A large audience attended a special evening with a definite bias towards all things Irish, in the very comfortable surroundings of the main auditorium of the Ballymena Baptist buildings.
Appropriately, the theme of the evening was the life of St. Patrick, and appropriately much of the programme was taken up with Irish songs, poetry and music. As is invariably the case in this particular church, a capable group of musicians was assemb
led under the direction of music coordinator, Ken Moore. Included were Nicola Moore on grand piano, Adam McCready, (drums), David McCready, (bass guitar), Katie Allen violin, Lynsey Fulton (violin), Sophie Worthington and Abi McCready on flute, and Olwen Fleck playing her beautiful harp. Sisters, Sheena and Catherine Aiken entertained the gathering with some typical Ulster Scots fiddling.
This memorable evening commenced with a rousing version of “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir.” This was followed by an instrumental selection along with more community singing and Percy French poetry.
The main part of the proceedings was taken up by a presentation on the life of Saint Patrick and took the form of an interview with “Patrick”, conducted by Ken, with others taking part as tellers of the ancient legends of the saint and a church historian who cast doubts on the factual nature of many of the tales about Patrick. The audience learnt about how Patrick came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ during his time in captivity in Ireland, and how after escaping from his captivity he was called by the spirit of God to return to Ireland with the message of the gospel of grace. For many in the gathering this was the first time that they had been exposed to Patrick’s confession in which he clearly demonstrates that salvation is by Grace alone through Faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Mention must be made regarding those who played their parts so well in the drama; Ken, as presenter has already been referred to; Stephen Houston played the part of Patrick; John Potter was the expert church historian and Jacqueline and Stephen Coulter were Patrick’s biographers, Muirchu and Tirechan. Robin McIlrath was the reader.
During the interval of the drama presentation, Stewart McIlrath sang a beautiful and moving song called “What Grace is Mine”, the lyrics of which have been written recently by Krysten Getty to the tune of “The Londonderry Air”.
Following the singing of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” a former member of the church, Mr. David Luke, pastor in the Gilnahirk Baptist Church, and the writer of the dramatic script, brought a challenging summary based on the presentation and reminding his listeners that all need to capture something of Patrick’s experience in trusting Jesus as our only means of salvation.
The beautiful hymn “In Christ Alone” brought the formal part of the evening to an end. A delicious Irish stew was served by the ladies of the fellowship afterwards in the church hall.
