First Presbyterian Church Ballynahinch was established in 1655 when the early Presbyterians in the area got their first minister.  We are part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.  It is a congregation with a long and rich history.  The current church building was built in 1751 and was therefore around during the famous ‘Battle of Ballynahinch’ in 1798 (the time of the ‘United Irishmen’!). It was called ‘Strong Meeting House’ after the minister who led the congregation at the time of it being built.

The current minister, the Rev Mairisine Stanfield has been here since 1993. 

The congregation has currently 230 families (approximately).  We welcome everyone to our services and congregational activities.

We exist, as our mission statement says ‘to be a vibrant, worshipping Christian community growing in our love for God, love for each other and love for the world in which we live’.

First now has a staff of 4.  This includes our Minister, Assistant Minister, Director of Youth Ministry and part-time Church Administrator.

But the majority of our leadership is by volunteers who contribute greatly to the work and ministry of the congregation.