First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church
Key Historial Dates
The congregation of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Rathfriland is one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in the area and dates from 1662.
Some notable events in the life of the congregation include:
1662: Foundation of the congregation.
1679: Erection of a Meeting House and the installation of the Rev Alexander Gordon as minister.
1708: Due to the number of Presbyterians in the Rathfriland area the congregation was divided into 2 congregations: Rathfriland & Ballyroney.
1711: Installation of the Rev Robert Gordon as minister, who subsequently served the congregation for 51years.
1763: Ordination of the Rev Samuel Barber as minister.
1768: Permanent lease on the property obtained from Lord & Lady Clanwilliam.
1775: Present building completed.
1787: John Wesley visited the town of Rathfriland and preached in 1st Presbyterian Church.
1790: Rev Samuel Barber appointed Moderator of the General Assembly
1798: Rev. Samuel Barber was imprisoned in Downpatrick Gaol for 2 years for alleged complicity in the 1798 Rebellion.
1863: Installation of the Rev James Wilson LL.D, who subsequently served the congregation for 47 years.
1894: Building of the lecture hall.
An excellent starting point for anyone interested in the history of the congregation is a publication entitled ‘A Household of Faith’ A Historical Survey of the The First Presbyterian Congregation 1662-2002. Written by Rev R. George A. Morrison
Continuing on from to my first cache following the Hertiage Trail at St John's Church, Site 7. First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church is also part of the Blue Plaque Hetiage Trail.
Heritage Trail Site 11
First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church
Oldest congregation in area formed 1662.
Burial place of Rev. Samuel Barber,
leader of Volunteers
and a United Irishman
Rathfriland Historial Society
------------2000 A.D.--------------
When you are in the area there are quite a few other Blue Plaque around the town. These are the ones that are close to this cache:
Hertiage Trail Site 9
Formerly CLANWILLIAM ARMS
Inn built by John Hawkins
circa 1682
Rathfriland Historial Society
----------------2000 A.D.--------------
Hertiage Trail Site 8
Market House
Erected circa 1764
by
MISS THEODOSIA MAGILL
later 1st Countess Clanwilliam
Rathfriland Historial Society
-----------2000 A.D.----------------
Hertiage Trail Site 6
Former Methodist Chapel
Built 1832
Rathfriland Historial Society
-------------2000 A.D.--------------
Please close all gates behind you.