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The Parish of Drumcree is situated on the northern side of Portadown. Drumcree which means "ridge of the branch" (or a leafy tree) may well have been a centre for Druid worship in days
of old. The Culdees of Armagh had responsibility for Drumcree in the 6th century.
Most of the history throughout the Early Church times, the Middle Ages and the Reformation period is
sketchy. The parish was formed out of sixty-six townlands in 1110 when parishes were formed in the Irish Church. It is known that there was a church in ruins in 1609. But shortly after that a church was
built which seated five hundred people. A tower was added in 1812. |
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Thirteen townlands were separated in 1824 to form the Parish of Portadown and in 1867 five more townlands were given to help form the Parish of the Diamond.
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foundation stone of the present church was laid on Ascension Day 17 May 1855, hence the dedication "The Church of the Ascension". The church, which stands on the site of all the
previous churches, was consecrated on 28 October 1856. The pipe organ was installed in 1907, the chancel floor was laid in 1955 and the church was re-slated, re-pointed and flood-lit in 1992. |
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Drumcree church has become well known since 1995 because of protests that were held near it. The members of the Orange Order, objected to being prevented from parading along their
traditional route, in certain years, after their annual attendance at a Sunday morning service early in July. |
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THE MESSAGE DECLARED
God has planned the fulness of life for everybody. However because of disobedience which is sin, people are separated from God and are due to be
punished. But the Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross to save sinners from suffering for their sins and to give them life. And it remains for all people to make the response of repentance
for sin and faith in Christ as Saviour and risen living Lord. "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him".
Revelation 3 v 20. |
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THE BASIS OF FAITH
At Drumcree the gospel declared is Primitive in origin, having been handed down from the time of Christ, Apostolic, being based on the
Apostles' Creed, Patrician as preached by St. Patrick, Catholic by upholding the truth for everyone, Reformed by being free from error, Protestant by witnessing to salvation through faith in Christ alone and
Evangelical in stressing the Holy Scriptures as the Rule of Faith.
This gospel declared is according to the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion of the Church of
Ireland. "By grace are you saved through faith"
Ephesians 2 v 8.
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