Our History
Find out a little bit more about where our congregation has come from
New Mossley Presbyterian Church was established as a church extension charge in a portacabin (affectionately known as the “wooden hut” on 30th November 1980 under the leadership of Rev Willard Kelly.
The first service in the temporary premises was conducted at 3:30 PM on 30th November 1980, (Moderator, Rev. Martin Smyth). The current Church building was officially opened by the Rev Donald Gillies in September 1983. Following Mr Kelly’s decision to begin studies for the ministry of the church in 1981, the work in New Mossley was continued by William Harshaw. Mr Harshaw conducted a faithful ministry until early 1993 when he received a call to minister in Mountpottinger congregation. He was succeeded by the Rev Ian McDonald in August 1993.
Under the direction of Presbytery and the interim Kirk Session a Development Committee was set up to move the Church forward. This Committee set in train a number of Focus Groups covering outreach, prayer, pastoral care, youth, fellowship and missionary outlook.
After 25 years as a Church Extension Charge, the congregation was granted permission by the 2005 General Assembly to be fully established as a congregation in November 2005, this to coincide with the 25th Anniversary celebrations. The church was fully established on 27th November 2005, with six elders appointed in April 2006. Rev Ian McDonald retired in 2019. Rev Gareth Keaveney became our minister in January 2022.