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.

Picture of Craigmore Methodist Church

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. 

Photograph of Craigmore Methodist Church, Building Interior
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.
Photograph of the interior of the Church Hall at Craigmore Methodist Church
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

In 2024, the Craigmore church building was subject to a major restoration project to update and modernise the almost 180 year old building.

The work took just over 3 months to complete and we now have a modern, multi-use space that meets our needs for the 21st century and beyond.

The work also included replacing the original floor, adding much needed insulation to the building, along with up to date heating and lighting systems.

Disabled access to the church was also improved greatly with the addition of a ramp at the main church entrance and the adaptation of the existing toilets to meet current regulations.

Some of the old pitch pine pews were recycled and now provide seating up on the balcony.


Please click on the video below to see a visual record of the works carried out in 2024. 

Photograph of exterior sign at Craigmore Methodist Church
Why not find out more?

If you’d like to find out more about Methodism and Craigmore Methodist Church, why not join us for weekly worship? 

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. 
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