Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches

The Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches

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Ballyhobridge

CLERK OF KIRK SESSION: Mr David Jordan, Drumboghamagh, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 8II
HISTORY:
Ballyhobridge was formed as a Seceder congregation in 1836 following mission work by probationer Frederick Buick. The first minister was Rev Matthew Clarke (1836-45), and the third minister was a son, Rev Robert Clarke (1852-63). The seventh minister, the Rev Robert Kennedy, was ordained here on the 4th March 1879, thirty-three years after his licensing. He served for twenty-two years. Despite efforts in the early 20th century to unite the church with others, the cause survived as a single charge when it was realised the property would revert to the landlord if the congregation ceased to have its own minister. The church was united with Clones in May 1921. The Rev William Young was minister from 1925-52 and was followed by the Rev Robert Crawford who served here from 1953 -1956. The Rev Andrew Rogers was minister (1957-65) when Stonebridge joined the Group in 1961. Newbliss was added to the Group in 1965 prior to the ministry of the Rev James Gray (1966-75).  The Rev. John Mann ministered here from 1976 until 1988.
The Rev David Allen served from 1992-2001, the Rev Troy Morgan 2008-12; followed by the Rev Stanley Stewart October 2013 to February 2018

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Clones

CLERK OF KIRK SESSION: Mr Tom Elliott, Bellmount, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 6LT

HISTORY:
Clones congregation was formed as a Seceder cause in 1854. Early services were held in the Courthouse prior to the church building being opened by the Rev Dr Henry Cooke in 1858. A Schoolroom was added during the ministry of the Rev John Glass (1859-96) and developed into Clones High School. The Congregation was united with Ballyhobridge in May 1921 under the ministry of the Rev Samuel Currie. The Rev William Young had a distinguished ministry here from 1925 until his retirement in 1952. In 1961 the congregation was united with Stonebridge and Ballyhobridge with Newbliss added to the Group in 1965.

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Newbliss

CLERK OF KIRK SESSION: Mr Thomas McConkey, Killyfuddy, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan

HISTORY:
Newbliss congregation was formed in 1754 amidst some controversy. Local Presbyterians desired a new church but neighbouring congregations in Stonebridge, Drum and Cootehill objected. The Seceders, at the instigation of the Rev Thomas Clark of Cahans, established a Burgher cause here in union with a similar cause at Drum. The congregation became a single charge about 1801 and built a new church in 1842. The congregation was united with Stonebridge on 1st November 1914 and Drumkeen was added from 1st April 1927 until 1st July 1937. In 1965 the congregation was added as a stated supply to the union of Stonebridge, Clones and Ballyhobridge.

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Stonebridge

CLERK OF KIRK SESSION: Mr Gerald Mackarel, Roughfort, Clones, Co. Monaghan

HISTORY:
Stonebridge congregation was formed in 1700 and the first minister was the Rev Patrick Dunlop (1700-04), though he left because of a number of grievances, including money arrears. The most troublesome ministry here was that of the Rev Archibald Meharg (1804-20). On three separate occasions he was suspended by Presbytery for three months for various misconducts, including the celebration of irregular marriages, and encouraging elopement. He was finally dismissed on 1st August 1820. The Rev William White served here for 53 years (1820-74) and was succeeded briefly by his son, also the Rev William White (1874-75). Another son, the Rev James White, served from 1884-86. In 1889 the church was placed on the Weak Congregation Fund. On the 1st November 1914 the congregation was united with Newbliss and Drumkeen was added from 1st April 1927 until 1st July 1937. In 1961 the church was united with Ballyhobridge and Clones and Newbliss joined the Group in in 1965 as a Stated Supply.

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