the following year the Presbytery reported that they had not installed Mr. Brown, he having joined the nou subscribing Presbytery of Antrim, and having been installed by them. Mr. Bi'own was afterwards removed to Belfast as a minister of the first con- gregation where he died on the 19th of May, 1755. The next minister of Ballynure was Mr. William Eodgers, who had before been minister of the second congregation of

48 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

Holywood. Mr. Rodgers was installed here by tlie Presbytery of Templepatrick, December 10th, 1751. Mr. Rogers grow- ing infirm, Mr. Adam Hill who had been ordained by the Presbytery of Route for America, was installed here on the 16th of August, 1785. Mr. Rogers died April 29th, 1786. Mr. Hill becoming infirm, Mr. James Whiteside M'Gay was ordained his assistant on the 21st of December, 1826. Mr. Hill died on the 21st of July, 1827, leaving a family ; Mr. M'Cay died on the 15th of October, 1847 ; and on the 28th of March, 1848, Mr. Samuel Alexander Hamilton was ordained to this charge. Mr. Hamilton resigned the charge on the 1st of July, 1859 ; and emigrated to Australia. On the 26th of September of the same year, Mr. A. R. B. M'Cay, son of the foi-mer minister, was ordained to the charge. Mr. M'Cay resigned on the 2nd of May, 1865, and also emigrated to Australia ;* and on the 31st of March, 1866, Mr. William Kerr was ordained to the pastoral charge.

BALLYRASHANE 1st.

A minister appears to have been settled here nearly a year before the death of Oliver Cromwell. We read of the ordination of Mr. Robert Hogsyard, or Hodgeheard, at Bally- rashane, in October, 1657. He was deposed for non- conformity in 1661, but nothing is known of his after history. He was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Harvey, who was licensed by the Presbytery of Antrim, and ordained to the charge of this congregation by the Presbytery of Route, towards the end of the year 1673. He retired to Scotland at the Revolution ; but, in May, 1690, he signified his willingness to return to his flock, and probably did so. We find Mr. Thomas Elder ordained on the 5th of October, 1700. Mr. Elder demitted his charge in 1704, and removed to Scotland. He would appear to have afterwards settled at Kilmore, County Down. The next minister was Mr. Henry Neill, who was ordained here on the 25th of July, 1709. He died in this charge on the 10th of March, 1745. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Buys, who was ordained here on the 28th of October, 1746.

* Mr. M'Cay is now minister of Castlemaine, in Victoria. He acted for a number of years as Professor of Church History for the Australian Church ; and has meanwhile distinguished himself as one of the ablest divines in the country.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 49

He died in September, 1760, and was succeeded by Mr. John Logan, who was ordained here on the 24th of November, 1765. Becoming infirm, Mr. James Dunlop was ordained his assistant and successor in December, 1809. Mr. Logan died on the 10th of May, 1816, leaving a widow and family. Mr. Dunlop died on the 16th of November, 1830. He was succeeded by Mr. John Alexander, who was ordained here on the 20th of June, 1832. Mr. Alexander was the nephew of the Rev. James Elder, of Finvoy. Mr. Alexander died on the 16th of March, 1881, He had previously obtained leave for his congi'egation to choose an assistant and successor ; and accordingly on the 28th of September, 1880, Mr. Charles W. Hunter had been ordained here.

BALLYEONEY.

This congregation was first organised in 1708. It had formerly been a section of Rathfriland congregation. The first minister was Mr. James Moor, who was ordained here on the 25th of August, 1709. Mr. Moor died in this charge on the 22nd of March, 1738. He was succeeded by Mr. Eobert Thompson, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 14th of May, 1782, as assistant to Mr. Moor. Mr. Thompson died on the 4th of September, 1743. The next minister was Mr. Samuel Thompson, who was ordained here on the 14th of March, 1749, Having become feeble in intellect, he resigned the charge. The next minister was Mr. Alexander Wilson, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore on the 20th of August, 1751. He died here on the 8th of May, 1782, leaving a widow and children. He was succeeded by Mr. William Fletcher, who was ordained here on the 3rd of June, 1783. He died in this charge on the 7th of May, 1824, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. Alexander Heron, formerly minister of Portadown, who was installed here on the 15th of August, 1826, Mr. Heron died on the 17th of November, 1865, He was succeeded by the Rev. William Wylie, who was ordained here on the 4th of May, 1866. On the 11th of September, 1879, Mr, Wylie resigned this charge, on his re- moval to 2nd Larne ; and was succeeded by Mr, William Shepherd, who was installed here on the 29th of April, 1880,

50 HISTOET OF CONGREGATIONS.

BALLTSHANNON.

A congregation seems to have existed at an early period at Ballyshannon : but it was long associated with Raneny or Donegal, the minister preaching two Sabbaths in Raneny and one in Ballyshannon. This state of things continued until 1834, when Ballyshannon was erected into a separate congre- gation. The first minister was Mr. J. G. Muri^hj (now Dr. Murphy, of Assembly's College, Belfast), who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Raphoe on the 26th of October, 1836. In 1841 Mr. Murphy removed to Belfast, having been appointed Head Master of the Classical Department in the Royal Academical Institution. He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Lowry, who was ordained here on the 16th of March, 1842.

BALLY WALTER 1st.

The first minister of Ballywalter was Mr. James.Hamilton,* nephew to Lord Claneboye, who was ordained here in 1626. He was deposed by Leslie, Bishop of Down and Connor, in 1636, on which he removed to Scotland, and became minister, first at Dumfries, and latterly at Edinburgh, where he was again deposed in 1660, and died shortly after. Ballywalter continued vacant from 1636 to 1642, when Mr. James Baty, who had been chaplain to the Lord of Aird's regiment, was ordained to this charge by the Presbytery of the Scots army, Mr. Hamilton, their former minister, now sent over by the General Assembly, presiding on the occasion. Mr. Baty was imprisoned by Venables in June, 1650, and, shortly after, either died or fled to Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. William Reid, who was deposed, in 1661, by the Bishop of Down. In 1688, Mr. John Goudy was ordained here. The charge then included Ballyhalbert and Greyabbey ; and in 1710, the Presbytery of Down ordered a central meeting- house, for both places, to be built at Ballygin. The Synod confirmed this sentence, but gave the Presbytery liberty, on sufiicient grounds, to erect a new congregation out of Bally- walter, Ballyhalbert, and Greyabbey. Mr. Goudy died in this charge, March 20th, 1733, aged 78 years. He was succeeded

* It may interest some of our readers to know that Mr. Hamilton, wlio was one of the most distinguished of the Fathers of the Irish Presbyterian Church, wore a gown in the pulpit. — Rttd's Hist. I. 104,

HISTOEY OF CONGREGATIONS. 51

by liis son, Mr. Eobert Goiidj, ordained here, April 9tli, .1 734. Mr. Goudy joined the Presbytery of Antrim, and died, March loth, 1761. At his death, the congregation returned to the care of the Bangor Presbytery, which ordained Mr. James Cochrane here, July 27th, 1762. He died in this charge, September 22nd, 1802, and was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Goudy, ordained on the 3rd Tuesday of December following. He died here December 8th, 1818, leaving a widow and family. In the end of the year 1819, the congre- gation called Mr. John Gibson ; but, certain charges being preferred against him, his ordination was deferred ; and, in 1820, the Synod of Ulster withdrew his license. This led to a schism in the parish, as the bulk of the people adhered to Mr. Gibson, who was ordained irregularly, and continued to preach here till his death, in May, 1861. In 1844, Mr. Gibson applied for admission to the General Assembly; and, as circumstances had arisen tending to invalidate the testimony on which he was condemned, he was, in that year, regularly ordained in Ballywalter, by a Commission appointed for the purpose. Mr. Gibson becoming infirm, Mr. Henry Gamble became his assistant. Mr. Gibson died on the 13th of May, 1861, and Mr. Gamble was ordained, shortly afterwards, his successor. On the withdrawal of Mr. Gibson from the Synod of Ulster, in 1820, a portion of the people left him ; and, over this minority, Mr. John Templeton was ordained pastor in March, 1821. Mr. Templeton died in August, 1856, and was succeeded by Mr. David Hill M'Murtry, who was ordained here, on the 31st of March, 1857. Mr". M'Murtry resigned the congregation on the 1st of April, 1859 ; and on the 16th of August of the same year, Mr. Samuel Edgar Brown was ordained to the pastoral charge. In 1861, Mr. Brown removed to Athlone, and was succeeded by Mr. David Magill, LL.D., who was installed here on the 19th of February, 1862. Dr. Magill has recently retired from the discharge of the active duties of the ministiy.

BALLTWALTEE 2nd.

The histoiy of this congregation is, to a great extent given in the preceding article. Mr, Gamble * resigned this charge on

* Mr. Gamble died in the prime of life. His widow has since been distinguished as the munificent benefactress of the Assembly's College, Belfast, in which he was educated.

52 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

the 6tli of September, 1865 ; and was succeeded, by Mr. David M'Kee, who was installed here on the 6th of March, 1866. Mr. M'Kee resigned the charge on the 5th of January, 1869, having received a call from Dublin, and was succeeded by Mr. John Eogers who was ordained here on the 3rd of Jime, 1869.

BALLTWILLAN.

Tradition reports that Gabriel Cornwall was one of the first ministers of this congregation. He preached in the parish church, and was ejected at the Restoration. He is mentioned by Livingstone as having been here in 1656. We read subsequently of the ordination of Mr. William Houston here in 1700. He died in this charge on the 6th of May, 1721. Meanwhile Mr. James Thompson was ordained here on the 5th of May, 1718, as assistant and successor. Mr. Thompson died on the 25th of January, 1747. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Gaston, who was ordained here on the 23rd of February, 1748. Mr. Gaston died here on the 15th of October, 1766. He is well-known as the author of a work first published in 1763, under the title of "A Scripture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians, consisting of large collections of jjertinent texts of Scripture upon the sundry articles of Revealed Religion." This vei'y useful work has passed through various editions, and is commended by Hartwell Home in his "Introduction to the Critical Study and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures." Mr. Gaston left a widow who died in 1823, having enjoyed the Widows' Fund of the Synod of Ulster no less than 57 years. He was succeeded as minister of Ballywillan, by Mr. John Abernethy, who was ordained here on the 15th of August, 1769. Mr. Abernethy removed to Templepatrick in August, 1774, and was succeeded in Ballywillan by Mr. Robert Thompson who was ordained here on the 23rd of April, 1779. Becoming infirm, Mr. James Huey was ordained here as his assistant and successor on the 1st of December, 1812. Mr. Thompson died on the 10th of July, 1815. Mr. Huey died on the 20th of Januai*y, 1862* ; and on the 24th of June of the same year Mr. Matthew Woodburn was ordained to the pastoral charge.

