About Us tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2008:/about_us//1 2006-10-13T12:16:37Z Movable Type 3.33 Pastor Lindsay Allen tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.2 2006-09-30T15:55:26Z 2006-10-13T11:35:07Z Lindsay became a Christian in 1961. He was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1972 he married Lilian, and moved to Newtownards, Co. Down. Lindsay and Lillian have two adult sons, Richard is married to Katie and... Dermo Lindsay AllenLindsay became a Christian in 1961. He was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1972 he married Lilian, and moved to Newtownards, Co. Down. Lindsay and Lillian have two adult sons, Richard is married to Katie and David is now living in Canada with his wife Stacey. He became Pastor of Carrickfergus Baptist Church in 1996. Before coming joining our fellowship he worked with Feba Radio, (Far East Broadcasting Association) a Christian Radio Station broadcasting from Seychelles to countries around Africa, Asia and the Middle East and continues to broadcast on BBC Radio and Television and local radio. Enjoys: Hill-walking, sailing, golf, photography, rugby, reading and writing, good food, and practically everything except committee meetings! Intensely dislikes: Piped music in shops and restaurants!]]> Elders tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.3 2006-09-30T16:26:18Z 2006-10-13T11:38:11Z Currently we have two Elders working with the Pastor. Campbell Green Became a Christian in 1971 but for many years was only good Sunday Christian. Born and grew up in North Belfast. In 1978 married May and moved to live... Dermo

Campbell Green

Campbell GreenBecame a Christian in 1971 but for many years was only good Sunday Christian. Born and grew up in North Belfast. In 1978 married May and moved to live in Glengormley. Moved to Carrickfergus in 1979 and started attending local Baptist church. Have three children, two adult sons, Ken and Tim and a younger daughter, Heather. Baptised in Carrickfergus church and went on to become Sunday school teacher, youth fellowship leader and Campaigner leader. Enjoys Cooking, BBQ’s, eating and painting. Would like to enjoy travelling the world! Dislikes waiting for people and being late for anything.

Stanley Spray

Stanley was born in North Belfast in 1953 and became a Christian when he was 6 years old. He became an Elder in 2005. He worked for 33 years in the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. His first call was to the Oxford Street Bombing on "Bloody Friday" in 1972 and this was the first of many similar incidents he attended throughout "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. In 1974 he married Catherine and they lived and served God in Belfast for over 20 years. They then moved to Carrickfergus in 1995 and joined the Fellowship in Carrickfergus Baptist Church. Stanley is an active member of the Praise Team. He is also committed to Firefighters For Christ, a Worldwide organisation which strives to reach every serving Firefighter with the Gospel. Likes - He is an avid golfer and is a member of Carrickfergus Golf Club. He is also a member of the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade Golf Society. He played rugby for 30 years but is now only"fit" enough to watch! He likes listening to 70's Rock music and playing his guitar. Enjoys a good movie - favourite one "The Shawshank Redemption" Dislikes - Wet Saturdays (Guess why!), Brussells Sprouts
]]> Deacons tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.4 2006-09-30T16:36:59Z 2006-12-29T12:23:44Z Billy Craig I was born and brought up in North Belfast. I started dating Kathleen in January l962 and we both became Christians in October l962 under the ministry of the late Pastor William Mullen. I married Kathleen in August... Dermo

Billy Craig

I was born and brought up in North Belfast. Billy CraigI started dating Kathleen in January l962 and we both became Christians in October l962 under the ministry of the late Pastor William Mullen. I married Kathleen in August 1965 and have two daughters, Elizabeth and Amanda. Son-in-law Stephen and four grandchildren, Sarah, Mark, Paul and Jonathan. For twenty seven years we were members of Abbots Cross Congregational Church. Served as a Sunday school teacher in the Belfast City Mission for five years and then Superintendent for twenty years. In 1993 we moved to Carrickfergus and started attending the Baptist Church. I enjoyed attending the Monday meeting. In 1996 I became a Church member and have served the Lord in the Sunday school, Kidzone, Men’s Fellowship Committee and the UCB prayer line. I have been involved with the C.E.F. for forty years and am a committee member for the South East Antrim area. Employed in Musgrave Park Hospital as a Medical Technical Officer, Prosthetics/ Orthotics. Enjoy reading, walking, cycling, cricket, listening to classical music.

