History
Our
History
Methodism and Methodists have been active in the Aghalee, Aghagallon, Ballinderry Upper and Ballinderry Lower area for over 250 years. Whilst we give thanks to God for the generations of Methodists who preceded us, we're also focused upon God's plans for His people and for our area, today and in the future.
The Methodist Church grew from a movement formed within the Church of England in the mid-eighteenth century. The movement's founders included brothers, Charles and John Wesley.
John was a Church of England minister and he and his hymn writer brother Charles, were members of a group of young men who met daily to pray and study the Bible whilst at Oxford University. Nicknamed 'The Holy Club', because they were so methodical in their lifestyle, they quickly earned the nickname 'Methodists'.
John Wesley first visited Lower Ballinderry in 1771 when there were about 50 members of the Methodist Society in Ballinderry. A far greater number than this, however, gathered around the house to hear Wesley preach from an upstairs window. He visited Ballinderry again in 1773 and 1778.
The Shillington family played a major role in the development of Craigmore Methodist Church. Thomas Shillington, who later went to Portadown to live, and Henry Shillington, who remained at ‘Craig Villa’ their ancestral home, both became Methodists.
It was Henry Shillington who gave the land adjacent to the Shillington family home for the erection of Craigmore Methodist Church. Built in 1845, the church was originally known as Aghagallon Wesleyan Chapel. The chapel was able to seat 250 people and the original seating was in the shape of forms. The pitch pine pews were a later addition.
On 17th September 1983 a new hall was opened and at a special service of praise on 2nd October 1993 an extension to the hall was dedicated.
A book compiled by Margaret Clarke in 1995 gives a more detailed history of the church.
To read the book online, click on:
Craigmore 1845-1995
Why not find out
more?
Morning Worship is held every Sunday at 10:30am. You’re very welcome to come along, say hello and worship with us. Or why not come along to 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 Craigmore Methodist Church on
Facebook.