* John Henry Huey, Esq., J. P., of Clonaven, Coleraine, is the son of this minister.

HISTOKY OF CONGREGATIONS. 53

Mr. Woodburn died on the 28tli of November, 1877 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Wells who was ordained here on the 6th of August, 1879.

BALTEAGH.

In 1822 the inhabitants of this district applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a congregation. They were permitted to build a meeting-house, and for some time the neighbouring ministers were appointed to supply them with preaching. In the following year they were erected into a congregation, and on the 16th November, 1824, Mr. Samuel Templeton was ordained as their first minister. They are at present connected with the Presbytery of Limavady. Mr. Templeton died on the 11th of September, 1866. He was succeeded by Mr. William D. Wallace, who was ordained to the pastoral charge on the 26th of April, 1868. Mr. Wallace resigned this charge on the 15th of January, 1872, and removed to 1st Eamelton. He was succeeded by Mr. Eichard Dill Macky, who was ordained here on the 22nd of November, 1872. Mr. Macky resigned this charge on the 17th of November, 1883, on his removal to New South Wales. He has since returned, and resumed the charge of the congregation.

BANAGHER.

This congregation originally formed part of that of Cumber. It became a distinct charge about the year 1755, and its first minister was Mr. Jo. Law, who was ordained here on the 5th of July, 1756. He died in this charge in January, 1810, leaving a widow. The next minister, who was ordained in 1812, was Mr. James A. Johnston, known among his friends as "the lovely divine." He was a very handsome man, but not a deep theologian. He resigned the charge in May, 1831, and removed to Holywood, where he became minister of the congregation connected with the Presbytery of Antrim. He was succeeded in Banagher by Mr. Thomas Ellison, who was ordained here on the 5th of March, 1822. On the formation of the G-eneral Assembly, Banagher became con- nected with the Presbytery of G-lendermot. Mr. Ellison died on the 6th of Januai-y, 1847, and was succeeded by Mr. R. L. Rogers, who was installed here on the 25th of November,

54 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

1847. Mr. Eogers died on the 15tli of October, 1879, and was succeeded by Mr. W. J. D. Williamson, who was installed here on the 3rd of September, 1880.

BANBEIDGE 1st.

Banbridge was originally part of Magherally congregation, which was proposed to be divided in the year 1716. One part called 8ea/patrich was erected into a separate charge ; and in the same year a meeting-house was build at Banbridge. This caused great divisions in Seapatrick and Magherally, all which were referred to the Synod in 1717, when it was determined that Mr. Young, the minister of Magherally, should preach alternately in the two congregations. This arrangement did not continue long. The people of Banbridge at length obtained a minister of their own, viz., Mr. Archibald Maclaine, son of Mr. Maclaine, of Markethill, who was ordained here, April 26th, 1720. He died in this charge, February 23rd, 1740. He was succeeded by Mr. Henry Jackson, who is said to have been nearly related to General Jackson, President of the United States, Mr. Jackson was ordained at Banbridge by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 8th of November, 1743. In 1772, it was reported to Synod that bequests to the amount of =£130 had been made to the congregation of Banbridge, and that the interest was regularly paid to the minister. Mr. Jackson was grandfather to the late Rev. H. J. Dobbin, D.D., of Ballymena. On the 6th of January, 1790, Mr. Jackson i-esigned the charge of the con- gregation of Banbridge; and, on the same day, Mr. Nathaniel Shaw was ordained as his assistant and successor. Mr. Jackson died, February 26th, 1795, leaving a widow and family; and Mr. Shaw died, July 4th, 1812. The next minister was Mr. James Davis, who was ordained here March 23rd, 1814. Mr. Davis adhered to the New-Light party in the Arian controversy ; and, in 1829, those who withdrew from his ministry were erected into a congregation by the Presbytery of Dromore ; and, on the 22nd of June, 1830, Mr. Robert Anderson was ordained as their minister. Mr. Anderson died on the 29th of February, 1872, and was succeeded by Mr. John Sinclair Hamilton, who was installed here on the 3rd of July, 1872. Mr. Hamilton resigned this charge on the 14th of February, 1884, on his removal to

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 55

Dublin ; and was succeeded by Mr. Thomas Boyd, formerly of Magheramason, who was installed hei'e on the 7th of August of the same year.

BANGOR 1st.

In 1623, Mr. Robert Blair, who had been invited from Scotland by Lord Claneboy, came over to Bangor and was ordained to the ministry by Echlin, Bishop of Down, and some of the neighbouring pastors. He remained here till he was deposed in 1636, when he retired to Scotland and became minister successively of Ayr and St. Andrews.* After the rebellion of 1641, this congregation attracts particular notice, and we find a session ordained in it in 1642. It did not, however, obtain a minister until 1646, when Mr. Gilbert Ramsay came over from Scotland, recommended by Mr. Blair, and was ordained here. Mr. Ramsay suffered several im- prisonments ; was deposed in 1661 ; after the Restoration, his meeting-house was pulled down by Lady Clanbrasil in 1669 ; and he at length died, in August, 1670. Another minister from Scotland, Mr. Archibald Hamilton, who had been six years pastor of Wigton, was settled in Bangor in 1672. He retired to Scotland at the troubles in 1689, and died at Wigton in June, 1695. He was succeeded at Bangor by his grandson, Mr. Hamilton, whose ministry was only of one year's con- tinuance. After, as it would appear, a long vacancy, Mr. William Biggar, a minister from Scotland, was installed here, March 1st, l"704. In March, 1728, Mr. Biggar resigned the charge, and removed to Scotland, where he became minister of a parish in Galloway. In 1 730, the congregation was still vacant, and Robert Blackwood, Esq.,t appeared at the Synod, as its commissioner, seeking for supplies. In 1731 a call was given to Mr. Cochrane, minister of Kilraughts, but the Synod refused to sanction the removal. The next minister was Mr. James Mackay, who was ordained here November 15th, 1732. In 1747 the congregation was again vacant; and in 1748 the Synod agreed to permit the removal of Mr. Cochrane, of Kilraughts, to whom the people of Bangor had

* Mr. Blair was one of the most able and distinguished of the Fathers of the Ii-ish Presbyterian Church. He was a gentleman by birth ; and he acted for some time as chaplain to Charles I.

t This gentleman was the ancestor of Lord Dufferin.

66 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

renewed their call. Mr. Coclirane, who at this time was Clerk of the Synod, was accordingly installed here, December 6th, 1748. The congregation promised him ^60 and twenty bolls of oats yearly. In 1758 Mr. Cochrane resigned his office as Clerk of the Synod ; and, in consequence of his in- creasing infirmities, the congregation applied to the Synod, in 1760, for supplies. On this occasion Mr. Hugh Jackson appears as their commissioner. Their next minister was Mr. James Hull, formerly minister of Cookstown,whowas installed here January 4th, 1763. Mr. Cochrane, now the senior minister, died June 2nd, 1765, leaving a widow and family. Mr. Hull becoming infirm, Mr. David Taggart was ordained his assistant. May 21st, 1793. Mr. Hull died March 30th, 1794, and Mr. Taggart was drowned at Bangor quay, March, 16th, 1808. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Woods, ordained November 15th, 1808. During his ministry, Second Bangor, Groomsport, Ballygilbert, Ballygrainey, and Conlig were erected within the bounds of his charge. In 1856 Mr. Woods retired from the discharge of the active duties of the ministry ; and on the 24th of February, 1857, Mr. Joseph C. M'Cullagh was installed as his assistant and successor. Mr. Woods died on the 4th of April, 1869. Mr. M'Cullagh died on the 1st of December, 1878 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Patton, formerly of 1st Ballymoney, who was installed here on the 17th of June, 1879.

BANGOE 2nd.

This congregation was erected by a Committee of the Synod of Ulster, sjiecially appointed in 1828. The meeting- house was erected some time afterwards. On the 5th of August, 1829, Mr, William Patteson was ordained to the ministry here by a committee of Synod. Mr. Patteson obtained leave for his congregation to choose an asssistant and successor in June, 1879 ; and on the 31st of July, of the same year, Mr. William Clarke was installed here. A new church, on a different site, is about to be erected for this conwresation.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 57

BELFAST CONGREGATIONS.

BALLYMACARRETT 1st.

In the early part of tlie present century there was no place of worship whatever in Ballymacarrett. The population was comparatively small, and generally in very humble circum- stances . About sixty years ago attention was drawn to its spiritual destitution, and various denominations commenced preaching in it. The Methodists erected a small chapel ; the Episcopalians also erected a place of worshijD ; and the Presbyterians likewise took steps to supply ordinances to those connected with their communion. The congregation of 1st Ballymacarrett was erected in 1835. The first minister was Mr. John Meneely, who was ordained here on the 20th of March, 1838. Mr. (now Dr.) Meneely long laboured here with much acceptance, and during his ministry the church was greatly enlarged and improved. Becoming infirm, Mr. William M'Kean, formerly minister of 2nd Raphoe, was installed as Dr. Meneely's assistant and successor on the 8th of December, 1881.*

DONEGALL STREET.

In 1773 Mr. James Bryson, who had formerly been minister of Lisburn, was called to the charge of what was then known as the 2nd congregation of Belfast (now Unitarian). Some disagreement at length arose between Mr. Bryson and a number of his people; and in 1792 a new place of worship was erected in Donegall Street by the party adhering to him, of which he was recognized as the minister. Mr. Bryson died October 3rd, 1796, leaving a widow and family, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Acheson, formerly minister of Glenarm, who was installed here June 20th, 1799. He died in this charge February 21st, 1824, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. George Bellis (afterwai'ds D.D.), who was ordained here May 24th, 1825. In 1841 Mr. Bellis, on his appointment as missionary secretary for the General Assembly, resigned the charge of the congrega- tion, and was succeeded by Mr. Isaac Nelson, formerly

* There are now three Presbyterian congregations in Ballymacarrett ; and the erection of a fourth is contemplated.

58 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

minister of 1st Comber, who was installed here by the Presbytery of Belfast, on the 31st of March, 1842. Mr. Nelson having obtained leave to retire from the active duties of the Ministry, Mr. George Magill, formerly of 2nd Donagheady, was installed here on the 9th of December, 1880. The old church has since been taken down, and a new building on a different site is in course of erection.

