Cullybackey
Describe the congregation’s History.
Cullybackey RP’s history can be traced back to 1696 in the aftermath of David Houston’s death, Houston being the main teacher for mid-Antrim in the seventeenth century. In his absence, Covenanters organised themselves into societies, the most important of which met at Laymore, where the ‘Round Hole’ was, a natural amphitheatre perfect for open air services. This fellowship would evolve into Cullybackey RP in 1765 when Rev. Daniel McClellan became minister to the church.
In 1798, Rev. William Gibson saw to the construction of a permanent meeting house for the congregation, something which would come in handy in 1811 when Cullybackey had the honour of hosting the first synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. However, come 1840 the congregation would secede in protest to the church’s views on political dissent, forming part of the Eastern Reformed Presbyterian Synod. However, come 1905, Cullybackey rejoined the RP church.
Come the 21st century, it would become clear that the meeting house, despite several expansions, would not be able to meet the needs of a modern congregation. In 2007, the meeting house was demolished and in 2008 the current, much more modern building, was constructed.
(Would like to credit and express great appreciation to Dr. William Roulston as the above is a rewording of his own research at the Ulster Historical Foundation)
Describe the Congregation.
It has been described as the ‘Disneyland’ of the RP churches. Cullybackey is attended by several generations of several families, with children, parent, and grandparent often able to share a pew. As the result, the congregation has a very healthy mix of ages. As might be noticed by the surnames among the deacons and elders, we have several families that are particularly active in the church. We are truly blessed as a congregation to not have the struggles of an ageing congregation.
We have around 150 attendants.
Describe the Session.
We are blessed to have had Phillip Moffett serve as our Minister at Cullybackey who we hope to continue serving with us for many years. He is joined in session by Maurice Knowles, Ian McCluggage, Andrew McKelvey, David McKelvey, Ivor McMullan, William Roulston, John Turner, and Daniel Wright.
Deacons include Jeff Colville, Joel McCluggage, Adrian McKibbin, Nigel Simpson, and William Wright.
Describe the Building.
Cullybackey’s original meeting house was built in 1789, and it would be demolished and rebuilt in 2008. Due to its modernity, it is in very good repair.
Today we are blessed with a creche for the congregation’s babies, a minor hall for those otherwise unable to be in the main church, a sports hall with a sound system to allow for the holding of games and other events, several downstairs classrooms for Sunday school, and a lift to allow for all members to easily access the whole building.
Describe the Area.
Cullybackey is situated around a 5-minute drive from Ballymena, one of the largest towns on the island and historically considered the heartland of evangelical Christianity in Ireland. Today, however, the area is among the most irreligious in Northern Ireland, with nearly 24% of the population identifying as having no religion.
Regardless, Cullybackey alone is home to churches from several denominations, including Presbyterians, Methodists, Elim Pentecostals, as well as a Roman Catholic Church. In nearby Ballymena, there are Anglican and Free Presbyterian churches, a ‘Covenant Protestant Reformed Church’, and in nearby Gracehill there is even a Moravian Church designated as part of a world heritage site.
The village is home to Cullybackey College and the Buick Memorial Primary School, allowing Phillip Moffett to visit the schools for assemblies, RE classes, and scripture union.
Being within a short walking distance from Cullybackey train station, this allows the church to be used for denominational events.
Describe an average Sabbath.
Sunday School - 10:30am
Morning worship – 11:30am
Evening worship – 6:30pm (first and third Sunday of every month)
Describe an average Week.
A Prayer meeting runs on Wednesdays at 8pm and Covenanter Youth every other Saturday.
Describe the congregation’s Evangelism.
One of the church’s primary means of outreach is through the Covenanter Youth which allows many families either unable to attend church or where only one parent is Christian to send their children to receive Christian teaching and fellowship.
Describe the congregation’s Online Presence.
Has a website that was made in 2012 and a YouTube channel which is used to stream services.
How could others emulate the congregation?
Phillip Moffett delivers exceptionally engaging and lengthily addresses to the congregation’s children. These are a brilliant way of ensuring the children get something out of morning worship as well as providing a preamble to the sermon for the rest of the congregation.
What can we Pray for?
Give thanks that so many families have been founded in Cullybackey and throughout the RP church.
Pray for the people of Mid Antrim, that they will hear the gospel.