Project 180

Project Photos

It is with a great sense of excitement and anticipation that I commend this project to you.  Within our congregation, the time has come for this generation to move away from our dependence on what our ancestors provided for us and take responsibility for our current accommodation needs and what we hand on to those who come after us.

“Hillsborough Project 180” recognises that in 2012, the year we will have first use of the new premises, the congregation will celebrate its 180th anniversary.  There have been many significant milestones in the congregation’s history, since the Marquis of Downshire first provided this site to help Presbyterians in the village build a “meeting house” for their worship of God.

In those far off days that was what the church was all about.  God’s people meeting together to worship Him. Our project logo reminds us that worship remains one of the primary functions of every Christian community, but now we recognise much more clearly that there are others as well – fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission.

It is no longer sufficient for us to provide worship services, Sunday School and a variety of organisations, then sit back and expect others to come and join us.  Today the church must operate outside its walls. In that sense there has been a complete change of direction over the years – a 180 degree change of direction.

We need to recognise that church has become foreign territory to many people.  Strange and off–putting.  Not part of their world at all.  It’s now imperative that we follow Jesus’ own example and be where people are, available to them, prepared to listen and respond.

Kirk Session and Committee fully recognise that our own organisations etc. deserve much better accommodation than we currently provide in the area between the Church and Orr Hall.  In preparing the concept drawings they have sought to create a building which “opens its arms” to welcome all who enter it.  They have also tried to provide a variety of rooms capable of meeting a wide range of needs both within the congregation and the wider community in which God has placed us as his servants.

I commend “Hillsborough Project 180” to your wholehearted, prayerful and financial support.

John Davey