Upper Ballinderry: Churches and Local History

Upper Ballinderry has a clearly identifiable church and local history. Ballinderry Middle Church and today’s Ballinderry Parish Church represent different building and memorial histories; a memorial hall and former storage buildings add to the picture.

Ballinderry Middle Church and its Building History

Ballinderry Middle Church, also known as “Jeremy Taylor’s Church,” is considered one of the finest examples of a Plantation church in Ulster. It stands on landscaped, elevated grounds with numerous stone and marble gravestones and cist graves. The graves date from the late 17th century to the present day. This span connects the church with a burial history extending across many generations. The building was extensively restored in 1902; it also has a lych gate built around 1902. Thus, the centuries-long dates of the graves sit alongside two building details from around 1902: the exact year of the restoration and the approximate date the gate was built.

Ballinderry Parish Church: Windows and Paintings

Today’s Ballinderry Parish Church was built in 1824 during the tenure of Rev James Stannus. Thomas Walkington of Oatland Cottage commissioned a stained-glass window in 1862 in memory of his parents and in pious remembrance of his ancestor Edward Walkington, who was Bishop of Down and Connor in 1695. A large painting of the royal coat of arms of Charles II was moved from Middle Church to Ballinderry Parish Church in 1859. The transfer therefore took place 35 years after the present church was built: 1824 marks its construction, and 1859 the painting’s move from Middle Church.

The two churches have different historical emphases. For Middle Church, the focus is on its classification as a Plantation church, its grounds and its building details from around 1902. For the Parish Church, it is the year it was built, the dedication of the window and the painting’s journey from Middle Church. The objects also tell history in different ways: the window preserves a personal dedication, while the painting’s later relocation between the churches provides its historical connection.

Memorials and Former Storage Buildings

Ballinderry War Memorial Hall was built as a lasting tribute to the young men from the area who served in the First World War and, in some cases, lost their lives. The memorial adds remembrance of local men’s military service to the history of the churches and buildings. Former granaries and warehouses are also part of local history: they were converted into two business premises. Ballinderry China refers to the westernmost part, and Ballinderry Antiques to the other. In this way, remembrance of people and the reuse of older buildings stand alongside each other as two distinct themes.

Ferry to Rams Island

Sandy Bay Marina is the departure point for the Island Warrior ferry to Rams Island. Check the departure arrangements before your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Upper Ballinderry, the churches and local history can help you choose your destination based on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Moira, Lisburn, Annahilt, Ravernet, Hillsborough, Stonyford, Aghalee

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