Our moderator, Dr. Paisley, minister, Rev. David Park, clerk of session, Mr. Norman Hanna, and senior elder, Mr. Albert McAuley, laid the stones, which were inscribed with significantly chosen texts of Scripture.

Following this, the large congregation assembled in the Carson Complex for a thanksgiving service that was presided over by the minister.

Welcoming everyone, Rev. Park said, “God has been pleased to bless the faithful witness of this house during its almost fifty-five years of history. It was a very young Rev. Paisley who came to the Cabra Schoolhouse to conduct a Gospel Mission in 1951. The Lord blessed the preaching and one hundred souls professed faith in Christ as Saviour. A new Free Presbyterian church began after a night of prayer. Since then, the pulpit has been blessed with various pastors and teachers, who have, as undershepherds, led God's flock along the way. We are erecting a new place of worship to the glory of God in this town. This new house of worship is being erected because the Lord has directed our way and blessed us. We look forward to the opening day with excitement and also to all that the Lord has in store for us as a congregation. We're here today to rejoice in Him, and praise God from whom all blessings flow.”

Prayer was offered by Revs. John Greer and James Beggs. The opening praise was Psalm 100, which was sung heartily by the congregation. Rev. John Woods then read the Scriptures, and greetings were brought by Rev. Kenneth Elliott on behalf of Presbytery, and by Mr. Norman Hanna.

The Hebron Choir sang two messages in song, after which the moderator, Dr. Paisley, preached a challenging message. The Word was delivered with evident power and deep conviction. It was 'vintage Ian Paisley' that old fire and zeal in preaching that has blessed our souls over the years. The service was closed in prayer by Rev. Robert Ormerod. The day ended with a sumptuous tea, served by the ladies of the congregation.

“We had a very good day,” declared Rev. Park afterwards. “We enjoyed good weather, a good crowd, good singing, good preaching, a good meal, and we had a very good offering.” This came to ?4,500. Rev. Park stated that “It was a tremendous offering, especially in light of the fact that last weekend our missionary offerings amounted to ?9,400.” Martyrs Memorial very kindly lifted a retiring offering the following day of ?700 which was also a great encouragement.

A New Name for a New Church
A specially prepared order of service was available on the day. It commenced with a brief welcome to all in attendance and a short explanation as to the choice of name for the new building:

“Welcome in the Saviour's precious Name. On behalf of our Session and congregation we extend a very warm welcome to all who have joined with us for this historic occasion. We come to raise our Ebenezer to the Lord, and say, ‘Hitherto hath the LORD helped us!'

Today is another milestone in the history of our congregation. We look to the Lord this afternoon for His blessing and help, praying earnestly that all who take part will know the anointing of God, especially in the preaching of the Word. As our new church premises are erected to the glory of God, it is the longing of our hearts that the Lord will manifest His presence and power, and send a mighty breath of the Holy Ghost from on high. May this new Preaching House be the centre of Revival and a place where many sinners will be converted.

The new name for the new church indicates all that we desire our witness to be. Hebron was a city of refuge; may our church be a refuge for sinners. Hebron was the place where David was crowned king; we want to crown David's greater son, Jesus Christ, as King. Hebron was the city given to Caleb who ‘wholly followed the Lord;' we desire our people to do likewise. Hebron means ‘union' or ‘fellowship;' reminding us of the union that we have with Christ, and in Him, with one another, and also of the fellowship we should enjoy together as God's redeemed people. May the Lord be pleased to bless us together today, and may Christ have all the pre-eminence.”

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Rev Park, Dr Paisley, Mr Hanna, Mr McAuley Stone Laying Service Laying of the Foundation Stones

Opening Praise of Thanksgiving Psalm 100 "All People that on earth do dwell..."

Rev John Woods (Bushmills) Scripture Reading Nehemiah ch 4

Rev Kenneth Elliot (Portadown) Greetings from Presbytery "Psalm 115 v 12"

Mr Norman Hanna Greetings from the Clerk of Session Acts ch 9 vs 10 - 19

Special Praise 1 The Hebron Choir

Special Praise 2 The Hebron Choir

The Rev & RT HON Dr Ian Paisley (Moderator of Presbtery) "The Spiritual Building of the Church of God" Nehemiah ch 4