Honouring Killinchy’s Founding Father
Killinchy Parish recently celebrated their founding father Revd John Livingston, with the inaugural Livingston Days Festival. Revd Livingston was a prominent Presbyterian minister who became Rector of Killinchy Parish Church in 1630 and in 1636, he was the brains behind ‘The Eagle Wing’, the first attempt to sail to America from Ulster.
His Eleventh great grandchildren, Henry and Susan Livingston of Brown Brothers Harriman Bank, USA, (originally a Belfast Bank) generously presented the parish with a fully restored 1899 Harrison and Harrison Pipe Organ in memory of Revd Livingston. The organ was installed by the Pipe Organ Preservation Company.
It was unveiled at a special civic service at the end of September and dedicated by Revd Dr Stanley Gamble, the current Rector of Killinchy.
The Ulster Scots Agency and Ards and North Down Borough Council sponsored the event. HM Queen was represented by Professor James Nixon, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Down. Professor Laurence Kirkpatrick delivered a lecture at the event explaining how a Scottish Presbyterian minister ended up the Rector of the Church of Ireland in 1630 and why he attempted to sail to America from Ulster in 1636.
Dancers from The Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance performed at the service. CEO of Ulster Scots Agency, Ian Crozier presented Susan and Henry Livingston with a commemorative poster of the Eagle Wing.
Henry Livingston unveiled a print of the famous painting of Revd John Livingston by the Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals.
The whole community enjoyed some family fun after the unveiling ceremony with Willie Drennan providing musical entertainment and Ian Burrows running pipe workshops for the children.
The Ulster Community Network provided free literature at the Festival, highlighting the links between Ulster and America.
In the evening, Mr Edwin Gray and the national choir of the year, the Miskelly Chorale, gave a special concert. On Sunday morning the parish held a service of thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Revd Livingston.
The Rector, Revd Dr Stanley Gamble announced that Ards and North Down Rural Development Fund have awarded £155,000 (75% of the funding) for the creation of a new Community Hub at Killinchy Parish Church which will serve as a Livingston Interpretive Centre.
The site is an official stop of the Ulster Scots Heritage trail. Tourists and visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and learn about the fascinating story of the Revd John Livingston and his impact on his 17th Century world.
View a Photogallery here.
Revd Dr Stanley Gamble (Rector of Killinchy), Richard Hanna (Director of Language and Education, Ulster Scots Agency), Ian Crozier (CEO of Ulster Scots Agency), Mrs Susan Livingston and her husband Henry Livingston of NY USA, Eleven–great grandchildren of Rev John Livingston, Rector of Killinchy 1630, and builder of Eagle Wing).
Photo credit: Press Eye