| The Bridge Community Church
(previously called Lurgan Apostolic Church) started in the 1930s using a rented
wooden building in Windsor Avenue, Lurgan. When the building was sold some
years later, another rented building was found which was located
off the town’s Market Street. Access to this building was by means
of a gateway near the town’s war memorial. There were many times
of blessing in this building even though it was damp and very hard
to heat.
Pastor Marcus Thomas greets
Mrs Jinny English, one of the church's members
During the early months of World War Two, a regiment of the Welsh
Guards was stationed in Lurgan. Some of these young soldiers heard
the Welsh minister, Pastor J.F.Phillips, preaching at an open air
service in the town. They recognised a fellow countryman and began
to attend the services on a regular basis. They were warmly
welcomed by the congregation and each Sunday night, after the
Gospel service, there was a time of tea and refreshments followed
by hymn-singing around the organ. One soldier married the organist
in 1942 and they made their home in Lurgan. The young Welsh man
was a member of the church until his death in 1997 and during
these fifty-five years brought much blessing and encouragement to
the congregation through his anointed solo singing.
Petra and Dean Forbes
In the mid 1940s, the fellowship moved into the Town Hall in Union
Street. Shortly afterwards, it was decided to purchase a building
instead of renting accommodation. A garage in Bridge Street came
on to the market and this was purchased. After some repairs and
renovations, the building was officially opened in 1948. There
were many times of great blessing and celebration in this church
with a convention being held every Christmas.
Pastor Marcus Thomas on a Sunday morning
In 1952, there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the church
which lasted several months. Over one hundred people were baptised
in the Holy Spirit with people coming to the church from as far
away as Armagh and Monaghan. The church was packed every Thursday
night and all were greatly encouraged and blessed by the ministry
of Pastor BJ Noot.
Church members waiting for the Sunday service to start
Since the 1950s, several young men from the congregation have
become pastors in the wider Apostolic Church fellowship,
serving the Lord in the British Isles as well as overseas. Most
are now retired but two are still working as pastors.
Lynda Willis at the Keyboard
Adjacent to the church building were several lock-up garages
owned by a local business man. The congregation were able to buy
these garages in the 1980s and eventually they were demolished. A
minor hall, kitchen and toilets were built on the site. The
congregation held their services in this minor hall while the main
building was completely rebuilt. The whole complex was opened in
June 1984 and it is in this building that the congregation
worships today.
Beth Baird, our latest member of the praise team! In 2006, the
church was renamed as the Bridge Community Church and it is still
part of the Apostolic Church, Great Britain and Ireland.
Main church hall
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