Songs of Praise marks end of MDC

Ballycastle Presbyterian church was the setting for Moyle Songs of Praise to celebrate the work of Moyle Council in the 42 years before the reform of local government.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2015, 08:00 BST

The evening was introduced by the immediate past chairman of Moyle Council Donal Cunningham, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving by Rev John Stanbridge Minister of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church.

Taking part were Tara McHugh, a youth worker from the Glens, who talked about her youth work and introduced a solo ‘The Shepherd’s song’ sang by Siobhan Mullin. Christine Mitchell followed with reading Psalm 8. Kate Elliott introduced the Hymn ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ as she explained her work with Good Morning Ballycastle. It was then Jane Leighton from Dalriada Hospital spoke about the hospital in the community and introduced ‘Lord of the Dance’.

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Ballycastle’s two schools - Ballycastle High and Cross and Passion - were then represented by their principal’s Barbara Ward and Ian Williamson who introduced a video on the co-education work that they do. They felt that Be Thou My Vision was ideal for them as a hymn.

Marie Louise McClarey from the Corrymeela Community selected ‘How Great thou Art’ as she spoke about the work of the community dating back to its foundation by the Rev Ray Davey.

Connie McConaghie read a new testament reading 1 Peter1:3-9 and was followed by Maurice McCurdy from the Bushmills Peace Group who selected the Hymn ‘Because he lives’. Maurice spoke about how this Hymn gives him the inspiration to live after the death of his wife Edith. He had also penned a few words that he read about the beauty and splendour of the Giant’s Causeway

The last Hymn of the evening was ‘Thine be the Glory’ selected by Maeve Walsh from Ballycastle Church Action follwed by the closing prayer and benediction by Rev Fr Brian Daly PP St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Ballycastle.

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Former council Chairman Donal Cunningham said he was delighted to join together in song and prayer to recognise the 42 years of Moyle Council.

Donal expressed since thanks to all those who helped to make the event happen. Special thanks to Kevin and Steven McAuley for the excellent video introductions, Rev John Stanbridge, and Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, Berkeley White for Audio Visual presentation, Mrs Lois Chambers, soloists Siobhan Mullin and Sorcha Hughes for the beautiful music.