Moderator to help Corglass presbyterians celebrate 300 years

On Sunday, March 30 at 11am the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Revd Dr Rob Craig will visit Corglass Church, Bailieborough. He will be guest speaker at a special service to commemorate the founding of the congregation. Revd Sam Anketell is currently the 22nd minister to serve the congregation of First Bailieborough (Corglass) since the Revd David Sim was installed on March 25, 1714. 

Presbyterianism in Bailieborough had modest beginnings – it is recorded that the Presbyterians of the district first met in “a farmer’s barn at Rakeevan” in the early 1700s before ministers were available and churches were erected. A congregation was formed and with financial assistance from Mr Hamilton who lived in Bailieborough Castle a minister was called. The location chosen to erect their new meeting house was, a couple of miles north of Bailieborough, in the townland of “Corglass” meaning: “the green round hill”.

The Presbyterian community in the Bailieborough area struggled to survive. Rents were high and tithes payable to the Established Church - the Church of Ireland - was a major annoyance. Despite these difficulties the community grew in numbers and before the end of the 1700s they had outgrown their modest thatched structure. In 1795 the present church was erected on the same site as the older church.

During the Great Famine the congregation of Corglass had no less than 100 families of the labouring class almost entirely swept away.

Everyone is most welcome to attend Sunday morning’s service. Refreshment will be provided in the Church Hall. The next event in the Corglass Tercentenary year is that of a book launch in May. A book entitled: “First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church (Corglass) 300 Years of Worship 1714-2014” is currently being compiled. Its launch will take place at 8pm on Friday May 30.