That this House congratulates the Parish of Donaghadee in the Diocese of Down and Dromore as Donaghadee Parish Church marks its 400th anniversary year in 2026; notes the rich and enduring contribution of the Parish Church to the spiritual, cultural and civic life of the town of Donaghadee and the wider North Down area over many centuries; further notes that the present church building was rebuilt in 1626 by Viscount Montgomery and later extended in 1881, standing on what is believed to be an ancient site of Christian worship dating back to the earliest evangelisation of Ireland; recognises the launch of a specially commissioned history of the church authored by Tom Neill with contributions from the present Rector, the Reverend Ian Gamble; acknowledges the church’s prominent position overlooking Donaghadee Harbour and its historic significance as a place of continuous Christian worship and community gathering; and wishes the Parish of Donaghadee every success as it embarks upon a year of commemorative events celebrating four centuries of faith, service and witness within the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
