n 1921, the Church Extension Committee of the Belfast Presbytery secured a site for a future church building at the junction of Castlehill Road and the Upper Newtownards Road: in 1927 the General Assembly decided that a new congregation be established there. The building of a church hall was begun as part of a more ambitious plan of church building and on 6th September 1931 the church hall was officially opened.

The Rev John Ferguson Park was installed in Stormont on 22nd February 1937. So began a remarkable ministry that was to continue for 39 years. Under Dr Park’s vigorous leadership the congregation continued to grow and, in February 1939, it was decided to begin the work of erecting the main church building. At that time there was a great deal of building in the area and many new families joined the church.

During the Second World War. Dr Park served as a chaplain with the R.A.F and further building plans were on hold until after the war. The new church building was dedicated on 18th September 1955. With a growing congregation still more accommodation was needed. The upper hall was added and opened on 24th November 1962: it was named “The Park Hall” in 1989.

The Rev Dr Park died on 17th January 1976 and was widely mourned. By that time Stormont was a flourishing congregation and has continued as such, albeit with little growth in numbers, under the ministry of the Rev Dr James Ronald Savage who was installed on 14th November 1976. After 31 years as our esteemed and dedicated minister, Dr Savage retired from the active ministry on the 40th anniversary of his ordination. The congregation has been blessed under these long ministries since the incumbents became thoroughly acquainted with the church members and many other people in the parish area. On 31st August 2008, the Rev Albin Rankin was installed as minister of the congregation.

There are currently about 500 families (1,096 persons) registered on the roll of the congregation. When compared with other Presbyterian congregations, Stormont has maintained its membership at a reasonably constant figure, but the Kirk Session is conscious of the need both to increase membership and deepen their commitment – not least in the age range 20-40.

Stormont Church is filled with lay members who have wide-ranging skills. There is a happy and friendly atmosphere within the congregation with newcomers and visitors being made very welcome. Pastoral care is exercised at a high level particularly where members are going through difficult times: many speak highly of the support they have received from the ministers and the pastoral care visitors. There is an active pastoral care team.

Our Buildings

In the 1960’s, adjoining property at No.7 Castlehill Road was purchased to provide accommodation for an Assistant Minister in a first floor apartment with rooms for youth work on the ground floor. In 1979 the apartment became accommodation for the caretaker: assistant ministers were housed in Thornhill Parade and from 2001 in Cairnburn Crescent.

A major refurbishment of the original Church Hall took place in 1989. This included a new stage area, a servery, an extension to the ministers’ room and classrooms which became known as “Kirk Cara” (later the Thornhill Room). At that time also a foyer area was erected between the Main Hall and the Church.

Further development and upgrading of the property took place in 2003. The single storey choir and Session room was replaced by a two storey block. The ground floor became a new worship centre using the “Kirk Cara” name: this provides accommodation for smaller worship services, study groups, choir practices and Kirk Session and Committee meetings. The first floor became a new youth centre with recreation and coffee bar facilities, meeting areas and a youth office/meeting room. A lift was installed and a new stairwell to service the block and also to provide additional and better access to the Park Hall to which the new building is linked.

The photos below show some of Stormont Church.

A Brief timeline

1931
The first Stormont Church hall opens...