David Dickson

Details to follow

David MacDermott

David MacDermottDavid (also known as Dermo) was saved as a young boy, he lived his life as a “Sunday Christian” until the age of 17 when he was challenged about life as a lukewarm Christian and fully committed his life to the Lord. Born and raised in Carrickfergus by Christian parents, David has been coming to the Baptist since he was a small lad. He was baptised and became a member at the age of 18. Since then he counts himself as having been privileged to be involved in Campaigners, Sunday School and leading Praise. David has worked as an Accounts Clerk, Bank Worker, Camera Salesman and since finishing university as a mature student he has been working as a Web Designer, first in University of Ulster then the BBC and now he is working in the Model School for Girls Belfast. Enjoys: Football, music (playing and listening), cinema and anything related to computers. Dislikes: Reading and DIY

Denis Auld (Secretary)

Born and grew up in Belfast Fire Fighter for 18 years. Became a Christian in 1980. Married to Irene. Have 3 children, Catherine, Carolyn and Bethany. Strong Baptist grounding and beliefs, past member of Ballygomartin Baptist Church and became a member of Carrickfergus Baptist in 1996 upon moving to the town from Belfast. Has taught Sunday School for over 24 years as well as interests in Good News Clubs and other children’s work.

Jim Chambers

Jim became a Christian in 1972 at the age of 14 under the ministry of American evangelist Arthur Blessitt. In 1981 he married Dorothy and together they have five children between the ages of 23 and 17. He is presently employed as a security guard at a local Tesco store. Jim and Dorothy have both been members of Carrickfergus Baptist Church for approximately 20 years, where Jim presently serves as a deacon. In his spare time Jim is an avid reader and enjoys Bible study especially using the Inductive Bible study method. Recently he has completed the ‘Certificate in Christian Studies’ course taken by correspondence through St John’s College Nottingham. He also has a keen interest in the persecuted church and is currently the church representative for Christian Solidarity Worldwide an organisation that works on behalf of persecuted Christian around the world.

Karl Peoples

Karl PeoplesKarl became a christian in 1984 He was born in Carrickfergus Hospital (back when it was a hospital) and has lived in Carrickfergus since then. In 1993 he was married to Fiona and they have one daughter, Rachel, born in October 2005 Karl has been a Boys Brigade Officer,Youth Club Leader and been involved in Holiday Bible Clubs. He currently, aswell as his duties as a deacon, is still involved with Youth Club and is responsible for the powerpoint and other presentations during the Sunday Services. Karl works in Antrim and Fiona is a teacher in a local primary school. Enjoys: His family, reading, good food, very light fitness training and West Wing Dislikes: people parking in front of the fuel pumps on garage forecourts when not getting fuel!

Mark Thompson

Details to follow

Melvin McCoy (Treasurer)

Melvin was saved at the age of 17 which is more years ago now than he cares to count! Melvin McCoyHe was born in County Armagh, schooled in County Tyrone, lives in County Antrim, his Parents moved to County Down more than twenty years ago, he met a girl from Londonderry at college and for over a year she worked in County Fermanagh so he visited her there quite often. He feels he can therefore best be described as an Ulsterman. He married the Derry girl, Ruth in 1981 and moved to Carrickfergus in 1982. He has two Daughters, Karen who is studying Spanish at Queens University Belfast and Emma an A Level student at Carrickfergus Grammar School. West Highland White, Ben completes the Family. Melvin has attended Carrickfergus Baptist Church from the day he moved to Carrickfergus and was baptised by Pastor Derek Baxter and received into membership of the Church some time later. He was elected by the Church to the position of Deacon in 1999 and appointed as Treasurer at the very next Office bearer’s meeting. Coincidence? He remains Treasurer of the Church to date. His day job is as a member of HM Revenue and Customs in Belfast and his work involves considerable travel and interminable meetings. He wouldn’t change it though. Enjoys: Real Road Racing, Reading, Bob Dylan and all good music. Intensely Dislikes: List too long to mention but if he had to choose one it would be car drivers who speed past pedestrians in 30 mph zones putting another person’s life in danger.

