Beliefs & History

Our Beliefs

Rathfriland 2nd & 3rd Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.  As a reformed church within the wider body of Christ, it is grounded in the scriptures, and exists to love and honour God through faith in his Son and by the power of His Spirit, enable its members to play their part in fulfilling God’s message to the world.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has adopted subordinate standards including the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter Catechism.  For details of the role of these standards, please refer to the Rule of Faith contained in The Code, The Book of the Constitution and Government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (paragraphs 10-14).

The Trinity

We believe in one God, who exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Humanity

We believe all people, being created in the image of God, have intrinsic value, but as a result of sin are alienated from God and each other, and therefore are in need of reconciliation.

Jesus Christ

His Person - We believe in the birth of Jesus Christ by the virgin Mary, as prophesied in scripture.  We believe he was born both as God and as man.

His Death and Resurrection - We believe Christ died for our sins, that he was buried and three days later rose again and that his resurrection was witnessed by his disciples and many others.

His Ascension - We believe that Jesus ascended into heaven to be with the Father and that one day He will return again.

Salvation and Eternal Life

We believe in salvation by the Grace of God through Faith and that through repentance and faith in Christ's death on the cross, our sins will be forgiven.  We believe in eternal life for believers as promised by Jesus and as set out in scripture.

Return of Jesus

We believe the Lord Jesus will return personally in glory, raise the dead, and judge the world.

Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit who imparts new life to those who believe in Christ; through His indwelling presence and transforming power He gives assurance and equips believers for holy living and effective service.

Church

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers, and is commissioned to make disciples of all nations.

Sacraments

Baptism - We believe in the baptism of believers and their children by their acknowledgment of their faith and subsequent promise to raise their children in a Christian way.

The Lord’s Supper (Communion) - We believe in the act of Communion as set out by Jesus at the last supper and that all believers are welcome to participate in the Communion Service irrespective of denomination.

Marriage

We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that marriage was created by God and that the only legitimate form of marriage is between one man and one woman.

Our History

2nd & 3rd Rathfriland have a long history in the town of Rathfriland. They began way back in the 19th Century as two different congregations, with separate ministers, but today are essentially one congregation. Second was the earlier of the two to be formed. It began in 1802 as a Seceder church. (Seceder churches were breakaways from the established Presbyterian Church). Third’s roots though were in the established church, being formed by the Synod of Ulster in 1836, as a result of the rapid growth of 1st Rathfriland, (also still in the town today).

An unsuccessful attempt was made to unite Second and Third in 1884. However in in 1927 they did unite. Forming what is known in Presbyterian circles as a “Joint Charge”, (independent congregations, separate leadership, but one minister). This relationship worked well for over eighty years. But in recent years the bond between Second and Third has become even stronger. Today its one eldership that governs the two; one committee that manages the properties, and one worshipping congregation. We’re not far apart either, just a few hundred meters in fact. Second’s on Loughbrickland Road, and Third’s just up the hill on Newry St. Normally we are in Second Church only on the last Sunday of the month, but at the moment with the Coronavirus restrictions we’re meeting every Sunday in Third.

To any visitors coming our way, we often tell them of an interesting event in our history. In 1843 Rev Joseph Dickie of Third Church was shot while conducting worship. Local legend has it that it was actually a neighbouring minister who wielded the gun. He was quite upset over some of his members leaving his church and joining Third. I’m sure the aggrieved minister’s preaching was much better than his aim for Rev Dickie made a full recovery.

Today, I’m pleased to say, its much safer to visit us, and indeed less threatening to join us, if you are looking for a spiritual home.