FISHEEWICK PLACE.

This congregation was erected at a pro-re-nata meeting of the Synod of Ulster specially convened in Moneymore, on the 31st of December, 1823. It may now seem strange that the erection of this congregation was keenly opposed on the ground that there was already a sufficient amount of church accommodation in Belfast. There were then only thi*ee or four orthodox Presbyterian Churches in the town, and one or two of these were very poorly attended. The commissioners for the new erection who attended the Synod were Dr. James Thompson, Professor of Mathematics in the Belfast Academical Institution, and father of the j^resent celebrated Sir William Thompson ; Alexander Mackey, Proprietor of the Belfast Netvs-Letter ; and Charles Thomson, uncle to Sir Thomas M'Clure, Bart. These gentlemen presented to the Synod a list of 162 intended seat-holders who engaged to pay an annual stipend of .£213 15s 6d. The congregation was then put under the care of a Committee of Synod. Several years passed away before the house was ready for worship. There were at that time only a very few houses near the j)lace on which it stands, as the town had not then commenced to move out in the direction of the Botanic Gardens. The ground on which the Church now stands was little better than a swamp ; and after the foundations were laid they remained long without any superstructure. The house was at length opened for worship on the 23rd of September, 1827, by Dr. Chalmers. The preacher chose for his text on the occasion, James, i. 20, " The wrath of man worketh not the righteous- ness of God ;" and, as the Arian controversy was then raging, many thought that the discourse was intended to moderate the strife of the disputants. After some disputing respect- ing the qualifications of those who should be permitted to vote for the first minister, the matter was finally arranged by the Synod in 1828. In the month of August of that year, a

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 59

unanimous call -was presented to the Rev. James Moro-an (afterwards D.D.), then minister of Lisburn. Mr. Morgan accepted the call, and was installed here on the 4th of November, 1828. His ministry was a signal blessing, not only to the town of Belfast, but also to the whole Presbyterian Church of Ireland. He did much to create and foster a Missionary spirit ; and under him the congregation of Fisher- wick Place became a model to all the other churches of the Assembly. For many years Dr. Morgan was the Secretary of the Foi'eign Mission, of which he may be considered the father. He was by nature of an extremely delicate constitu- tion, and yet he survived to old age. He was remarkably temperate in his mode of living, and systematic in all his proceedings. He died on the 5th of August, 1873 ; but meanwhile, in consequence of his increasing infirmities, his congregation had obtained leave to select an assistant and successor ; and on the i5th of March, 1870, the Eev. Henry M. Williamson was installed in the pastoral charge.

FITZEOY AVENUE.

In 1820, the Eev. John Edgar (afterwards D.D.) was ordained to the pastoral charge of a small Seceding congregation recently erected in Belfast. At the time of his ordination his little flock possessed no place of worship, and continued for a considerable period to meet and celebrate religious ordinances in a small building in a back lane in the neighbourhood of Waring Street. At length by dint of begging, not only in Belfast, but in England and Scotland, the young minister contrived to obtain funds for the erection of a very humble sanctuary. It was built in what had formerly been little better than a quagmire ; and, on the day on which it was opened for public worship, those who repaired to it had to find their way along planks laid to pi'event them from sinking into the mire. But its young pastor soon proved that he was no ordinary man ; his zeal and eloquence began to attract more and more attention ; and in 1829, when he commenced the Temperance Eeformation, he had already acquired a high reputation. The little meeting- house at length proved insufficient for the accommodation of the increasing flock ; and in 1836 a larger and more orna- mental church was erected in its immediate vicinity. To this edifice the congregation was transferred ; but the little

60 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

original building was preserved as a mission house; a minister was put in charge of it ; and gradually another congregation was collected. Several other congregations were subsequently- organised in the same place — one hive, as it were, swarming off and permitting another to take possession. Meanwhile the Synod of Ulster and the Secession Synod became united : and in 1848, Dr. Edgar, now professor of Divinity for the General Assembly, resigned the pastoral charge. He was suc- ceeded by the Rev. G-eorge Shaw, who was ordained on the 27th of June, 1849. Since that time a great change has taken place in the state of the town. Many buildings then occupied as dwelling-houses have been entirely devoted to business pur- poses : and a large portion of the population has been gradually removing to the suburbs. Thus it has been found necessary to erect new churches in what not many years ago were town parks. The second church erected by Dr. Edgar in Alfred Street was not long since sold to be converted into a large mercantile establishment ; and in its stead one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical structures in the North of Ireland has been built for the use of Mr. Shaw's congregation in Eitzroy Avenue. The new church was opened for j^ublic worship in 1874. It has a handsome spire, and has connected with it ample accommodation in the way of school-rooms, committee-rooms, and lecture-room. The whole has cost upwards of de8,000.

MAT STREET.

This congregation was erected by the Presbytery of Belfast in 1829. The church was specially erected for the Rev. Henry Cooke, D.D. (afterwards LL.D.), formerly of Killi- leagh. He was installed here on the 24th November, 1829. Vast crowds attended his ministry when the church was opened ; and sometimes the Sabbath collection, mostly in halfpence, amounted to .£10. Throughout life he con- tinued to be the most popular preacher in the Church, Eor the greater j^art of his ministry in Belfast he con- ducted three public services in May Street Church every Lord's Day. Dr. Cooke died at his house in Ormeau Road on the 13th of December, 1868, in the 81st year of his age and the 61st of his ministry. His remains were honoured by a public funeral — one of the most imposing demonstrations which has ever taken place in the town of

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 61

Belfast. It was attended by the members of the Corporation in their robes of office, by the members of the various public Boards, by the Professors of the Queen's College and of the Presbyterian College in official costume, and by a vast number of public officials from various parts of the country. As the procession passed through the streets every window was filled with spectators, and every place was thronged. He was buried in Balmoral Cemetery. Some time before his decease he was obliged, in consequence of declining health, to give up his pastoral charge ; and on the 4th of March, 1868, Mr. John M'Intosh, who had formerly been minister of Connor, was installed here. On the 4th of January, 1881, Mr. M'Intosh, having accepted a call from the 2nd Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, resigned the care of the congregation; and on the 31st of January, 1882, Mr. R. J. Lynd, formerly minister of Berry Street, was installed as pastor. The church, erected in 1829, and then considered one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in BeKast, has since been much improved.

EOSEMAEY STEEET.

The first minister in Belfast, after the restoration of Presbytery in 1642, was Mr. Anthony Shaw. A session was first erected here in 1645, and Mr. Shaw was shortly after- wards ordained. He was much persecuted by Ormond's party in 1649, and by the Eepublicans in 1650, so that he fled to Scotland shortly afterwards, and never returned. The next minister was Mr. "William Keyes, who was settled here in 1660. Mr. Keyes had at one time also charge of Carrickfergus, but of this he was relieved in 1672, when the people of Belfast undertook to pay him an annual stipend of ^£60. In July of the same year, he was sent to supply the congrega- tion of Bull- Alley in Dublin, where he continued till December, when they presented him with a call. Belfast, however, opposed his removal, sending in January, 1673, Mr. William Muir, and Michael and John Briggart, as their commissioners to the Presbytery ; but the committee of all the Presbyteries in April confirmed his removal to Dublin. On this the con- gregation sent Mr. Anderson and Mr. Chalmers, as their commissioners to the Presbytery, to object once more against it, but the matter having been issued by the committee, the Presbytery would not interfere. In May, Mr. Keyes,

62 HISTORY OF CONGKEGATIONS.

himself applied to be permitted to remain liei'e, stating " that Lady Donegall was dissatisfied at his removal, and likely to be prejudiced against the Presbytery on that account." At this time Lady Donegall appears to have been at least an occasional attendant on Presbyterian ordinances. Mr. Keyes was, however, obliged to remove to Dublin, and the Presby- tery wrote vindicating their j^roceedings to Lady Donegall, and continued to supply the vacant congregation. In January, 1674, the Presbytery sent two of their members to wait on Lord and Lady Donegall to deal with them "for the people's liberty to choose whom they please, with the meeting's consent, according to principles owned by us." In the succeeding April, Messrs. Hall and Cunningham, the two brethren appointed to execute this commission, reported that they had conferred with the Countess of Donegall, who "promised she would be no hindrance to the settling of a godly minister in Belfast ; " and, in the end of the same month, they obtained a favourable answer from Lord Donegall. In May, William Moore and Alexander Arthur, are their commissioners to the Presbytery, and on July 7th, they gave a call to Mr. Patrick Adair,* minister at Cairncastle, who, after the other Presbyteries had been consulted, was declared transported to Belfast, on October 13th, 1674. He remained in this charge till his death in the beginning of the year 1694. At the Synod in June, 1694, Mr. William Crawford, sove- reign of Belfast, Mr. David Smith, burgess, and others, appeared as the commissioners from Belfast, requesting that Mr. John M'Bride, minister of Clare, should be transported to them, which was soon after granted, and he was accord- ingly installed here in October, 1694. In 1706 they called Mr. James Kirkpatrick, minister at Templepatrick, to become the assistant and successor of Mr. M'Bride, who was now absent in Scotland, but the Synod refused their request, though they granted suj^plies. Towards the end of the year

1706, Mr. Kirkpatrick was, however, settled in Belfast. In

1707, the Presbytery divided the congregation, and in 1708, Mr. Kirkpatrick took charge of the new erection. A com- mittee of Synod met in Belfast, in September, 1708, to be present at the division of the congregation. The old congre-