Neville Smyth

Neville SmythNev became a Christian in 1982. Nev was born in Londonderry but only stayed there briefly. He grew up in Co. Down and moved from Newcastle to Carrickfergus six years ago. Nev married his wife Alison in 2000. He is a printer, working for the Dargan Press in Mallusk. Nev is also involved in Youth Fellowship and working the sound desk. Nev’s favourite things are Mountain biking, road biking, Wednesday night football, and listening to music.

Peter McIvor

Peter McIvorPeter was saved in 1959 He was born in Finaghy, Belfast and grew up in Ballyhackamore, East Belfast. Peter and Hazel were married in 1973 and have two sons. Andrew who is married to Mee Lan, and Matthew is engaged to Joanne. Peter and Hazel were members of Rathcoole Baptist Church before coming to Carrickfergus Church in 1995. They became members of Carrickfergus the following year. Peter is a member of the Evangelism Committee, cuts the grass(when it stops raining), is a volunteer on Prayerline and helps with the sound desk. He enjoys golf, fishing, anything to do with aircraft and travel. Dislikes bad drivers, especially on the way to church or in the mornings on the way to work.

Stephen Gordon

Stephen became a Christian in January 2002. He was born and grew up in Sydenham, Belfast. N.I. In 1982 he married Linda and moved to Dundonald, Co Down. Stephen and Linda have two children. Craig is 21 years old and is an apprentice electrician. Sarah is 17 years old and is studying for her A - Levels. Stephen became a deacon in Carrickfergus Baptist church in January 2006. Previously Stephen and Linda were involved in the Youth Club and Kidzone but are now working in the UCB Prayerline that utilises Carrickfergus Baptist Church fellowship hall taking calls for prayer from all over the UK and Ireland. Enjoys bowling, walking, reading, music, woman's clothes shopping (according to Linda) and DIY (Also according to Linda).
]]> History tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.5 2006-09-30T16:38:22Z 2006-10-13T11:57:54Z The earliest reference to a Baptist Church in the historic town of Carrickfergus was in the 1640's. It is believed that it was associated with troops garrisoned in the town at that time and disappeared with their removal at the... Dermo Inside the churchIn 1862 three prominent businessmen in the town took a courageous step of faith, which in those days could lead to isolation by the community, and were publicly baptised in the sea. Three others joined them to form the Carrickfergus Baptist Church. The first meetings were held in the Larmours School room but in 1864 a building was erected and the church called its first Pastor, Mr William Hamilton. His ministry was greatly blessed and in four years Church membership rose to forty-five. Pastor Hamilton served the church faithfully for 25 years until his death in 1889. Records show the tremendous relief work in which he engaged in the West of Ireland during the potato famine. Four pastors then served the church until 1905 during which time the church continued to grow. As Belfast flourished in the early 1900's, Carrickfergus, which in earlier days had been the major town in the area, declined both as a port and as a manufacturing centre. This led to a constant drain on members who had to move elsewhere to seek work. The formation of a church in Whitehouse, close to Belfast, resulted in the transfer of 20 members at the turn of the century. For 23 years the Church laboured on without a Pastor and membership continued to decline. The church forged a link with Clifton Park Church in Belfast and Pastor L.E. Deens shared his ministry with both churches. During this period and indeed until the 1950's the church was indebted to the Home Missions (Now Baptist Missions) for financial support. It is interesting to note that it was not until 1959 that electric lighting was installed. Up to that time the old town gas works had provided both heat and light. The 1950's saw the revival of Carrickfergus as an Industrial Centre and the opening of major factories connected with the textile industry brought hundreds of people to live in the Borough. This led to the development of major housing estates on the outskirts of the old town. With the influx of people the church once again flourished. The establishment of a children's work in the Sunnylands housing estate, led to the commencement of a second Sunday School in the area. In the 1960's the children's work was further developed by the introduction of the Campaigners our uniformed organisation. In 1964 a new hall was erected in Lancastarian Street to cater for this growing area of work. The Church continued to grow, and with a membership now of almost 100, the old building was proving inadequate. However, as it backed onto the ancient town walls it was impossible to develop further and so in 1979 the church moved to a new green-field site adjacent to the Sunnylands Housing Estate. Within just a few years the debts were cleared. The final chapter of our development was in 1991 when, with now almost 150 members, we built our new church halls within the church grounds. This has enabled the development of a flourishing Youth Club and Parent and Toddler group as well as the previously existing Children's Work. The church continues to thrive today as a modern, outward looking church with a strong missionary interest. The Lord has blessed our Fellowship over the years and we trust has made us a blessing to the people in Carrickfergus. We believe that it will only be in glory that we shall see the full effect of Christ's blessing upon us. ]]> Our Constitution tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.6 2006-09-30T16:44:20Z 2006-10-13T12:06:51Z The Scriptures The verbal inspiration and total inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally given by God; their sole-sufficiency and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. God One God in three... Dermo The Scriptures The verbal inspiration and total inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally given by God; their sole-sufficiency and final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

