History of Bloomfield Methodist Church

Like many cities in the post war years, Belfast experienced a growth in its population with a subsequent expansion of urban housing. In East Belfast, Orangefield was one area of growth. Although there were existing Methodist churches in Mountpottinger, Cregagh and Knock, there was an identified need to meet the spiritual requirements of the new population in Orangefield. The leaders of Mountpottinger Methodist, one of the Senior Circuit Churches, recommended that a suitable site be found for just such a venture. This was one of the first church plantings in the expanding post war Belfast. The site chosen was the location of a wartime barrage balloon site, part of the defences of the city, docks and shipyard. When the opportunity arose a couple of large Nissan Huts (extremely popular ex-army temporary type buildings from the war era) were bought and placed on the site at the top of Grand Parade. This new church, Bloomfield Methodist, was dedicated for worship on Saturday 4th September 1948. Almost immediately fund raising began towards a purpose built worship centre and the present sanctuary was dedicated and opened on the 4th June 1955. At that time the Minister was Rev. Samuel Blair (1948-1953).

Examples of early Nissen Hut and the type of interior decoration possible for use in a worship setting for church purposes. (N.B. photos are not of the BMC huts).

On Saturday 11th September 1954 at 3 pm, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the new Church building took place. On Saturday 4th June 1955 at 3 pm, Mrs W. J Copeland performed the formal opening, and the Rev. Ernest Shaw, the then President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, conducted the Dedication Service. The 50th Anniversary of the opening was held on Sunday 6th September 1998, with the guest preacher being the President, the Rev. David J. Kerr. Then, a further 50th Anniversary and Re-dedication Serviceof the current building took place on Saturday 4th June 2005. The special speaker was the President, the Rev. Dr. Brian Fletcher.The year 2008 will mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of the church and of the founding of the 71st Northern Ireland Girls’ Brigade Company which is based in this church. Over the years, 9 ministers have served the cause in Bloomfield, with the present incumbent being the Rev. Colin J. Duncan.

Waiting for the opening of the new Church.	Mrs. W. J. Copeland laying one of the Foundation Stones. Rev. Samuel Blair & Mr. R. M. Sayers (right)
First Harvest Service c 1948-9	Opening Ceremony 4th June 1955. From left: Revs. Ritchie, Spence, Mr. Ostick (Architect), Mr Sayers, Mrs Copeland, Rev Shaw (Pres).
Choir & Congregation at opening service	The President (Rev. David Kerr) signs a copy of the Anniversary Book. Also present (L-R) Mr. R Crabbe, Mrs E. Kerr, Rev. J. Moore.
50th Anniversary Celebrations at Opening Service.
The church building in 2005	Mr. Bertie McShane presents the original Trowel & Key to the President. L-R - Rev Colin Duncan, Mrs Ida Gallagher, Mrs Priscilla Davidson, Rev. Ivan McElhinney.

With grateful thanks to (the late) Raymond Crabbe for photos and information as well as Rev. Duncan.