* Mr. Adair was the author of a work long preserved in manuscript, and not long since published under the title of "Adair's Narrative." He was married to the daughter of Sir Robert Adair, the proj)rietor of the Ballymena estate, and the ancestor of Lord Waveney.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 63

gation had complained of the conduct of the Presbytery in encouraging the division, and their commissioners to the Synod of 1708 were Mr. Andrew Maxwell, Mr. Henry Chads, and Mr. John Black, elders ; with Edward Bryce, Esq., Dr. Peacock, Mr. Isaac Macartney, Mr. Robert Lennox, Mr. Eichard Ashmore, Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. John M'Munn, Mr. Grilbert Moore, and some others. In 1718, they called Mr. Abernethy, of Antrim, to be assistant and successor to Mr. M'Bride, but the Synod determined against his removal. Mr. M'Bride, died July 21st, 1718. They then called Mr. Fleming, minister of Lurgan, but the Synod in 1719 deter- mined against his transportation. They at last obtained Mr. Samuel Haliday, jun., who was installed here July 28th, 1720. At this time lax views began to make their appearance in the Synod of Ulster ; and the ministers of Eosemary Street identified themselves with the New-Light party. In consequence a large number of their hearers withdrew from their pastoral care, erected another place of worship in a tenement immediately adjoining; and called Mr. Charles Masterton, previously minister of Connor, to occupy the pulpit of their new meeting-house. Mr. Masterton was in- stalled here towards the end of the year 1722. The com- missioners of the congregation, Mr. Samuel Smith and Mr. Jo. Young complained to the Synod in 1724, of several grievances from the tardiness of the two other congregations to grant dismissions to people wishing to join them. Mr. Masterton was at the Synod of 1745, but he appears to have resigned shortly afterwards, as in 1746 the people applied to the Synod for supplies of preaching. In 1747 the Synod sanctioned the removal of Mr. William Laird from Eay to Belfast on the promise of d870 per annum during Mr. Masterton' s life, and at his death .£80 and an assistant minister supported, or =£100 if Mr. Laird undertook the whole charge. Mr. Laird was accordingly installed here by the Presbytery of Bangor, on the 16th of September, 1747. Mr. Masterton died July 15th, 1750. Mr. Laird becoming infirm, Mr. Sinclair Kelburne, was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 8th of February, 1780. Mr. Laird died on the 8th of December, 1791. He was the great-grandfather of Sir Thomas M'Clure, Bart. On the first Tuesday of November, 1799, Mr. Kelburne resigned this charge on account of the precarious state of his health and bodily infirmity ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel

64 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

Hanna, forinerly minister of Drumbo, who was installed here on the 11th of December, 1799. Mr. Kelburne died March 31st, 1802. Mr. (afterwards Dr.), Hanna in 1838 obtained leave for his congregation to choose an assistant and successor ; and in 1840, Mr. (afterwards Dr.), Gibson was elected his assistant and successor. Dr. Gibson resigned this charge in 1847 on his appointment as Professor of Christian Ethics ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Macnaughtan, formerly of Paisley, who was installed here on the 25th of October, 1849. Becoming infirm, Mr. Macnaughtan obtained as his assistant Mr. William Park, formerly minister of 1st Ballymena, who was installed here on the 2nd of September, 1873. Mr. Macnaughtan died on the 27th of May, 1884.

TOWNSEKD STREET.

This church is connected with a new era in the History of Pi-esbyterianism in Belfast. When its establishment was first contemplated the town did not reckon more than the fifth part of its present number of inhabitants ; but it was increasing with wonderful rapidity, and the amount of church accommodation was quite inadequate. A large and com- modious piece of ground, situate in the midst of the working class population, was kindly granted in perjietuity, at a merely nominal rent, by the Rev. John Brown, an excellent Episcopal minister, and Allen Brown, Esq. ; and in the axitumn of 1838, the foundation stone of the new edifice was laid by the then Marquis of Donegal. The services on the occasion were con- ducted by Drs. Hanna and Cooke, and Messrs. Bellis and Morgan. In the spring of 1835 the building was ready for the accommodation of worshippers, and it was then opened by the Rev. Dr. Norman M'Leod, of Campsie, father of the still more celebrated Dr. M'Leod, of Glasgow, whose death a few years ago was so much lamented. The collection at the opening service amounted to d£130. On the 2nd of February, 1836, the Rev. Josias Wilson was installed as its first minister. Mr. Wilson laboured here for several years with great zeal and acceptance, and gathered around him a numerous con- gregation. On the 7th of October, 1844, Mr. Wilson resigned the charge, having received a call to River Terrace, London ; and on the 29th of November of the same year, the Rev. John Weir, formerly of Newry, was inducted as minister. On the 6th of July, 1847, Mr. Weir resigned the charge, and removed

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 65

to London ; and on the 21st of September of the same year, the Rev. William Johnston (now D.D.), formerly minister of Berry Street congregation, was installed in Townsend Street. The congregation has flourished greatly vmder Dr. Johnston. Meanwhile, the structure erected in 1833 having exhibited various indications of decay, it was i*esolved to build on the old site a new and more commodious edifice. The present Presbyterian Church of Townsend Street is one of the best and most handsome in the Assembly. It is furnished with all the needful accompaniments of school-rooms, lecture hall, and other useful apartments. It cost upwards of .£11,000, and was opened free of debt on Sabbath, the 15th October, 1878, by the Rev, W. F. Stevenson, D.D., Eathgar, and the Eev. Francis Petticrew, D.Lit., Faughanvale.

YORK STREET.

Fifty years ago the population of Belfast was increasing with amazing rapidity ; and the Rev. James Morgan, who shortly before had been installed as the first minister of Fisherwick Place, became deeply impressed with the import- ance of providing for the spiritual wants of the new inhabi- tants. But when he proposed to erect a Presbyterian church in York Street, many i*egarded the project with no great favour, thinking that there was already sufiicient accommo- dation for all who were likely to attend on Sabbath oixlinances. His own capacious meeting-house had been recently ei'ected ; the large Presbyterian church of May Street had been built soon afterwards ; and the Presbyterian chiirch of Townsend Street had been only lately opened. But the minister of Fisherwick Place persevered, and his efforts were at length crowned with success. Throughout he was much encouraged by Dr. Cooke, who was so well pleased with the result that he pleasantly suggested St. James', after the Christian name of its originator, as the proper designation for the new ecclesiastical structure. On the 11th of February, 1840, the Rev. David Hamilton, who had previously been minister of Connor, was installed as pastor, and for nearly twenty years he occupied the pulpit with much acceptance and eflficiency. In the year of the great awakening (1869) he was unremitt- ing in his exertions, and it was believed that his health was then undermined by excessive toil. He died of fever on the 13th of January, 1860. The vast multitude in attendance on

66 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

his funeral attested the respect entertained for him by the whole community. He "was succeeded as minister of York Street by Mr. David Hanson, who had previously been minister of Fahan, and who was installed here on the 20th of September, 1860. His ministry was short, as he died here in the prime of life on the 8th of January, 1865. By this time Mr. Thomas Hamilton, the eldest son of the first minister, was nearly ready for licence ; and the congregation testified at once their deep respect for the father, and their high expectations in reference to the son, by electing the young licentiate to the vacant office. Mr. Thomas Hamilton was ordained here by the Presbytery of Belfast on the 22nd of August, 1865. He has recently signalised himself by carrying off a prize of dSlOO for an essay on the Sabbath from upwards of 240 competitors.

BELTUEBET.

This place began to be supplied with preaching by the Synod of Ulster in 1709. About the same time the Synod also commenced preaching in Carrickmacross. On the 23rd of March, 1714, Mr. Robert Thompson was ordained as minister of Belturbet. But he did not long retain the charge in con- sequence of the insufiiciency of his maintenance. He resigned it in 1721 . The place now remained long without a minister. At length, in 1854, the Presbytery of Cavan reported to the Assembly that they had established a mission station in this town ; and on the 28th of June of the same year they ordained Mr. Robert Jamieson to the pastoral charge. Having accepted a call from the Missionary Directors, Mr. Jamieson resigned the charge on the 8th of January, 1856, and subsequently proceeded to Canada. He was succeeded as minister of Belturbet by Mr. James ThomjDSon, who was ordained here on the 27th of June, 1856.

BENBUEB.

Benbueb is classic ground. On the 5th of June, 1646, the Scottish forces, led on by Monro, here encountered the Irish Confederates under the famous Owen Roe O'Neill, and sustained a complete overthrow. Had O'lSTeill followed up his victory, he might have crushed the Scots in Ulster ; but, as if given up to infatuation, he marched away southwards,

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. Q7

and permitted tlie Covenanters to recruit their streuo-tb. Thus his triumjih proved almost fruitless. There were Presbyterians in and around Benburh perhaps ever since the time of this memorable battle. A Mr. Walkinshaw appears to have been minister here shortly after the Restoration, but of him little is known. He was succeeded by Mr. Archibald Hamilton, son of Mr. James Hamilton, nephew of Lord Claneboy, and minister of Bally waiter. Mr. Hamilton settled at Benburb about 1670, and continued in this charge till 1672. He seems to have been very j^oorly supported ; and in consecpience, he removed to Armagh towards the close of 1672. He is said to have been succeeded by Mr. James Johnson, who died here. The next minister was Mr. John Boyd, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Tyrone on the 17th of July, 1706. He died October 16th, 1712. He was succeeded by Mr. John Kennedy, who was ordained here on the 13th of July, 1714. Mr. Kennedy died in this charge on the 25th of June, 1761, at the age of 77. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Johnson, who was ordained here on the 23rd of May, 1763. He died August 9th, 1771, leaving neither widow nor family, and aged 52 years. He was succeeded by Mr. James Whiteside, jun., probably son of Mr. James Whiteside, sen., of Tobermore. He was ordained here on the 23rd of December, 1772. Becoming infirm, Mr. Joshua Willis was ordained his assistant on the 31st of March, 1815. Mr. Whiteside died on the 18th of May, 1821, leavmg a widow and family. In March, 1822, Mr. Willis was sus- pended for one month for celebrating marriage irregularly. He was afterwards suspended and dis-annexed ; and, after a long vacancy, Mr. James Fullarton was ordained here by a Committee of the Synod of Ulster, on the 2nd of December, 1836. In June following he resigned the charge, and emigrated to Australia. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Montgomery, who was ordained here on the 20th of June, 1838. Mr. Montgomery died on the 24th of December, 1873. He was succeeded by Mr. Gawn Malcom who was ordained here on the 26th of August, 1874. On the 11th of April, 1876, Mr. Malcom resigned this charge on his acceptance of a call from a congregation in England ; and was succeeded by Mr. William Clements, formerly minister of Tartaraghan, who was installed here on the 21st of June, 1876.

68 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

BILLY OR BUSHMILLS.

