300th anniversary of Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan
Tabled 3 September 2025 by Carla Lockhart
That this House celebrates the 300th anniversary of Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan, in 2025; notes that since the original parish church, Christ Church, opened in 1725, Shankill has stood as a landmark in the very heart of the town, its spire a constant presence on the skyline and its life and witness woven into the story of Lurgan; pays tribute to the generations of parishioners, rectors and volunteers who have faithfully served, worshipped and supported one another in this place, sustaining a vibrant parish through times of growth, hardship, conflict and change; recognises the church’s spiritual role as a place of prayer, thanksgiving, and community gathering, offering hope and guidance to countless families across three centuries; commends its ongoing pastoral and social outreach, which has sought to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of the people of Lurgan; welcomes the ambitious Re-Imagining Shankill restoration and renewal project which seeks not only to safeguard the historic fabric of this much-loved building but also to reimagine its role as a centre of worship, welcome, service, education and heritage for future generations; acknowledges the importance of this milestone not only for the congregation but for the whole town of Lurgan, for whom Shankill Parish remains a beacon of stability, faith and community life; and extends to the parish every good wish and blessing as it moves forward with vision and confidence into its fourth century of ministry and service.