West Belfast witness

David Moore, minister in special work for west Belfast, a new role in PCI, outlines the exciting gospel opportunities in this area of the city.

“Will there come a time when Presbyterians will once again raise their hearts and minds to God here on the Falls Road?”

These could be the words of a visionary within the Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI). They were, however, delivered by the former Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast, Tom Hartley. He was speaking at an event to mark the return of the bell of the former Broadway Presbyterian Church to its original location; the building is now the home of Cultúrlann, an Irish cultural centre at the junction of the Falls Road and Broadway in West Belfast. It is possible to view Tom’s speech online at www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=454713903111905

The Broadway bell which was returned to its original location in 2022

Tom has researched, written and spoken extensively (and in glowing terms) on the Presbyterian contribution to the development of the city of Belfast, especially as it expanded in the 19th century. What he discovered about the academics, scientists, politicians, philosophers and social activists of that era I found inspiring and enlightening as a modern-day Presbyterian.

On a personal level, it was striking for me that the event Tom addressed was in September 2022, two weeks after I had been installed as minister in special work for west Belfast. I took assurance from his words and the timing of them.

During the previous 12 months, led by CMI, a proposal had been developed that resulted in the creation of this new post. It was a bold initiative, a sign of the courage of CMI in its vision for the spiritual welfare of the city, which had the support of North Belfast Presbytery, the Belfast Conference and other key decision-making bodies. The convener of CMI, Very Rev Dr Frank Sellar, has described west Belfast as a part of the city that we in PCI have neglected for far too long. Thankfully now, as we raise our hearts and minds to God for this area, it seems, in the providence of God, the time for re-engagement has come and is welcomed.

Building on good relationships already established, this four-year post has the goal of presenting the gospel in a culturally appropriate way to the local community through word and action. The desire is that, as people encounter Jesus Christ, they will be drawn to faith and trust in him as Saviour and Lord and be built up in discipleship. It is hoped that, over the duration of this current post, a living, worshipping and reformed community of Christians be established in the area, from which a new and culturally appropriate congregation may emerge.

Formerly, there were several PCI congregations and centres of outreach across west Belfast, though with the troubled history of conflict that the city has experienced these all closed, the last around 30 years ago. There is still a strong sense, however, that the Presbyterian Church was a part of the community here, and a willingness for this not simply to be part of history, but also part of the present and the future.

Tom Hartley made this explicit when he included the following in his speech last September: “We need to get Presbyterians back on the Falls Road. Why? Because they are so much a part of us.”

Could a door of welcome be opened any wider? I had to chat with him! From that point, along with following up contacts within west Belfast made by other PCI members, I have been networking among the people who live and work here. My wife Elaine and I have also had the privilege of sharing alongside others seeking to help refugees, who live in the area, settle into new lives here in Belfast. The wide open and warm welcome given at the beginning we found repeated many times since.

It has been fascinating to meet people from across west Belfast who are engaged in community development, which is remarkable in the results it has produced in education, arts, media, culture, politics, sport, tourism, policing, justice and more. There is of course a particular background to all of this, but there are lessons that we could all learn, especially in a desire to build our churches into intergenerational communities of hope and transformation.

There are a few ways our shared history can help us reconnect with the local community. For instance, I am hoping to hold an exhibition about one of the former congregations of west Belfast, Albert Street. At one point in its history, it had even been known as Falls Road Presbyterian Church!

Albert Street Presbyterian Church

Albert Street closed in 1971. It amalgamated with Argyle Place to form what is now West Kirk. There are still members of West Kirk who remember when Albert Street closed. They did not want to leave, nor did those who lived beside the church want them to leave; however, at the time there was no alternative. One idea I have had is to try to reconnect some of the former Albert Street congregation with former residents of Albert Street during this exhibition, which we hope to hold during the West Belfast Festival in August 2023.

It is also hoped to invite the authors of a book about the history of PCI in west Belfast to launch it during the exhibition, alongside walking tours, talks and other events, which we hope will make people aware not only about the past but the present involvement of PCI with the area. If you belonged to Albert Street, or any of the congregations that formerly served west Belfast, then it would be great to hear from you. Perhaps you have memories to share, some photographs or you know of the whereabouts of some significant items connected to a particular congregation. If so, please contact me on dtmoore765@gmail.com

Regardless of whether you have a connection with the area or not, your support in prayer would be greatly appreciated for this new work. It has been hugely encouraging to have over 180 people already added to our prayer email list, from all parts of Ireland and beyond. If you would like to join them and us in this vital work then contact me at the email address above, or the CMI office mission@presbyterianireland.org for quarterly prayer letters.

Do you remember Albert Street Presbyterian Church?

If you belonged to Albert Street, or any of the congregations that formerly served west Belfast, then David Moore would love to hear from you. He is planning to hold an exhibition on Albert Street Presbyterian Church during the West Belfast Festival in August 2023.

Perhaps you have memories to share, some photographs or you know of the whereabouts of some significant items connected to a particular congregation. If so, please contact David directly on dtmoore765@gmail.com

Support the work of David Moore

To stay connected with the work that Rev David Moore is doing in west Belfast and to support him prayerfully, please sign up to his prayer email list by contacting the CMI office: mission@presbyterianireland.org

David and Elaine Moore