The first minister of this congregation was Mr. Jeremiah O'Quin, a native Irishman, educated by Mr. Upton, of Temj^lepatrick. Mr. O'Quin was settled here by the Presby- tery in the year 1646. In consequence of refusing to join in the protest against the execution of Charles I., and for taking part with the Republicans and Independents, he was sus- pended by the Presbytery in April, 1649. He was subsequently restored. He was here in 1656, being mentioned by Livingstone among his acquaintances. He died on the last day of January, 1657. He was succeeded, as minister of Billy, by Mr. Gabriel Cornwall, who was here for perhaps twenty years. He seems to have been succeeded by Mr. Adam White, who was here in 1691. He had been minister of Ardstraw previously. He died minister of Billy on the 19th of December, 1708. The next minister was Mr. John Porter, who was ordained at Bushmills, on the 28th of July, 1713. He died in this charge on the 13th of June, 1738. On the death of Mr. Porter the people split into parties in favour of different candidates; and in 1742 their Com- missioner, Mr. Adam Auld, supplicated the Synod of Ulster to grant them a new poll. Mr. John Logue was at length ordained on the 1st of July, 1746. At this time the people of Dunluce belonged to the congregation, but some years afterwards they were erected into a separate charge. In November, 1756, Mr. Logue removed to Buckna, of which he was the first minister. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Moore, who was eventually degraded. The next minister was Mr. Hugh Moore, who was ordained here on the 26th of September, 1779. In 1780 he removed to Usher's Quay, Dublin, and was succeeded by Mr. William Douglass, who was ordained here on the 1st of February, 1783. He died in this charge on the 29th of May, 1794, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. Daniel M'Kee, who was ordained here on the 22nd of November, 1796. On the 13th of June, 1820, he was set aside for drunkenness. He was succeeded in the charge by Mr. Hugh Hamill, who was ordained here on the 28th of November, 1820. Mr. Hamill died on the 31st of March, 1864; and on the 19th of November of the same year the Rev. James Boyle was ordained to the pastoral charge.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 69

BOAEDMILLS.

BoARDMiLLS is One of the earliest of the congregations estab- lished by the Seceders in Ireland. Its first minister was Mr. Andrew Black, who was installed here on the 22nd of June, 1749. He had formerly been minister of Cumbernauld in Scotland. He was present at the formation of the first Burgher Presbytery constituted in Ireland, and was one of its members. This Presbytery was formed on the 24th of July, 1751. After a ministry of 33 years here, Mr. Black died at Boardmills on the 6th of July, 1782, in the 82nd year of his age. The next minister was Mr. Joseph Longmoore, who was ordained in 1784. After a ministry of 25 years he died on the 10th of October, 1809, and was succeeded by Mr. John Sturgeon, whose ministry was of thirty years' duration. He died on the 22nd December, 1840. Meanwhile Mr. George H. Shanks, who was ordained on the 13th of October, 1840, had been appointed his assistant and successor.

BOVEVA.

It would appear that the first minister here was Mr. Hans Stewart, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Linlithgow. He seems to have been settled as minister of Boveva in 1701. He died on the 6th of May, 1737. He was succeeded by Mr. John Lyle, who was oi'dained here in 1738. He died in this charge on the 20th of May, 1765. The next minister was Mr. William Stewart, who was ordained here on the 18th of June, 1770. His ministry was of short duration. He was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Patton, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Derry on the 20th of August, 1773. Mr. Patton removed in the following year to Moueyrea. He was succeeded by the Rev. Francis Gray, who was ordained here some time afterwards. He continued in this charge till his death on the 2nd of August, 1817. The next minister was Mr. Henry Kyd, who was ordained here on the 7th of June, 1818. Mr. Kyd was a man of singular piety, and displayed considerable ability as a writer. He died in this charge on the 4th of June, 1839. After a lengthened vacancy, Mr. Adam Magill was ordained to the pastoral charge on the 8th of March, 1843.

70 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

BRIGH.

The first minister of Brigli or Donaghendry, was Mr, Archibald Hamilton, who was settled here in 1630, and ejected in 1661. He died in 1674. His tombstone is in the church- yard there. He was succeeded by Mr. John Abernethy, the ejected minister of Aghaloo or Minterburn, who continued here about ten years and removed to Moneymore. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Osborne, who held this charge till January, 1688, when he was removed to Dublin. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Hamilton in the end of the same year. In 1691 we find their commissioner, Mr. Richard Spier, supplicating the Synod that Mr. Hamilton may be pei'mitted to remain with them, though they cannot give him above ^20 per annum. It would appear that shortly after- wards he resigned the charge and removed to Bangor. The next minister was Mr. Thomas Kennedy, son of the minister of Carlan, who was ordained here on the 6th of November, 1700. In 1708 the people complained that they would be injured by a new erection at Coagh ; but the Synod deemed them still sufiicient to support a minister. Mr. Kennedy died in this charge on the 3rd of July, 1746. He was succeeded by Mr. John White, who was ordained here on the 23rd of July, 1747. He died on the 20th of October, 1787. The next minister was Mr. Thomas M'Kay, who was ordained here on the 1st of August, 1788. He died in this charge on the 19th of December, 1821, aged sixty- six. After much disputing, Mr. James Denham, afterwards D.D., was ordained here by a Synodical Committee on the 11th of July, 1826. Receiving a call to Derry, he resigned this charge on the 20th of April, 1837, and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel H. Elder, who was ordained here on the 1st of Axigust, 1837. Mr. Elder died on the 11th of October, 1844 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Maxwell, who was ordained here on the 30th of June, 1847. Mr. Maxwell died on the 29th of June, 1883 ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Huey Morton, who was ordained here on the 15th of January, 1884.

BROUGHSHANE 1st.

This congregation was originally called Braid, and had for its first minister the Rev. John Douglass, who was ordained here in August, 1655. He was succeeded by the Rev. Fulk

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 71

White, who was ordained July 6th, 1687. The congregation engaged to pay Mr. White a stipend of .£20 in money and 16 bolls of corn yearly. This minister was well acquainted with Hebrew, and was in the habit of giving instruction in that language to candidates for the ministry. He died August 24th, 1716.* About two months prior to his decease, his son, Mr. James White, was ordained his assistant and successor. The Rev. James White was long an influential minister of the Synod of Ulster ; and from him John White, Esq., of Whitehall, near Broughshane, late High-Sheriff of the County Antrim, is lineally descended. He died April 24th, 1761. He had become infirm long prior to his death ; and, in consequence, on the 13th of January, 1756, the Rev. Alexander M'Mullan was ordained his assistant. Mr. M'Miillan removed to Cullybackey about two years afterwards, and was succeeded in Broughshane by the Rev. Charles Brown, who was ordained in October, 1759. From this minister the great merchant princes of the same name, of Liverpool and the United States of America, are collaterally descended. Mr. Brown died in September, 1810. In the May of the preceding year, the Rev. Robert Stewart was ordained his assistant and successor. At that time little attention was paid to the question of Sabbath sanctification ; and even in cases where the election of a minister was strenuously contested, it was not unusual to take the poll of the congregation on the Lord's Day. When a candidate for the pastoral charge of Broughshane, Mr. Stewart encountered a vigorous opposition ; and the voting, which commenced after public worship on Sunday, was con- tinued till nine or ten o'clock at night. The Synod of Ulster at length saw the impi'opriety of permitting a poll to be taken on the day of sacred rest ; and it is said that the Broughshane election terminated the history of this species of Sabbath desecration. Mr. Stewart early distinguished himself in the Synod, as an able debater, and in 1816 was chosen Moderator. He excelled in quick repartee, in clear discrimination, and in fai'-seeing sagacity. In 1827 he had a remarkable discussion with the Rev. B. M'Auley, Parish Priest of Bally mena, on the subject of the Papal Supremacy. This discussion, which took place in the courthouse of Ballymena, and which con- tinued for three days, excited uncommon interest. Whilst it

* There is a graveyard attached to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Broughshane ; and the first body buried in it is said to have been the remains of a soldier of King William III.

72 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

was going on, Mr. Stewart was occasionally to be seen looking into a cliest of books wLicli was beside him, and wliich he was obviously searching for authoi'ities, when, at the same time, he was conducting a vigorous argument, and replying most effectively to some previous statements of his antagonist. In all intricate and important negociations he was usually employed by the Synod of Ulster. During the Arian contro- versy he exhibited great tact and coolness ; and his speech in 1828, in support of the celebrated overtures, and in answer to Dr. Montgomery, was one of the happiest efforts of his eloquence. In 1843 he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly. He frequently visited London and Dublin, on deputations to Government. He died on the 26th of September, 1852, and his funeral was attended by an immense multitude. He was succeeded by Mr. Archibald Robinson, who was ordained here on the 23rd of August, 1853.

BUCKNA.

In the year 1756 the inhabitants of this place applied to the Synod of Ulster to be erected into a congregation. The application, though opposed on the part of the congregation of Broughshane, was granted. The first minister was Mr. John Logue, formerly of Billy or Bushmills, who was installed here on the 5th of November, 1756. He removed to America in 1772 ; and was succeeded by Mr. David Park, who was ordained here on the 26th of July, 1773. Becoming infirm, Mr. Richard Dill was ordained his assistant on the 13th of February, 1810. He resigned this charge on the 11th of February, 1812, and removed to Drumachose. Mr. Park died on the 10th of March, 1814, leaving a widow and family. The next minister was Mr. William M'Clintock Wray, who was ordained here on the 15th of November, 1815. Mr. Wray died on the 14th of November, 1848 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Hamilton, who was ordained here on the 5th of September, 1849. On the 29th of September, 1873, Mr. Hamilton retired from the discharge of the active duties of the ministry ; and, on the 17th of March, 1874, Mr, John Huey was ordained as his successor.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 73

BURT.

