our vision
We exist to bring
glory to God.
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More than anything we want to be able to describe ourselves in the words of Jesus
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
John 17:4
Our Purpose
Our Mission
Our mission is to make disciples who will grow in their faith in Christ, will live out that faith in the whole of life and will serve Him in both our church and community.
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As believers, we follow Matthew 28:18-20 and intentionally make disciples. Discipleship involves learning from Jesus, bringing all of life under His Lordship, and serving the community as salt and light.
We seek to follow the example of Christ and to reflect and aspire to his values, enabling us to fulfil his purpose to keep pointing to Christ.
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By keeping Christ at the center, we allow His grace to flow through us. Like Him, we prioritise people and strive to create a community of grace where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to mature into the image of Christ, expressing their gifts in serving him and making him known.
Our VALUES
Our Vision
Our vision is to become a vibrant community of GoD
Our Story
On September 11, 1982, the Very Reverend John Girvan conducted Kilfennan Presbyterian Church's opening service.
Our history begins in the early 19th century when Presbytery estimated a floating population of 250 Presbyterian families in the Great James Street area of what is termed the City side of Londonderry.
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In July 1834 a Committee of 19 laymen supported by 5 ministers was appointed by Presbytery to take steps towards the construction of a new church. In 1837 the church at Great James Street was finally opened. The congregation continued there under the care of Godly ministers and Kirk Sessions for many years.
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Our history begins in the early 19th century when Presbytery estimated a floating population of 250 Presbyterian families in the Great James Street area of what is termed the City side of Londonderry.
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In July 1834 a Committee of 19 laymen supported by 5 ministers was appointed by Presbytery to take steps towards the construction of a new church. In 1837 the church at Great James Street was finally opened. The congregation continued there under the care of Godly ministers and Kirk Sessions for many years.
The events of 1969 and after began to have a dramatic effect on the congregation as it became difficult to hold evening activities due to rioting and unrest in the local area. The membership declined as families moved across the river to the Waterside. In 1976 the idea of ‘porting’ (moving) the congregation to the Waterside was first raised. Initially this was rejected by Presbytery. As civil unrest continued, numbers declined, the church was damaged on 2 occasions by rioters, and so the decision was taken to port to the Waterside after many discussions and meetings, prayer and soul searching.
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The building was opened on 11th September 1982 and Kilfennan Presbyterian Church was born. Rev Edgar McKinney was minister and worked tirelessly to build it up and develop it. Very quickly the Sunday School mushroomed to around 200 and the number of families increased to 352.
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Rev McKinney resigned on 21st June 1992 and after 2 years of vacancy Rev Rob Craig was installed on 17th June 1994. Rev Craig devoted himself to the care of the people and preaching the Gospel. He remained minister until June 2019 when he retired. He was also elected to serve as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in 2013.
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After over 2 years of vacancy Rev Russell Edgar was installed on 17th December 2021. Russell unpacks the Scriptures with great clarity each Sunday and works tirelessly within the congregation and the local community presenting the Gospel and showing Christ’s love to others. He is ably supported by his wife Emma.