Brief Church History

 There was a Baptist Witness present in Portrush around the 19th century which met in the Evangelical Hall, Causeway Street with occasional meetings in the Town Hall. A few years later the little group purchased a Mission Hall from a group known as the Christian Volunteers for £330. This was erected on the South side of Causeway Street and used until 1945 when it was vacated due to frequent flooding and meetings then moved to the Reading Room in the Town Hall. Pastor Rowell was Pastor of Coleraine Baptist Church (for 40yrs) exercised a faithful ministry at this time and during the Summer months meetings where moved upstairs to the main hall due to the influx of Holiday Makers (approx.12-15). Prayer Meetings were held in the home of Miss K. Irwin, Ballywillan Road, Portrush.

  In the early 60’s the present plot of land was purchased and the present building was erected in 1967. The Coleraine Baptist Church called Pastor Oswald Young as Assistant Pastor with responsibility for Portrush. Pastor Young ministered for three years and six months until 1971 when Pastor Keith Gilbert accepted the call in March 1971. It was during Pastor Gilbert’s ministry that the believers decided to form the Portrush Baptist Church independent of Coleraine. This event happened on 23rd February 1973 with a membership of 27 and since that time the Church has been served by Pastor Richard Rennie, Pastor Jim Garrett and by Pastor Geoffrey Ward (who retired from the pastorate April 2010). The membership at present is approx. 43 with a fair number adherents who attend regularly. On a Sunday near the end of February each year we have our special Anniversary Services which are taken by a guest speaker.

  We record our thanks to Almighty God for His unfailing faithfulness and also acknowledge the faithfulness of those who spearheaded the work of God here in former years, many of whom have now gone to their eternal reward. The growth of the Fellowship over the years hasn't been dramatic but rather a case of steady plodding. As we anticipate coming days in the will of God, our prayer is that through the continuing preaching of the Glorious Gospel, many in this needy town will come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We go forward with our eyes towards the one who cannot fail as we await the trumpet call and our elevation to higher service.  

 On Saturday 4th April 1998 at 2.25pm a Service of Praise and Thanksgiving to mark the opening of the New Extension to the Church took place. - Chairman : Pastor J. Garrett.