This congregation and Derry appear to have teen originally a united charge. The first separate minister of Burt was Mr. William Hempton, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Dean, in Scotland, who was ordained here in September, 1673. Mr. Hempton appears to have retm-ned to Scotland at the Revolution. His successor, Mr. Andrew Ferguson, who had been licensed in Scotland in 1689, came to Burt in 1690. Under him the congregation increased considerably, and in June, 1691, the Presbytery of Lagan required them to make an addition to the meeting-house. In 1695 Mr. Ferguson was called to Corboy or Longford ; but the Synod decided that he should remain in Burt. In 1697 there was a dispute between Burt and Derry respecting their relative boundaries. In January, 1698, the Presbytery ordered " that the liberties of the city on that side the water wherein the city standeth should be the bounds of the congregation ;" but Burt was dissatisfied with the decision, and appealed to the next meeting of Synod. When Mr. Ferguson became infirm, his son, Mr. Andrew Ferguson, juu., was appointed his successor. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Derry, February 16th, 1725. His father died on the 18th of July following. Mr. Andrew Fei'guson, jun., was the great- grandfather of Sir R. A. Ferguson, Bai-t., at one time M.P. for the city of Derry. Becoming infirm, Mr. Hugh Brooke was ordained his assistant November 5th, 1783. Mr. Ferguson died January 30th, 1787. His funeral sermon, which was preached by the Rev. Andrew Alexander, of Urney, was subsequently published. In this discourse it is stated that " when he had numbered above eighty years, he dis- cerned the same ardour in reading, conversing, and writing on various subjects for which he was distinguished at an earlier period ;" and that " by Providence he was endowed with an ample fortune, which he enjoyed with moderation, and employed, as a man of virtue, in kind offices to his friends, in a decent hospitality, and acts of charity to the distressed." Mr. Brooke long ministered to the congregation of Burt, but at length becoming infirm, the Rev. Robert Gray, formerly minister of Dungiven, was installed his assistant on the 15th of October, 1833. Mr. Brooke* died on

* The Misses Brooke, the daughters of this minister, have distin- guished themselves by iheir muniticent contributions to the Irish Presbyterian Church,

74 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.

the 17th of June, 1839. Mr. Gray died on the 19th of October, 1857 ; and was succeeded by Mr. H. P. Charlton, who was installed here on the 19th of October, 1858. Mr. Charlton resigned this charge on the 3rd of JSToveniber, 1875, on his removal to Scotland; and was succeeded by Mr. William Clarke, who was installed here on the 27th of July, 1876. On his removal to 2nd Bangor, Mr. Clarke resigned this charge on the 28th of July, 1879 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert W. Hamilton, who was ordained here on the 30th of January, 1880. Mr. Hamilton has since removed to 2nd Lisburn.

CAIENCASTLE.

Patrick Adair* was ordained the first minister here, May 7th, 1646. The congregation was visited in March, 1674, and the following account returned : — " That they were considerably in arrear for every year of four, concluding at All Saints, 1672, and the year commencing at that and concluding at All Saints, 1673, not yet ap plotted ; and no mention of this year current." In October, 1674, Mr. Adair was removed to Belfast, and we find Mr. John Campbell ordained here, May 2nd, 1677. He resided for a time in Belfast during the summer of 1685. In February, 1689, he retired on account of the ai>proaching troubles to Scotland, and in April, 1690, there came a letter from Mr. George Meldrum and Mr. Verner, in the name of the Presbytery of Irwin, showing that Mr. Campbell had now a call from the parish of Newmills there. He returned, however, in the end of April. In March, 1691, Mr. Walter Campbell, of Walter- haughs, ajjpeared a commissioner from Lowdon, in the Presbytery of Irwin, with a letter from the Earl of Lowdon, seeking the removal of Mr. Campbell thither. The Presby- tery, however, resolved not to loose him from Cairncastle. In 1700 he asked advice of Synod, stating that he had an invitation from Largs and an offer from the Captain of Dunoon in that neighbourhood to settle all his estate upon him and his family in case he would settle near him at Largs. In the beginning of 1714 he ultimately removed to Scotland on this invitation. His successor was Mr. William Taylor, son of Mr. William Taylor, minister of Drumaul or Eandalstown, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of

* The author of " Adair's Narrative."

HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 75

Antrim on the 14tli of June, 1715. He joined the non- subscribing Presbytery of Antrim in 1725 ; but at his death, in May, 1734, the congregation reverted to the Presbytery of Templepatrick, and by it Mr. John Lewson was ordained here on the 20th of December, 1738. Mr. Lewson becoming infirm, Mr. Thomas Alexander was ordained here as his assistant and successor on the 17th of December, 1793. Mr. Lewson died September 15th, 1802, leaving a family. In 1829 Mr. Alexander and a small part of the congregation seceded from the Synod of Ulster and held the meeting- house. The people adhering to the Synod gave a call to Mr. James Carmichael, who was ordained here on the 24tli of May, 1832, Mr. Carmichael becoming infirm, obtained as his assistant and successor Mr. Samuel Edgar Stewart, who was ordained here on the 25th of July, 1871. Mr. Carmichael died on the 28th of July, 1873. Mr. Stewart resigned the pastoral chai'ge on the 30th of October, 1882, on his removal to Carrickfergus ; and was succeeded by Mr. John Christie, who was ordained here on the 2ud of October, 1883.

CARLAN.

This congregation was originally known by the name of Donoughmore (County Tyrone) , and included in it the town of Dungannon, by which name also it was early distinguished. Its first minister was Mr. Thomas Kennedy. He was one of the Presbyterian worthies who lost their livings at the Restoration. He was dej)osed in 1661 ; but he settled at Carlan-bridge, where he continued in the exercise of his ministry. He was afterwards called Mr. Thomas Kennedy senior, to distinguish him from Mr. Thomas Kennedy "junior, minister of Ballyclug or Brigh. At the Revolution he fled to Scotland. In September, 1691, the congregation applied to Synod to procure his return, offering ".£19 per annum, and this year to plough and sow ten acres of land, if he will come over by May next, and they having not above a tenth-part of the land there yet planted, they are very hopeful, in a short time after his coming thither that their land may be planted and so his yearly maintenance be in- creased. They also promised him £,5 towards building a dwelling-house." He returned in 1693, and continued here till his death in February, 1714. He died at the age of 89. At his death the congregation divided, and a part was erected

76 HISTOEY OF CONGEEGATIONS.

into a separate congregation at Dungannon. Mr. Kennedy was succeeded at Donouglimore, or Carlan, by Mr. Robert Stuart, who was ordained here August 11th, 1720. He died in this charge, April 11th, 1746. He was succeeded by Mr. William Kennedy, who was ordained at Carlan, as it was now called, on the 2nd of April, 1754. Mr. Kennedy becoming infirm, Mr. Robert Stewart was ordained his assistant on the 9th October, 1798. Mr. Kennedy died April, 9th, 1801, leaving a family. Mr. Stewart died in 1812, leaving a family. The next minister was Mr. John Hogg, who was ordained here on the 31st of October, 1815. Mr. Hogg died on the 5th of December, 1846, having previously obtained leave to retire from the active duties of the ministry ; and on the 29th September, 1846, Mr. Stewart Carse was ordained his successor.

CARLINGFORD.

Carlingford and Dundalk originally formed a joint charge. The first minister was Mr. John Wilson, who was ordained here about 1700. In 1707, Dundalk was erected into a separate charge, and Mr. Wilson then became exclusively the minister of Carlingford. In 1729, Mr. Wilson emigrated to America. He was succeeded in Cai'lingford by Mr. Alexander Reed, who was ordained to the joint charge of Carlingford and Narrowwater on the 16th of November, 1731. He died in this charge on the 19th of November, 1737. The next minister was Mr. George Henry, who was ordained at Narrowwater by the Presbytery of Armagh on the 4th of October, 1743. He resigned these charges in May, 1764, and went to America. The next minister was Mr. Robert Dickson, who was ordained here on the 24th of November, 1765. He was elected Clerk to the Synod of Ulster in 1787. He died October 7th, 1804, leaving a family, and was succeeded by Mr. Samuel Arnold, who was ordained to the joint charge of Carlingford and Narrowwater on the 2nd September, 1805. In 1819, the Presbytery of Armagh in- formed the Synod that the persons now worshipping in Carlingford were so few, and the augmentation of their numbers so very improbable that Mr. Arnold's usefulness as a minister would be greater were he to discontinue his present practice of preaching there every sixth Sabbath, and devote his whole time to Narrowwater. The Synod partly sanctioned this arrangement ; and in 1820, Mr. Arnold withdrew entirely

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. ^^

from Carlingford. Carlingford, however, continued to be supplied with preaching till 1821, when it was erected into a separate congregation, and Mr. James Lunn was ordained here on the 31st of July of that yeai*. Mr. Lunn joined the Remonstrants in 1829, and afterwards the Presbyterian interest in Carlingford became virtually defunct. But the cause there has recently revived. The Px-esbyterians of Car- lingford have been formed into a congregation under the care of the Assembly, and on the 29th of March, 1869, Mr. William J. M'Cully was ordained to the pastoral charge of Omeath and Carlingford. A comfortable Church has since been erected in the town of Carlingford.

CAELOW.

This had once been a congregation under the Synod of Munster, but had become extinct about the year 1750. Preaching was revived in it early in 1818, and it was shortly afterwards erected into a congregation under the care of the Synod of Ulster and Presbytery of Dublin. Its first minister was Mr. James Morgan (afterwards D.D., of Belfast) who was ordained here on the 21st of June, 1820. He resigned this charge on the 19th of May, 1824, on his removal to Lisburn. The next minister was Mr. Edward Alexander, who was ordained June 23rd, 1825. He resigned the charge on the 5th of April, 1828, and was succeeded by Mr. William Blood, who was ordained on the 20th of March, 1830. Mr. Alexander died at Belfast in November, 1832 ; and Mr. Blood resigned the charge in August, 1835, and removed, first to England, and afterwards to America. The next minister was Mr. Warrand Carlile, who was ordained here on the 26th of May, 1837. Mr. Carlile resigned the charge on the 1st of November, 1842, and became a missionary to Jamaica. He was succeeded by Mr. David M'Taggart, who was ordained here on the 8th of March, 1843.. Mr. M'Taggart resigned the charge on the 26th of June, 1848, and connected himself with the Estab- lished Church of Scotland ; and, on the 1st of November following, Mr. John Powell, who had previously been minister of Bray, was installed as pastor. In 1855 Mr. Powell resigned the charge, and was succeeded by Mr. John Barnett, who was installed here on the 24th of June, 1856. Mr. Barnett resigned the charge on the 3rd of July, 1866, on his removal

78 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

to Katesbridge, and was succeeded by Mr. R. S. Coffey, who was ordained here on the 10th of December, 1866. Mr. Coffey resigned this charge on the 18th of February, 1875, on his removal to Bandon; and was succeeded by Mr. George W. Neely, who was ordained here on the 7th of October, 1875. Mr. Neely resigned this charge on the 6th of November, 1878, having accej^ted a call from the congregation of Malin; and was succeeded 'hj Mr. Neil S. Forsythe, who was installed here on the 20th of May, 1879.

CAENDONAGH.