God

One God in three persons, the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal, sovereign, and active in creation, providence and redemption.

The Lord Jesus Christ

The essential deity and perfect humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the only mediator between God and men: His virgin birth, sinless life, and sacrificial death on the cross as the only substitute for sinners; His burial, bodily resurrection, and ascension to heaven; His high priestly ministry and personal return.

The Holy Spirit

The work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating the sinner and indwelling, sanctifying and empowering the believer.

The Devil

The personality of the devil: his evil activity and final doom.

Man

The creation of man in the image of God: the entrance of sin through Adam's disobedience; the fallen and totally depraved state of all men; their subjection to God's wrath and condemnation; their responsibility to repent and believe the Gospel.

Justification

The justification of the sinner by God's grace through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ; the eternal security of the believer.

The Church

The local church as a company of baptised believers gathered under the headship of Christ for worship, fellowship, instruction and evangelism; the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper; baptism being the immersion of believers on profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a symbol of their identification with Him in His death, burial and resurrection.; The Lord's supper being a remembrance of Christ until He comes and a renewal of commitment to Him; the offices of elder and deacon; the gift of evangelist and pastor-teacher; the priesthood of all believers and their unity in the Body of Christ; the separation of church and state.

The Future State

The unconditional immortality of the soul; the resurrection of the body; the eternal joy in heaven of the believer; the conscious eternal punishment in hell of those who die impenitent.

Christian Behaviour

The responsibility of all believers to obey and serve the Lord and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives; the duty of each church to exercise godly discipline in a loving and caring fashion.]]> Irish Baptist tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.7 2006-09-30T16:52:27Z 2006-11-28T10:36:41Z Background It is estimated that over 30 million people are members of Baptist churches around the world. When we add to that the many people who attend regularly but are not in membership, the number is usually put at between... Dermo Background It is estimated that over 30 million people are members of Baptist churches around the world. When we add to that the many people who attend regularly but are not in membership, the number is usually put at between 60 - 70 million. So who are these people and how did they originate? Baptists everywhere can trace their historical roots back to 17th century England. They argued that the mainstream of the Reformation had stopped short of a full return to the practises of the New Testament church. The early Baptists attempted to take the matter further than the Reformers and in attempting to do so departed from the Protestant churches on a numbers of important points. It is these practises and beliefs that give Baptists their distinctive nature. There are currently 110 Baptist Churches within the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland, with a total membership of around 8,400 baptised believers. www.baptistsinireland.org

The Authority of Scripture

In most aspects of life there are rules and guidelines. The church also has a pattern from which to work. For some it is the Bible plus the tradition of the church, others believe in following some inner guiding light. Baptists reject both of these and state that the final authority is to be found in Scripture alone. How do they come to this conclusion? On the basis of the Scriptures alone. 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Baptists teach that not only their churches, but also their lives are regulated by the Bible. It is their ultimate rule of faith and practice.

The Headship of Christ Over the Church

In keeping with other Christian denominations Irish Baptists believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. They acknowledge that no system of church government is enough, and that the whole church must bow to the supreme authority of Christ. This means that no one man, or group of people has overall authority of the churches. The church belongs to Christ alone. He is its Head and the church even with its imperfections is the body on earth. Ephesians 4:15
"Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

The Gathered Nature of the Church

In addressing this question we come right to the heart of the dispute between the early Baptists and the Reformers. The question still continues today. Who or what is the church? When you think of the word 'church' what springs to mind? Is it a building or is it any group of people who meet in a building for worship or to take part in "church" activities. Or is it something greater than any of these? Baptists speak of the 'gathered church'. This means that the church does not consist of buildings, organisations or other man made structures. The church consists of people who have been called apart by God, have His Holy Spirit within them and are 'gathered together' to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Naturally it follows that a person cannot be born into or become a church member by baptism or by reason of the place where he was born. Throughout history 'the gathered church' have met in various places such as homes, barns and on occasions, outdoors. In a word the church is people not buildings or organisations. Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Acts 2:47
"And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

