L-R: Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Emmet McDonough-Brown; Moderator of the PCI, Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen; Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Belfast Dr Philip McGarry |
Located at the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) in Assembly Buildings, Fisherwick Place, the exhibition offers a number of stand-alone interpretive themed panels and interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to walk through a brief history of Irish Presbyterianism.
That history begins with the arrival of Scottish Presbyterians in Ulster some 400 years ago, moves on to the founding of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1840, and continues to the work and ministry of the church today.
The exhibition also tells the stories of some of the influential men and women who have left their mark on Irish Presbyterianism, takes a look at the democratic nature of Presbyterian church government and some of the religious and political controversies, past and present.
With over 30 special artefacts on display, many of which have been loaned by the Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland, there are also interactive exhibits and audio-visual installations. These enable visitors to locate the denomination’s 500-plus congregations across Ireland, interact with a 19th century map of Presbyterians in Ireland and view short films on the history, life and work of the Church.