History of Strand

Some Important Dates in Our Congregation’s History
1880
  • 1881 Cottage meeting held in Cramsie’s Row (Now Lisavon Street).
  • 1898 General Assembly gave their blessing and the Church Extension Committee appointed Mr Samuel Lewis.
1900
  • 1903 Presbytery erected the congregation under the name Strand, Sydenham.  First minister appointed.
  • 1904 Site presented to congregation by Miss Fawcett with an Annual Rent of one shilling (5p) when called for.
  • 1905 Building now known as the Lecture Hall was constructed.
1910
  • 1910 Second minister installed.
  • 1912 Third minister installed.
  • 1914 9 Dundela Gardens purchased as manse.
1920
  • 1921 Fourth minister installed.
  • 1923 Foundation stone of present church laid.
  • 1924 Present church opened and dedicated (though unfinished).
  • 1927 Fifth minister installed.
1930
  • 1931 Additional ground at rear of church secured for extension (gift from Miss Duffin).  Hut obtained for Sunday School.
1940
  • 1941 Church damaged in air-raid.
  • 1946 More ground at rear of church obtained (gift from Mr McMaster). Minor Hall erected.
1950
  • 1950 Fire Damage to church.
  • 1953 War Memorial Organ installed.  Internal changes made to church building
1960
  • 1966 Sixth minister installed
  • 1968 ‘New Hall’ opened.
1970
  • 1973 Seventh minister installed.  Church and Lecture Hall renovated to mark Golden Jubilee.
  • 1977 Eighth Minister installed.
1980
  • 1984 New manse purchased, 6 Dundela Gardens
2000
  • 2000 Ninth and present minister installed

Past and Present Ministers of Strand

  • 1904 - 1910 Rev. W. J. Fawcett, B.A.

  • 1910 - 1911 Rev. W. N. Maxwell, M.A.

  • 1912 - 1920 Rev. T. Byers, M.A.

  • 1921 - 1927 Rev. W. M. Kennedy, B.A.

  • 1927 - 1965 Rev. W. Chestnutt, M.A.

  • 1966 - 1972 Rev. D. Armstrong, M.A.

  • 1973 - 1977 Rev. J. T. McCullough, B.A.

  • 1977 - 2000 Rev. H. Boyce, B.A.

  • 2000 - 2008 Rev. D. H. Thompson, B.A., B.D., M.Phil