The Priesthood of All Believers

Baptists do not draw a distinction between "Clergy" and "Laity". This means that there is not the division of roles that may often be seen in other denominations between the minister and the congregation. A Baptist pastor is one among equals and can best be regarded as a "teaching elder". As a result you will often find other members of Baptist congregations leading the service including preaching, praying and leading at the Lord's Table. 1 Peter 2:9
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Revelation 1:5-6
"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."

The Baptised Memebership of the Chruch

Baptists do not baptise infants. Baptism by immersion in water is only given to those who declare themselves to be born again believers in the Lord Jesus. Baptists emphasise that Baptism does not confer salvation. For them baptism is a public declaration of their inward faith in and commitment to Christ and publicly identifies them with the His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is a condition of membership of Baptist Churches. Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper or Communion service is celebrated each Sunday in Baptist churches usually on Sunday morning. In many Baptist churches all believers, whether members of the church or visitors, are welcome to join in the Lord's supper. The only condition is that they are born again believers and are seeking to live a Christian life. In taking part in this act, they remember the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross and celebrate their unity in Christ. Matthew 26:26-28
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
"The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
]]> Carrickfergus tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.8 2006-09-30T17:00:51Z 2006-10-13T12:14:57Z (Irish: Carraig Fhearghasa "The Rock of Fergus") The importance of Carrickfergus was due largely to the natural geography of the area. Access to the rest of Co. Antrim is restricted by hills and until the 17th Century the main inland... Dermo (Irish: Carraig Fhearghasa "The Rock of Fergus") The importance of Carrickfergus was due largely to the natural geography of the area. Access to the rest of Co. Antrim is restricted by hills and until the 17th Century the main inland route was blocked by deep forest, so Belfast, the present Capital of Northern Ireland was of little significance. Carrickfergus became the centre of events. The town derives it's name from the legend that Fergus, the king of Scotland drowned when his boat struck a long rock extending into what is known now as Belfast Lough. Carrickfergus Castle It was on this same rock, in the year 1178, that John de Courcy began to build the castle which still dominates the town today. In fact Carrickfergus Castle remained in continuous military use for 750 years until it became the property of the Ministry of Finance in 1928. During that time both the castle and the walled town which grew up around it have witnessed war and bloodshed, siege and famine, treachery and murder as many of the major figures of history, passed through. Carickfergus CannonKing John, Hugh de Lacy, Robert the Bruce, William de Burgh all fought over it. Brian McPheliem O'Neill burned much of the town on 2nd June 1573. Sir Francis Drake operated out of the castle and harbour, slaughtering 600 Scots on Rathlin Island in 1575. In retaliation Sorley Boy MacDonnell attacked and ravaged the town. The town wall was ordered and partially completed in 1579. In the same year the Governor of the town, Sir John Chichester was shot through the head near Ballycarry in a dispute with MacDonnell of the Glens over cattle rustling. Conn O'Neill escaped from the dungeon in the castle in 1603 by means of ropes concealed in a cheese sent to him by his wife! Town WallBy 1615 Sir Arthur Chichester, the new Governor, had completed the town wall, parts of which still stand today. The Plantation of Antrim and Down and the rest of Ulster began in this period and Presbyterianism became established. The Rev John Hubbard arrived in 1621 with a small congregation from Southwark in London, fleeing persecution. This became the foundation of North Street Presbyterian Church. With the succession of Charles I to the throne of England and his attempt to impose High Church conformity on all Protestants, a new period of conflict in Carrick was set in motion. The English Civil war began in 1642 and as a result of the flow of events, the Scottish soldiers and civilians here were seen as a threat to the Parliamentarians. Eventually Oliver Cromwell arrived on Irish soil in 1649 and laid siege to Carrickfergus on 2nd November. The Royalists surrendered and were allowed to march out of the town on 13th December the same year. Irish QuaterAs a result of fears fed by rumours of a "papish plot" all members of the Roman Catholic faith were required