This congregation, sometimes called Donagh, was pretty early settled. In May, 1695, the people called Mr. Robert Neilson, a probationer under the care of the Presbytery of Lagan, to be their minister. They were required to build a meeting-house, but not being found able to support a pastor, Mr. Neilson left them about 1698, without having been ordained. Mr. Neilson soon after settled at Kilraughts. In January, 1701, Mr. Thomas Harvey was ordained here as the minister. He died in this charge on the 24th of February, 1718. The next minister was Mr. Thomas Strawbridge, who was ordained here on the 3rd of October, 1721. Mr. Straw- bridge died in this charge on the 2nd of April, 1762. The next minister appears to have been Mr. Samuel Patton, who was here in 1773. He was succeeded by Mr. Robert Scott, who was ordained here on the 22nd of November, 1777. Mr. Scott resigned this charge through bodily infirmity in 1801, and died October 1st, 1803, leaving a widow and family. After a long vacancy, Mr. Reuben Rogers was ordained here on the 27th September, 1808. Mr. Rogers becoming infirm, his son, Mr. Robert L. Rogers, was ordained as his assistant and successor on the 2nd of January, 1844. Mr. Reuben Rogers died on the 12th of February, 1846 ; and Mr. Robert L. Rogers resigned the pastoral charge on the 20th November, 1847, and was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Pinkerton, who was ordained here on the 28th of March, 1848. The Rev. Robert Morrison was, on the 16th December, 1884, ordained as his assistant and successor.

CARNMONEY.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. James Shaw, who was ordained here in

HISTORT OF CONGREGATIONS. 79

May, 1657. He was deposed by Jeremy Taylor in 1661, but, notwithstanding, continued privately to officiate among the people. In September, 1672, he brouglit his servant, George Eussell, before the Presbytery " for conferring with a spirit that was in the habit of troubling his dwelling-house," and, at the same meeting, asked the advice of the Presbytery about holding the communion in the parish. They advised him " to delay it a little till the confusion in the parish settle a little," and they also appointed a fast to be held there on September 17th, which was kept accordingly. Mr. Shaw, who never recovei'ed the shock occasioned by these suspected evidences of witchcraft, died in December, 1672. In March, 1673, the congregation gave a unanimous call to his son, Mr. Patrick Shaw, who had been entered on trials in April, and was licensed in Sejitember, 1672. After passing his second trials he was ordained privately at Larne, November 12, 167?, Mr. Cunningham, of Ballycarry, preach- ing and presiding on the occasion. Mr. Shaw died in 1683. In August, 1684, the congx-egation gave a call to Mr. James Bruce, but he declined to accept it. Soon after, refusing the advice of the Presbytery relative to their settlement, two ministers were sent to remonstrate and to show them that " the Presbytery was troubled to see them so self-willed and disingenuous." In 1686 they gave a call to Mr. John Munro, an ordained Scottish minister at this time in Ireland, who accepted it and settled among them. In August, 1688, he received a call from his former congregation in Argyleshire, and in November, James Wylie, an elder, shows that " the rigid dealing of the landlords pursuing after rent occasions little done to Mr. Munro, and that in three years they are in arrear dS48." The Presbytery, in consequence, threatened to permit Mr. Munro to return to Scotland. He continued, however, in Carnmoney until the troubles drove him out of the country in 1689, when he Avent to Scotland, and did not return. In January, 1690, Mr. George Lang, formerly minister of ISTewxy, sojourning in this neighbourhood, under- took the supplying the congregation till he should be enabled to return to his former charge. Mr. Lang returned to Newry in May, 1692, when the congi-egation was again thrown vacant. The next minister was Mr. Andrew Crawford, son of Mr. Thomas Crawford, formerly minister of Donegore, who was ordained here about 1695. He died in this charge June 7, 1726. He was succeeded by Mr. John Thompson,

80 HISTOKY OF CONGEEGATIONS.

who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick, July 14th, 1731, and who died in this charge March 18th, 1764. He was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. John Thompson, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Dromore, March 10th, 1767. Mr. Thompson, who was the grandfather of the Eev. W. M'Clure, of Londonderry, was long a leading minister of the Synod of Ulster. He possessed a remarkably vigorous mind united with great dignity of deportment, and, at a time when latitudinai-ian views were prevalent in the Synod of Ulster, was known as a decided Calvinist. Becom- ing infirm, Mr. William Craig was ordained his assistant, February 2nd, 1819. Mr. Craig removed to Dromara iu December, 1823, and was succeeded by Mr. John Dill, who was ordained here May 10th, 1825. Mr. Thompson died March 23rd, 1828, in the 87th year of his age and the 62nd of his ministry. Mr. Dill died on the 19th of February, 1841 ; and was succeeded by Mr. David Wilson (now D.D.), who was ordained here on the 31st of January, 1844. On the 17th of December of the same year Mr. Wilson resigned this charge on his removal to Limerick ; and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Barkley, who was ordained here on the 28th of May, 1845. Mr. Barkley becoming infirm, obtained leave for the congregation to choose an assistant, and died on the 17th of November, 1880. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Waterworth, who was ordained here on the 29th of July, 1880.

CAEEICKFERGUS 1st.

About 1620 Mr. Hubbard removed with his congregation from London to this place, where in died in 1623. After him Mr. James Glendinnmg resided here as a lecturer, but retired to Oldstone about 1625. On the arrival of the Scotch forces here, in 1642, Presbyterian worship was re-established and conducted regularly by their chaplains. The covenant was taken in the church in April, 1644 — the Eev. James Weir presiding on the occasion. At length, in the end of the year 1646, Mr. John Greg became the fixed pastor. He was forced to fly from his charge in 1649, when Cromwell and the Eegicides obtained the ascendency. The Eev. Timothy Taylor, an English Independent, held the parish under the Eepublican sway from 1650 till after the Eestoration. In 1668 he removed to Dublin. The congregation remained vacant after his removal, but was supplied every other

HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS. 81

Sabbath by Mr. Keyes, of Belfast. In December, 1671, Mr. Alexander Lees, their commissioner, supplicated the Presby- tery that Mr. Keyes mio-ht be settled exclusively with them ; but without success, as he was finally confirmed in Belfast in February, 1672.* In May, the Presbytery wrote to Scotland for Mr. Alexander Grordou, and the congregation sent a com- missioner with the lettei". But in November Mr. William Mayne appears before the Presbytery as commissioner, and declares there is no hope of obtaining Mr. Grordou. In March, 1673, Baptist Boyd was commissioner to the Presbytery, and in May the commissioners were Mr. Robert Dalway, and Mr. John Jowland, who expressed their anxiety for the settlement of a minister. In June the peoj^le succeeded in obtaining a hearing of Mr. Archibald Hamilton, formerly minister of Benburb, but now unsettled ; and in July they presented him with an unanimous call ; but, the Presbytery of Tyrone settling him in Armagh at this time, they were obliged to remain yet longer vacant. Mr. Robert Henry, a probationer, who had been licensed in June, is sent to preach here in October. In January, 1674, they presented him with a call ; but at the same meeting the people of Glasslough, who had previously heard him, requested him to be sent back, which is refused; and he is enjoined to embrace the call from Carrickfergus. After second trials he is ordained in the neighbourhood of Ballyclare, at the house of Mr. John Crawford, on the 22nd of April, 1674. Mr. Thomas Hall, of Larne, preached on the occasion, from Matt, ii., 5, 6. The High Church party now rode rough-shod over the Presby- terians, maintaining that they violated the laws of the land by presuming to ordain ministers, and hence this ordination took place in a private dwelling many miles from Carrick- fergus. In August, 1688, Mr. Henry had a call from Derry, presented by Mr. William Lennox and Mr. Robert Harvey, two gentlemen whose names soon aftei'wards acquired celebrity in connection with the siege of the maiden city. The call was further prosecuted in September, by Mr. Frederic Cunningham and Mr. Henry Long, from Derry, and opposed by Mr. John M'Gee, Mr. James M'^Cullough, Mr. John Brown, and Mr. David Hood, from Carrickfergus. The result was that Mr. Henry was appointed to continue here. At the same meeting he had a call from Ayr, but the Presbytexy would

* Belfast was then a small town ; but it was early made a borough, and was represented in the Irish Parliament.

P

82 HISTORY OP CONGREGATIONS.

not entertain it. In Februaiy, 1689, Mr. Henry retired to Scotland, as Carrickfergus was in the hands of the partisans of King James, and the town suffered much during the Revolution. Mr. Heniy returned to his congregation in November, but was again in Scotland during January and February, 1690. In March, 1691, Mr. William M'Cracken appeared as commissioner from Glenluce, in Galloway, seek- ing his removal there, but the Presbytery would not consent. The Synod, in September, 1691, sent him to supply the Capel Street congregation, in Dublin, for six weeks. In April, 1692, two calls were addressed to him, one from G-lenluce, presented by Sir Charles Hay, and the other from Capel Street. Mr. John Brown, at that time one of the Sheriffs of Carrickfergus, Mr. William Dawson, and others, apjjeared as commissioners from the congregation opposing his removal ; but the Synod decided that he should settle in Dublin. In 1693 the j^eople gave a call to Mr. Joshua Fisher, but the Synod removed him to Donaghmore, County of Donegal. The next minister after Mr. Henry was Mr. Archibald Ross, who had been licensed by the Presbytery of Irwin, and who was ordained here in 1694. He is named as one of the trustees for the Regnmi Donnm in the patent dated September, 1699. He died in the beginning of the year 1700. The next minister was Mr. Patrick Adair, who was ordained here December 9th, 1702. He died June 12tli, 1717. This gentleman appears to have been related to the Adair family of Ballymena. His son, William Adair, Esq., acquired a considerable fortune, and died unmarried. By his last will he bequeathed =£2,000 in consolidated three per cent, annuities, in trust to the Adair's of Ballymena, to go annually for the benefit of the poor freemen of Carrickfergus, and to be divided as the owner of the Ballymena estate for the time being may direct. Mr. Adair was succeeded by Mr. James Frazer, who was ordained here June 3rd, 1718. Even at this time the Presbyterians were considerably disturbed by the threats of the High Church party. They were particularly opjjosed in the license and ordination of ministers. In memoranda which he left behind him, Mr. Frazer relates that he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Armagh, in Lurgan, in March, 1710, between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, by Mr. Hutcheson, of Armagh ; and that he was ordained as minister of Carrick- fergus, in Captain John Davies' garden, by the Presbytery of Bc-ifcist. There was at this time an old meeting-house in

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 83

Carrickfergus, but a new one was erected very soon after- wards. The following account exhibits the quarterly jDayments of Reijium Dommi received by Mr. Frazer the year after his ordination : —

