St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Drumbeg is officially opened
The new St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Drumbeg was officially opened on Sunday 22 May following a Service of Thanksgiving in the adjoining Parish Church.
The service was led by the rector, the Revd Willie Nixon and Bishop Harold preached. The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, dedicated the new hall and also shared his faith story during the service.
Other special guests included Cllr Alexander Redpath (Deputy Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council) and recently elected MLAs, Jenny Palmer and Robbie Butler.
Following the service, clergy and congregation walked in procession to the front door of the new hall for a short service of dedication after which Matthew Neill and Anthony Hegarty pulled the ribbon and declared the building open.
Matthew is a local historian in his 98th year and a former Sexton of St Patrick’s, as was his father before him and his grandfather before that. Anthony represented the local community.
Lunch was served in the large main hall, catered by ladies from the parish and a team from Hydebank College. Representatives of local churches brought greetings and some presentations were made on behalf of St Patrick’s.
The service and official opening came as part of a weekend of celebrations including a Ceilidh, a breakfast with guest speaker, Archdeacon David McClay and Songs of Praise in the new hall on Sunday evening.
The Parish Hall project began in June 2013 and the builders, Mark Crowe and Sons, Drumbeg, arrived on site 2 years later and completed the build on time. The project architect was Clyde Markwell of Knox and Markwell, Bangor.
The accommodation comprises a large main hall with kitchen, an office, foyer/café area, meeting room and toilets. There is extensive parking with steps and landscaping leading up to the graveyard and church above.
The new build was funded through the sale of the old hall, investment income and the fundraising efforts and generous direct giving of parishioners and the local community. The contract price was £614,000.