ANNUAL SERVICE 2018

There was a large congregation, which included Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sam Nicholson and representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Boys’ Brigade (Company, Battalion and Northern Ireland District level) and soccer at the Annual Church Service, held in Thomas Street Methodist Church on Sunday, February 25, 2018.
The preacher at the service was the Rev. George Bowes, who also read one of the scripture lessons. The Rev. Thomas Stevenson (President, First Portadown BB Old Boys’ Association), led the service, gave the Call To Worship and the intercessory prayers. The Rev. Stevenson also informed the congregation that the Methodist Institute in Edward Street, which was the ‘home’ of the Old Boys’ Association from 1946 to 1992 had recently been demolished.
Mr. Marshall Allen gave the opening prayer while Mr. Trevor Brady read the other scripture lesson. Mr. Paul Cranston and Mr. Andrew Millar (Company Captain, First Portadown Boys’ Brigade) were responsible for the PowerPoint and Sound.

There was special music from Lurgan Salvation Army Band and Songsters, under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Briggs. The band and songsters also led the congregation in three hymns – ‘Standing On The Promises’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘Will Your Anchor Hold?’.
Following the service, supper was served courtesy of the Thomas Street Methodist Church Catering Team. Also at the supper, three new Honorary Vice-Presidents ; Mr. Lynn Burrows, Mr. James McClung and Mr. Roy Woolsey were presented with their World War One BB Centenary Badges by Mr. Gary McAllister (Chairman, Amalgamated Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs), Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sam Nicholson and Mr. Joe Moorhead (Company Captain, First Ballyroney Boys’ Brigade – Northern Ireland District BB Drill Squad Winners).