Jan. 6th, 1719, received my 1st quarter of "R.D"., £1 19 104

Mar. 12, „ „ 2iid „ ,, 2 0 4

June 11, ,, ,, ord ,, „ 2 0 7

Sept. 10, ,, ,, 4th „ ,, 1 19 61

Additional eodem die, 0 16 6'-^-

£8 16 lOi Towards the close of Mr. Frazer's ministry, a committee of Presbytery appointed to compose certain differences existing in the congregation, reported that they " fully vindicated and acquitted Mr. Frazer of endeavouring to procure one seat more than another for Mr. Dalway," and for " receiving Mr. Dalway as a member of the congregation." Mr. Frazer died August, 1748, and was succeeded by Mr. David Fullarton, who, after a long vacancy, Avas ordained March 11th, 1756. At his ordination he subscribed the following formula, — " I believe the "Westminster Confession of Faith contains a good system of the Christian doctrines, which I subscribe as the confession of my faith." In 1760, when Thurot appeared in Belfast Lough with three French frigates, Carrickfergus was taken, and Mr. Fullar- ton was sent to Belfast with a flag of truce and a letter to the Sovereign, or Mayor, in which the French Com- modore threatened to burn the town, if not immediately furnished with a supply of provisions. The ministry of Mr. Fullarton in Carrickfergus was uncomfortable ; he was charged with indiscretion; and he at length resigned the congregation in 1767, and conformed to the Established Church. He was succeeded by Mr. William Blakely, who was ordained December 12th, 1770. He resigned in 1779, and was suspended sine die. In 1770 a petition was presented to the corporation from the Masters and Wardens of the Trades, requiring a grant of an old house in North Street, for the use of the Presbyterian minister, and it was ordered that a deed for ever be made to Marriot Dalway, Esq. (who in 1761 was elected M.P. for Carrickfergus), in trust for said minister for the time being, and that twenty guineas be given to Mr. Dalway towards building the same. In March, 1783, Mr. John Savage was ordained to the pastoral charge. He died December 19th, 1822. The next minister was Mr. James

84 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

Seaton Eeid, formerly minister of Donegore, and afterwards D.D. and Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the University of Glasgow. In Dr. Eeid's time the present church was erected. Having been appointed Professor of Ecclesiastical History in Belfast, he resigned this charge on the 6th of November, 1838, and was succeeded by the Rev. James White (son of the Rev. Patrick White, of Bailieborough), who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Templepatrick, on the 31st December, 1838. Dr. Eeid died at Belmont, the seat of Lord Mackenzie, near Edinburgh, on the 26th of March, 1851, aged 52.

CASTLEBLAYNEY.

The earliest notice "we have of this congregation is in 1718, when the people applied to the Synod of Ulster for the hearing of a licentiate. They stated that they were able to pay <£20 per annum stipend ; and that Mr. Arthur Maxwell* of Drumbeg, in County Down, promised them ^81 10s. a-year to assist them. At the same time Lord Blayney wrote to the Synod on their behalf, " setting forth his regard for the Protestant Dissenters in his country ; that they want a meeting-house ; that they were not able to build it ; and that he is willing to assist them." They soon after obtained as their minister Mr. Samuel Hemphill, who was ordained here on the 24th of December, 1718. In 1729 he had a call to the 2nd congregation of Antrim ; but the Synod continued him here. Lord Blayney wrote to the Synod praying Mr. Hemjihill to be settled here. He died in this charge on the 28th of March, 1741. The next minister was Mr. James Gordon, who was ordained here on the 18th of January, 1744. In 1750 he was translated from this to Eaphoe. He was succeeded by Mr. John Warnock, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Cootehill in October, 1756. He was succeeded by Mr. John Davis, who was ordained here on the 13th of December, 1774. Becoming infirm, Mr. James Harpur was ordained his assistant and successor on the nth of December, 1810. Mr. Davis died March 7th, 1818, leaving neither widow nor family. Mr. Harpur died on the 11th of December, 1838, leaving both widow and family. The next minister was the Eev. Thomas Boyd,

* This gentleman was a distinguished benefactor of the Irish Presbyterian Church.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 85

formerly assistant minister of Magherally, who was installed here on the 21st of June, 1839. Mr. Boyd died on the ■26th of November, 1863 ; and on the 13th of May, 1864, Mr. Joseph M'Askie was installed in the pastoral charge. Mr. M'Askie resigned this charge on the 4th of October, 1881 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert H. Smythe, who was installed here on the 27th of March, 1883.

CASTLEDAWSON.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. John Tomb, who was ordained here about the year 1696. Prior to this time Maghera and Castle- dawson were united. Mr. Tomb continued in this charge till his death in February, 1718. He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Wallace, who was installed here September 7, 1720. He had previously been minister of Loughgall, and the congregation of Castledawson now included Magherafelt. The latter place was erected into a separate congregation in 1738, and Mr. Wallace became the minister. Castledawson was thus left vacant, and it then obtained as minister Mr. Robert Henry, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Route, June 7, 1743. He resigned this charge through age and infirmity October 28, 1798 ; and died November 1, 1802, leaving a family. He was succeeded by Mr. Solomon Brown,* brother to the Rev. John Brown, D.D., of Aghadoey, who was ordained on the 1st Tuesday of December, 1802. On the 24th of Decembex*, 1833, Mr. Brown resigned the charge through infirmity, and died November, 20, 1834. The next minister was Mr. James Glasgow, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Magherafelt, October 6, 1835. At the first meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Mr. Glasgow (now D.D.) was sent abroad as a missionary to India, and Castledawson became vacant. The next minister was Mr. John Radcliffe, who was ordained here on the 23rd of June, 1841. Mr. Radcliffe, having been appointed to a charge in the West Indies, resigned the congregation on the 15th of August, 1848 ; and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Gamble, who was ordained on the 1st of August, 1849, by the Presbytery of Magherafelt.

* Father of Dr. S. Browne, R.N., J.P., Belfast.

86 HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS.

CASTLEDEEG 1st.

The congregation of 1st Derg, or Castlederg, now belong- ing to the Presbytery of Donegal, was established about the year 1700. In July, 1699, Mr, Holmes, of Urney, signified to the Presbytery that there was a considerable prospect of a congregation being formed here, provided a part of his con- gregation and of Mr. Haliday's, at Ardstraw, were joined to the existing nucleus. There is reason to believe that the first minister was Mr. John Dunlop, who was ordained by the Presbytery of Convoy, September 15th, 1710, and died, NovemlSer 29th, 1713. The next minister was Mr. Nehemiah Donaldson, ordained here, December 19th, 1716. Mr. Donaldson was the valued fi'iend and pastor of the celebrated Mr. David Cairns, of Knockmany, one of the heroes of the siege of Derry ; and Mr. Cairns, at his death, bequeathed to him a pledge of his affection.* Mr. Donaldson died, July 7th, 1747, and was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Young, who was ordained here, June 8th, 1748. In 1750, Mr. Young was called to be colleague to Mr. M'Collum, of Capel Street, Dublin ; but expressing his sincere attachment to Derg, the Synod refused to require his removal. In 1772, it was re- ported to Synod that Hugh Edwards, Esq., had bequeathed to the congregation d£10 yearly, for ever, a sum which is, we believe, still regularly paid to the minister. Mr. Young died in this charge in 1789, leaving a family. He was succeeded by Mr. James Henderson, who was ordained here. May 27th, 1791. Mr. Henderson was drowned, December 20th, 1818, leaving a widow and family ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Adams, ordained here, September 27th, 1820. Mr. Adams died in this charge. May 22nd, 1837. In November, 1827, the congregation of Killeter was disannexed from that of Derg. In Sejitember, 1837, Mr. John Crockett, formerly of Killeter, was installed as successor to Mr. Adams. Mr. Crockett becoming infirm applied for an assistant, and died on the 11th of February, 1875; and was succeeded by Mr. James M'Cay, who was ordained here on the 20th of May, 1874.

* Mr. Cairns, who was long M.P, for Derry, died in May, 1722. He was married to Margaret Edwards. In 1743, Matthew Edwards, of the same family, was married to the daughter of Nehemiah Donaldson.

HISTORY OF CONGREGATIONS. 87

CASTLEREAGH.

This congregation was originally a joint chai'ge, there being two congregations — one at Knock and another at Bredfi . The first minister of whom we have any account was Mr. Hugh Wilson, who, in 1661, was deposed by Bishop Taylor. Mr. Wilson continued to preach to his people as often as he had opportunity till 1690, when he removed to Scotland, and settled in the Presbytery of Wigton. His successor was Mr. James Montgomery. He died October 26th, 1710. He was succeeded by Mr. Francis Montgomery, who was ordainedhere April 27th, 1715. In 1741 he iDecamo infirm, and Mr. Samuel Alexander was ordained his assistant and successor by the Presbytery of Bangor, January 26th, 1742. Mr. Montgomery died in 1761. Mr. Alexander becoming infirm, Mr. Alexander Henry was ordained his assistant and successor, December 13th, 1774. Mr. Alexander died November 18th, L787. Mr. Henry died July 14th, 1806. He was succeeded by Mr. Chai-les Grey, who was ordained March 3rd, 1807. On the 16th of March, 1814, he resigned this charge, and on the same day was suspended. He died February 14th, 1816. The next minister was Mr. Henry Haslett, who was ordained here September 24th, 1816. Mr. Haslett having retired from the active duties of the ministry, Dr. John James Given was installed as his assistant and successor, February 7th, 1854. Dr. Given, on his appoint- ment to a professorship in Magee College, resigned this charge in June, 1870; aad was succeeded by Mr. William Rogers, who was ordained hei'e on the 3rd of August, 1871. Mr. Rogers (now LL.D.)* resigned the charge of this con- gregation in 1876 on his removal to Whiteabbey ; and was succeeded by Mr. John B. Thomson, who was ordained here on the 13th of March, 1877.

CAVAN.

This congregation was erected in November, 1833. The first minister was Mr. James M'Clatchy, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Monaghan on the 3rd of April, 1834. He died of consumption on the 21st of November,

* Tlie great-grandfather of Dr. Rogers, who was minister of the Secession church of Cahaus, was the first Professor of Divinity in Ireland appointed by the Secession Church.

88 HISTORY OF CONGEEGATIONS.

1836, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert Fleming— who had been minister of the Seceding congregation at Bellaghy, in County Derry — but who had joined the Belfast Presbytery in 1836. He was installed here on the 5th of March, 1837. Mr. Fleming died on the 26th of March, 185] ; and was succeeded by Mr. James Carson, who was ordained here on the 30th of June, 1851. On the 30th of July, 1879, Mr. Carson retired from the active duties of the ministry, and was succeeded by Mr. John Howard Murphy,* who was ordained here on the 27th of November of the same year. Mr. Carson died on the 21st of December, 1880.