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New Sunday School and Youth Complex
Saturday, 7th September, 2002 was a special day for Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church when the new Sunday School and Youth Complex was officially opened. Many visitors and friends, including the Mayor of Ballymoney, joined the congregation for this historic event. Mr. Alexander Taylor, a member of the congregation, who was contracted to build the Complex, presented the keys to Dr. Ian Paisley, who performed the opening ceremony and led in the dedication prayer.
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Dr. Paisley, Rev. Park and Mr. Albert McAuley, Sunday School Superintendent then unveiled commemoration plaques. The whole event was relayed by a video link to a packed congregation assembled in the main church auditorium.
The service commenced with the singing of the children's hymn, 'Around the throne of God in heaven' after which Rev. James Beggs, deputy Moderator led in prayer and Rev. John Greer, Ballymena read the Scriptures. Rev. John Gray, Bethel Free Presbyterian Church, Enniskillen, brought greetings from Presbytery and wished the congregation God's blessing as they raise a testimony to the glory of God. The Ballymoney choir, led by Mrs. Glenis Stronge, sang 'Be thou exalted' and 'Come, Holy Spirit'. |
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Rev. Park spoke with appreciation of all who had helped in the erection of the new buildings, after which Bibles were presented to the contractor and architect. Presentations were also made to Dr. and Mrs. Paisley and Rev. Park on behalf of the congregation.
Rev. Park, paying tribute to the church Committee, stated, "I would like to recognise the sterling work done by our entire Committee in all the planning and erection of the Complex. These men worked hard and with a spirit of harmony to see the work brought to its completion. Three of these men deserve special recognition for co-ordinating the whole project, Mr. Nevin Carson, Mr. Philip Calderwood and Mr. Wesley McAuley."
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The Building of the Carson Complex |
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A special offering, which amounted to almost £14, 000, enabled the congregation to clear all the debts on the new premises and on the extensive renovation work that was undertaken.
After the Moderator had brought a stirring message from Isaiah Chapter 6 verse 8, Rev. Robert Ormerod from Cloughmills Free Presbyterian Church closed in prayer and pronounced the benediction. Refreshments were then served to all by the ladies of the congregation.
The new suite of rooms provide ten additional Sunday School rooms, a new Bible Class and Youth Fellowship room and a spacious kitchen. The existing hall was extensively renovated to complement the new premises. It now has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty and provides a suitable facility for the Sunday School assembly. It also caters for the children's meeting and the midweek Bible study and Prayer meeting.
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Alex Taylor and Shaun McAuley |
Carson Complex Interior |
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Renaming of Complex
Mr. Carson was an esteemed elder and former Clerk of Session in Ballymoney who was first elected during Rev. Wylie's ministry and who served faithfully for over thirty-eight years. He was totally committed to the work of the Lord and became involved in every aspect of church life.
Paying tribute to Mr. Carson after his death, Rev. Park commented:
"Nevin was a man of intercession and supplication. He never missed a season of prayer. He was also a practical man. When there was something to do, he was there to do it. You can't walk through our church buildings and not be confronted by the many memories of Nevin's labours. As Clerk of Works he saw all our building and maintenance projects through to completion."
These projects included the Youth Complex, so it was thought fitting that the new building should be renamed 'The Carson Complex' in honour of this beloved servant.
A special service to recognise the contribution made by Mr. Carson and to rename the new suite of rooms was held on Thursday, 7th November, 2002.
Dr. Alan Cairns, former minister in Ballymoney and a close personal friend of Mr. Carson was present to unveil a plaque which reads:
Rev. Park spoke briefly about the decision to rename the Complex, after which the Ballymoney choir sang two pieces. Dr. Cairns, in his address, thanked God for the gifts, graces and skills Mr. Carson had brought to the church. Preaching from 1st Thessalonians Chapter 1 verse 3, he drew our attention to three essential graces for a vibrant Christian life: a faith that works, a love that compels and a hope that sustains. These were very evident in the life of Mr. Carson: he had a saving faith in Christ, he loved the Lord, His work, house and people and looked forward to the day of Christ's return or the day when he would be taken to be with His Saviour. |
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