Ballywalter Presbyterian Church will hold special events this weekend to mark 400 years of continuous Presbyterian presence in the village and surrounding area. The celebrations start Friday with a concert, historical presentation by William Roulston, performances by Portavogie Fishermen’s Choir, Royal Scottish country dance team, and Ballywalter Flute Band. The event begins at 7.30pm in the church hall with refreshments provided.

Saturday features a historical exhibition in the church from 2pm to 5pm, supported by the Ulster Scots Agency and Ballywalter and District Historical Society. Sunday includes a special worship service at 11am with guest speaker Rev. Dr Alan Russell.

The anniversary dates to March 6, when Rev. James Hamilton became the first Presbyterian minister installed in Ballywalter in 1625. Ballywalter holds the position of the oldest Presbyterian congregation on the Ards peninsula. Billy Carlile, chair of Ballywalter and District Historical Society, noted the church predates those in Newtownards and Donaghadee.

Thousands of settlers arrived in Ulster in the early 1600s during the plantation. James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery acquired much land on the Ards peninsula and North Down. Scottish Presbyterian settlers came over from 1606. In the early 1600s, no Presbyterian churches existed in Ireland, so attendees went to Church of Ireland services.

James Hamilton, knighted in 1608, invited his nephew, also James Hamilton and educated at Glasgow University with an MA in 1620, to manage estates in County Down. Simple cottages appeared in Ballywalter by 1610. A strong Ulster-Scots community formed by the 1620s due to the natural harbour and Scotland views. Robert Blair arrived in Bangor in May 1623, ordained as Presbyterian at Bangor Abbey. He encouraged the younger Hamilton to enter ministry. Sir James restored the episcopalian church at Whitechurch, Ballywalter, for the first sermon.

Different church buildings stood on various sites over centuries. The current structure on Main Street completed in 1889. Rev. Gareth Simpson, current minister, stated the church plans year-long celebrations to reflect on past generations who worshipped and served there. He said the church remains anchored in scripture, offering guidance and support to the Ards peninsula community, and aims to continue as a welcoming presence.