Cos. Tyrone, Donegal, Londonderry & Fermanagh Ireland Genealogy Research

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New Drumquin Presbyterian Church, County Tyrone Opening 1861

Extracted from the Londonderry Standard
Transcribed, Compiled and Submitted by Len Swindley, Melbourne, Australia
len_swindley[at]hotmail.com
 

The first Presbyterian minister of Drumquin was the Rev. Thomas Anderson, ordained in 1794; prior to this, the congregation was, at various times, served by the ministers of Castlederg, Cappagh, Termonmaguirk and Pettigo.

 

Extracted from the Londonderry Standard

November 21, 1861

On the 13th inst., the REV. DR. COOKE conducted the opening services in the new Presbyterian Church, Drumquin. The Rev. Dr. selected as his text Genesis 32nd chap., and last clauses of verses 26 and 29, from which he preached a most impressive and profitable sermon. It excited the imagination of all present, at the advanced age of seventy-seven, so vigorous both in body and mind, able to read the Bible with ease, without the aid of glasses. It may be truly said of him, “his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated”. With reference to the building, the Dr. said it was just what a church should be, plain and substantial, but sufficiently ornamented; and he highly eulogised the plan adopted of open pews.

The minister and building committee take this opportunity of recording their best thanks to the Rev. Dr. Cooke for his most excellent services, to the clergy and strangers who so kindly attended, and to the following gentlemen, who acted as collectors: JAMES GREER, SEN., JAMES GREER, JUN., H. FLEMING, M.D., J.F. ALEXANDER (Manager of the Provincial Bank), ESQRS., Omagh, THOMAS SPROULE, ESQ., Altimullan House, Killeter; ROBERT EDWARD SPROULE, ESQ., Burrelsfolly, Drumquin; CHARLES SPROULE, ESQ., Upper Greenan; MATTHEW ANDERSON, ESQ., Goland; MATTHEW GREY, ESQ., Drumlish; GEORGE OSBORNE, ESQ., Dernaseer; and A. RODGERS, ESQ., Cairnacaugh House, Dromore. The audience was large and respectable, and the sum raised amounted to £91.12.6½, including sale of tickets, and the following donations from gentlemen who were unable to attend:- COLONEL STRONG, Tynan Abbey £1; THOMAS SIMPSON, ESQ., Burrelsfolly, £1; J.B. BUCHANAN, ESQ., Omagh, £1; A.C. BUCHANAN, ESQ., Omagh £1; WM. ORR, ESQ., Omagh, coroner £1; F. LITTLE, ESQ., Dungannon , £1; A. STEPHENSON, ESQ., M.D., 10s.; CHARLES SCOTT. ESQ., J.P., Straughroy, 10s.; The special thanks of the congregation of Drumquin are due to the family of JAMES GREER, ESQ., Omagh, who have taken a deep and liberal interest in the erection of the new church, and whose praise and liberality are in all the churches.