If stones could speak what a story they could tell in Ardstraw

IN the heart of Ardstraw village is the local Presbyterian church, a landmark building with long windows and cobbled demesne.

The church overlooks the River Derg and while its appearance may be relatively unassuming, its legacy is steeped in centuries of both internal and external conflict.

Though the church traces its roots in Ireland back to the time of Saint Patrick, another patron saint is more closely linked to its foundation.

Christianity is said to have first arrived in Ardstraw around 600 AD through Saint Eoghan, son of Cainnech of Leinster and Muindech from Ulster.

According to legend, Eoghan was carried off by pirates, eventually escaping to Canada

There, he studied before returning to Ireland, where Eoghan began his monastic vocation in the Wicklow Mountains before ultimately founding the Ardstraw monastic settlement.

In those early monastic days, places of worship and the surrounding buildings were simple constructions of clay-wattle walls and thatched roofs.

Ardstraw Church was no different and the scenic view of the surrounding River Derg made it a perfect site for the occupants and visitors.

For two centuries, the Ardstraw church flourished with a devoted group of monks managing the site.

They laboured in nearby fields, educated loca children and providing hospitality and accommodation to travellers passing through the village.

However, Ardstraw’s peace was not to last.

The church suffered repeated attacks as the first millennium drew to a close.

In 1198, the church was plundered and destroyed by John De Courcey, an Anglo-Norman knight working as a mercenary to help reinstate the ousted king of Leinster, Diarmait Mac Murchada.

Repeated burnings followed, reducing much of the original structure to ruins.

Despite these attacks, the church experienced intermittent periods of use and abandonment – until relative stability arrived during the post-Reformation period.

Plantation

In 1603, James VI of Scotland became King of England, marking the beginning of the Ulster Plantation. As lands were seized from the O’Neill and O’Donnell clans, Presbyterian settlers began to arrive in Ulster. Among the first churches established in the region were Ardstraw and Urney, with Ardstraw believed to be one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in County Tyrone.

The first minister of Ardstraw Presbyterian Church was named Mr Moorcroft. He settled locally received a yearly payment of £100 under the Commonwealth Provision in 1656, known as Cromwell’s Bounty. His successor, Adam White, began his ministry in nearby Fannet but was imprisoned for six years by Bishop Leslie of Raphoe – a stark example of the widespread persecution Presbyterians faced for refusing to conform to Episcopalian law.

The Episcopalian Church was particularly prejudiced against Presbyterians, who were severely dealt with for not conforming.

In 1667, the Bishop of Derry excommunicated a large number of Presbyterians. One of these was John Boyd from Ardstraw, who was convicted of ploughing on Christmas Day and condemning the Church’s form of government.

This led to many Presbyterians worshipping in secret, while their ministers branded as outlaws.

In 1717, the Presbytery of Strabane was formally established. It included congregations from Strabane, Ardstraw, Urney, Donagheady, Ballindrait, Derg, Omagh, Badoney, and Pettigo. The first moderator was Rev Samuel Halliday of Ardstraw, whose early ministry focused on resolving disputes – from slander and absenteeism from church to seating arrangements and strained relationships.

The end of the 19th century brought a major debate among Presbyterians aboout whether to accompany Sunday services with music. The introduction of organs marked a major shift and their use became widespread, with Ardstraw eventually purchasing its own from a private seller in Scotland for £570.

The 20th century saw significant development – a manse built in 1950, new halls constructed, and a major church renovation in the late 1970s. More recently, under the leadership of Rev David Reid, the church hall was extended, and a major refurbishment of the building was carried out in 2006.

Today, Ardstraw Presbyterian Church remains an active and vibrant part of the local community. Various organisations – including the Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade, Bowling Club, Youth Club, Sunday School, Bible Class, and midweek Bible study – continue to bring local people together.