Ballymena to mark 400 years with special Service of Thanksgiving
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
St Patrick’s Church, Ballymena
Four hundred years to the day since King Charles I granted the Ballymena Estate to William Adair, people from across the town and wider borough are being invited to come together for a special Service of Thanksgiving marking the historic anniversary.
The civic service will take place at St Patrick’s Church, Ballymena, on Tuesday 25 August at 7.30pm, forming part of this year’s Ballymena 400 celebrations.
The anniversary provides a rare opportunity for the community to reflect on four centuries of Ballymena’s history while also looking towards the town’s future.
Four centuries since historic grant
The date has particular significance: the service is being held exactly 400 years after the granting of the Ballymena Estate to William Adair by King Charles I.
Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and hosted by the Parish of Kilconriola and Ballyclug, the service is open to individuals, families, community groups and representatives of organisations from across Ballymena and the wider borough.
Among those expected to attend are His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, David McCorkell, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, and elected members of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Archbishop of Armagh to deliver sermon
The service will be conducted by the Rector, Rev Rosie Diffin, and Rev Dr Jim Francis.
The Most Rev John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, will deliver a special sermon to mark the significant civic occasion.
Music will also form an important part of the evening, with performances by the Parish Choir and contributions from the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir.
The gathering is intended to give local people an opportunity to participate directly in Ballymena’s 400th anniversary rather than simply observe the milestone, bringing different generations and sections of the community together in one of the town’s historic churches.
Community invited to take part
Individuals, families and representatives of local organisations and community groups are being encouraged to attend what will be a once-in-a-generation occasion for Ballymena.
Following the service, guests will be invited to a reception in the adjacent church hall.
Anyone wishing to attend should confirm their attendance by emailing:
The Thanksgiving Service forms part of the wider Ballymena 400 programme commemorating four centuries of the town’s history, with the 25 August gathering providing a symbolic moment for the community to reflect on Ballymena’s past while looking ahead to the generations that will shape its next chapter.
