Our
History
Methodism and Methodists have been active in Moira for over 250 years. Whilst we give thanks to Almighty God for the generations of Methodists who preceded us, we're also focused upon God's plans for His people and for our village, today and in the future.
Early Beginnings
The origins of Methodism in Moira can be traced back over 250 years. In 1760, Rev. John Wesley, an Anglican minister and a founding father of the Methodist movement, visited Moira. The Earl of Moira invited Rev. Wesley to preach in St. John's Parish Church, however the Earl’s invitation was withdrawn by the Church Rector.
The Earl of Moira summoned his Bellman who announced Rev. Wesley’s arrival to the people of Moira. A crowd of people duly gathered in the grounds of St. John's to hear Rev. Wesley preach. According to Rev. Wesley’s diary, ‘I called a considerable number of people to know God and Jesus Christ whom He had sent’.
It's estimated that through his travels across Ireland, Great Britain and beyond, Rev. Wesley influenced more people in the eighteenth century than any other.
Mr. Grace’s visit was to ultimately lead to the founding of a Methodist congregation in Moira, with Mr. Lutton’s daughter Anne, playing a significant role in the growth and development of that congregation. A plaque in our Church remembers the contribution that Anne Lutton made to the growth and development of Methodism in Moira.
The First 195 Years
By the early part of the nineteenth century, the first Methodist Church was established in Moira, close to the area today known as Moira Mews. The original building was a converted storehouse, donated by Anne Lutton’s brother-in-law. In 1822, a purpose designed Methodist Chapel and Manse was completed on Main Street, Moira. The buildings served not only as a worship centre for the growing Methodist congregation in Moira, but also as a base for itinerant Methodist preachers across a wide area.
The Manse was extended in the 1930s. And a Church Hall, Kitchen and Vestry was added in the 1950s. A heating system was also installed, at the bequest of Mr. Henry Mathers of Springhill, Magheralin. By the late '70s and after over 150 years of faithful service, the fabric of the Church required repair. The Trustees of Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church, Belfast, generously provided a replacement pulpit and pews. The Church was rededicated in 1981.
By 2015, it was apparent to meet the challenges of building God’s Kingdom in Moira, new facilities and building were required.
A New Journey
Following prayerful consideration and after first seeking God’s guidance, proposals were approved by the Methodist Church in Ireland for the construction of a new Church in Moira during 2017. In June 2017, the last service was held in the 1822 building, before the building was deconstructed in December. The congregation temporarily moved to worship at facilities generously provided by Moira Presbyterian Church.
The new Methodist Centre opened in October 2018 and incorporated not only a Church, but also a multi-purpose Church Hall, coffee bar, vestry and kitchen. It's a truly multi-functional building and is helping us realise God’s vision for His Church in Moira.
Today, Moira Methodist is a vibrant and diverse congregation. We're committed too, to working evermore closely with other Churches in Moira to fulfil God’s purpose for our village.
As well as weekly worship services, we also run a range of Christ-centred activities too. And we're one of over 200 Methodist congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland today.
Why not find out
more?
Morning Worship is held every Sunday at 1030am. You’re very welcome to come along, say hello and worship with us. Or why not come along to our Summer Epilogue Services, or any of the special services we hold throughout the year? You can also keep up to date with our services and special events by visit Moira Methodist Church on Facebook.