to move outside the walls of all the cities and fortified centres in Ireland. From this grew the area in the west of the town known as the "Irish Quarter". On the 14th June 1690 King William of Orange stepped ashore at Carrickfergus and set off through the town, "…where almost numberless crowds received him with continued shouts of acclamation…" and headed towards Belfast and the Boyne, the scene of his famous battle. On 31st March the last witchcraft trial in Ireland took place at Carrickfergus. The eight accused women were found guilty and sentenced , "To be imprisoned twelve months, and to stand four time in the pillory in Carrickfergus." By this period the castle had fallen into some disrepair and was used mainly for housing French prisoners during Britain's Seven Years War with France. In February 1760 French forces, numbering about 800, sailed into the town, overwhelmed the garrison and managed to break through the gate of the castle. They were repelled at bayonet point, but a breach in the castle wall allowed the French to capture the castle and release their prisoners. Before leaving they burnt the town. They were intercepted by Royal Naval ships and sunk. In 1778, the American Privateer, Paul Jones, in his ship Ranger engaged HMS Drake off Carrickfergus. The Drake surrendered, victory going to the first ship to fly the Stars and Stripes. During the late eighteenth century there was considerable support in the Carrickfergus area for the United Irishmen, many Presbyterian ministers joining their ranks. William Orr, the United Irishman was tried in 1797 and subsequently hanged. Such are the convolutions of Irish politics that the first Orange Procession in the town took place on 12th July 1823. Victoria and AlbertThe town continued to expand during the nineteenth century, loyalty to the Crown being reflected in the naming of the new streets being built. Queen St., Unity St., Victoria St. and Albert Road were all build during this period. The railway line to Whitehouse opened in 1846 and to Larne in 1862. The town's own gas works opened in 1855 and was followed by street lighting. 1896 saw the demolition of the town gaol. During the 20th Century the town saw a new level of prosperity with numerous industries moving into the town. The Marine Highway was built in the 1960's. Andrew Jackson's HomeThe parents of American President Andrew Jackson, were born in a small thatched cottage at Bonnybefore on the outskirts of the town. Dean Swift, the author of "Gulliver's Travels", lived at Kilroot, a couple of miles outside the town and during his ministry there wrote his, "Tale of a Tub." Another link from Carrickfergus to the US can be found in the US Rangers. Formed in 1942 from volunteers drawn from American Army Units based in Northern Ireland. Their induction and initial training took place at Sunnylands Camp in Carrickfergus in June of that year. The US rangers eventually left our shores to spearhead Allied invasions and battles that changed the face of history. Their early days in Carrickfergus are commemorated in the US Rangers Centre in the gardens of the Andrew Jackson homestead in Bonnybefore. More information may be obtained from Carrickfergus Council website. Northern Ireland Tourist Board website ]]> Where are we tag:www.carrickfergusbaptist.com,2006:/about_us//1.9 2006-09-30T17:40:52Z 2006-10-13T12:16:37Z Carrickfergus Baptist is sited at Northlands, off the North Road, in the town of Carrickfergus approximately 12 miles from Belfast and Larne, the two major ports in Northern Ireland. Traveling from Belfast Upon entering Carrickfergus from the coast road turn... Dermo Carrickfergus BaptistCarrickfergus Baptist is sited at Northlands, off the North Road, in the town of Carrickfergus approximately 12 miles from Belfast and Larne, the two major ports in Northern Ireland. Traveling from Belfast Upon entering Carrickfergus from the coast road turn left at the roundabout immediately preceeding the Castle, this is situated beside the Co-Op store. Travel up this road (North Road) for approximately 1.2 miles. On the left hand side of the road you will find a road named 'Northland' and there are 2 Churches at the junction. The Elim Church is at the corner of this road facing onto the North Road and our Church is just beside it. If coming from Belfast/Greenisland direction turn right at North Road and travel down the hill for approximately 3/4 mile and turn into Northland which will be on your right. Travelling from Larne Drive past Carrickfergus Castle and turn right at the roundabout immediately after it, this is situated beside the Co-Op store. Travel up this road (North Road) for approximately 1.2 miles. On the left hand side of the road you will find a road named 'Northland' and there are 2 Churches at the junction. The Elim Church is at the corner of this road facing onto the North Road and our Church is just beside it. View on Google Maps]]>