Diocesan News
140th Anniversary Celebrations at St Stephen's, Belfast
ST STEPHEN'S PARISH CHURCH, MILLFIELD, CELEBRATES 140 YEARS
Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Alan Harper is the guest preacher at a special service to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the parish of St Stephen, Millfield, Belfast, on Sunday October 25.
Following the 11.30am service, Archbishop Harper will join parishioners from the united parishes of St Stephen and St Luke and other guests for tea and anniversary cake.
Opened in 1869, St Stephen's is believed to be the first free church in Belfast – somewhere parishioners did not have to pay to sit in the pews. During the construction of Millfield in the 1970s, the original facade of the church was taken away, and replaced with the current facade incorporating the tower and the cross that is lit up every night. The rest of the original building remains.
Three years ago St Stephen's was united with the parish of St Luke, Lower Falls, following closure of St Luke's Church.
The Rev Edith Quirey, rector of St Stephen's and St Luke's, said she and her parishioners were delighted the Archbishop - a former Bishop of Connor - had agreed to preach on this special anniversary. 'It is a big occasion for the church and it means a lot to the parishioners to have the Archbishop preaching at the service,' she said.
Other guests include representatives of St Mary's Church, St Peter's Cathedral and Clonard Monastery. Everyone is welcome.
For further information contact Karen Bushby, Connor Diocesan Communications Officer, on 028 4066 0798 or 07766 103880 (mob) or email [email protected]