Ballyclare church celebrates 100 years

It will be a double celebration for the church with the dedication of the new church hall taking place on the same day.

Parish Administrator, Father Eugene O’Hagan, who also celebrates 25 years in the priesthood this year said it was a fantastic milestone for the church.

“The parish dates back to 1898 and the church was built in 1911 replacing a much older building,” he said.

“The celebrations will mark the coming together of the old and the new with the opening of the church hall.

“We have been without a hall for the past nine years and while the new one is not a very large facility we hope it will be able to cater for any number of events and occasions for the whole community in Ballyclare to make use of. The new hall, I feel will become a good addition to the town, it is well made and well finished - it is of good architectural merit.”

Father Eugene who has been based in the Ballyclare church for the past nine years, added: “It’s a happy coincidence that I celebrate my 25th year in the priesthood during the same year as the church’s centenary

“The 100 years of the church represents a fantastic milestone and we hope to have many more events to celebrate it.”

On Saturday, November 5, the church will be holding an Open Day, welcoming the whole community to the new church hall to sample its facilities.

And on Sunday, November 6 the church will hold a centenary mass at 3pm and following that Bishop Noel Trainor will officially dedicate the new church hall. All are very welcome to attend.