Agherton Parish

Agherton Parish Welcome to Agherton Parish page, Connor Diocese, Church of Ireland. In 2016 the church building celebrated 175 years since its dedication. Rev. J.E.

The parish of Agherton is situated in Portstewart, a seaside town on the North coast (present population 13,000+). The Church is dedicated to St John the Baptist and was consecrated for worship in 1841. The bells in the Tower were installed as a memorial to parishioners who died in the Great War (1914-18). Before that time only a single bell existed in the Tower. The Foundation Stone for the prese

nt Parish Centre was laid on 13th October 1962 by Canon E.G. Dixon, a former rector who had served the parish for thirty years until 1960. The Centre was opened officially on 11th January 1964 by the then Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Captain Terence O'Neill. In 1998 a newly-renovated and extended building was dedicated by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt. Moore. Agherton of old...

The old parish of Agherton in the County of Londonderry occupied the whole of the promontory between the river Bann and the Atlantic ocean comprising, according to an Ordinance survey, 8896 statute acres and 38 townlands. The name 'Agherton' (or properly 'Bally O'Hatheran') was given to it by a family of the name of Ohatheran who owned this district long before the Conquest of Ireland and after it. The original parish church, on the leading road from Portstewart to Coleraine, was listed in a nationwide ecclesiastical taxation book as the "Church of O'Hatheran". While some historians suggest that the church was built by a family of the O'Neills (a branch of the Shane's Castle family) who resided a long time here, it is more likely that it was one of the churches founded by St. Patrick. In the sixteenth century the O'Neills put a new roof on the Church. It was unroofed by a great storm early in the eighteenth century, and was roofed again by Felix O'Neill, Land Steward of Shane's Castle, who dwelt beside it in Flowerfield House in 1740. The oldest tombstone within the Church's graveyard is dated 1713. When Agherton's parishioners decided to build a new church it was sited across the road from the older building, and was consecrated on 25 April 1827. The roof was taken off the old church and sold, and it has remained roofless ever since. The new Agherton Parish Church remained in its original location for only 12 years, after which it was taken down stone by stone and removed by the parishioners, to be rebuilt in its present situation in the centre of what was then the expanding fishing village of Portstewart. It was opened for worship on 18th December 1839 and dedicated on 15th July 1841.

REBEKAH FERRY INVITES YOU TO A SPECIAL THANK YOU JOG/WALK ON PORTSTEWART STRAND.Rebekah will be home from London for the...
16/04/2026

REBEKAH FERRY INVITES YOU TO A SPECIAL THANK YOU JOG/WALK ON PORTSTEWART STRAND.

Rebekah will be home from London for the weekend, and is inviting friends, family and the wider community to join her for a special jog/walk on Portstewart Strand on Sunday 19th April @ 2pm, as she prepares for the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April, which she will be running in aid of Parkinson’s UK.
The event holds deep personal meaning for Rebekah. Holding it on Portstewart Strand which is one of her favourite places to run, feels especially fitting. She is dedicating it to her mother, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease since Rebekah was just five years old.
“This run means so much to me,” said Rebekah. “ My Mum has lived with Parkinson’s for most of my life, and seeing her strength and determination has been a huge inspiration. Running the London Marathon for Parkinson’s UK is my way of giving something back, and the Portstewart jog/walk is a chance to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Rebekah is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to come along whether to jog, walk, or simply enjoy a gentle stroll along the strand. The event is designed to be relaxed, welcoming, and inclusive, offering a chance for the community to come together in support of a cause close to her heart. “ I would love to see as many people as possible join me,” she added. “ Your support, encouragement and generosity have kept me going throughout my training, and this is my way of saying thank you before race day.”
Rebekah hopes to raise vital funds and awareness for Parkinson’s UK, helping to support those living with the condition and fund research into better treatments and , ultimately, a cure.
DATE: SUNDAY 19TH APRIL @ 2pm
LOCATION: PORTSTEWART STRAND.
Everyone is welcome to attend and show their support for Rebekah as she prepares for the London Marathon.
If you would like to donate to Parkinson's UK please scan the QR Code below for details

The office will be closed for holidays until Monday 20th April.
10/04/2026

The office will be closed for holidays until Monday 20th April.

The office will be closed on Easter Monday and Tuesday. In the case of a pastoral emergency please call 028 7083 2538.
03/04/2026

The office will be closed on Easter Monday and Tuesday. In the case of a pastoral emergency please call 028 7083 2538.

Join the Churches Friendship Group for the Walk of Witness on Good Friday at 11am. Starting at Harbour Hill, Portstewart...
30/03/2026

Join the Churches Friendship Group for the Walk of Witness on Good Friday at 11am. Starting at Harbour Hill, Portstewart.

Here's a guide to all our activities in Agherton from 16th-22nd February.
13/02/2026

Here's a guide to all our activities in Agherton from 16th-22nd February.

Here’s your weekly guide to all our activities in Agherton from 9th-15th February.
06/02/2026

Here’s your weekly guide to all our activities in Agherton from 9th-15th February.

📣 Special Service – Pioneer Ministry 📣Naomi Jennings will be commissioned as a Pioneer Minister during a special service...
27/01/2026

📣 Special Service – Pioneer Ministry 📣

Naomi Jennings will be commissioned as a Pioneer Minister during a special service in Agherton Parish Church.

Pioneer Ministry focuses on connecting with people who have little or no connection to church, exploring new ways of sharing faith, and building relationships within the wider community.

📅 Sunday 1st February
⏰ 11.00am

Everyone is very welcome to join us for this important and joyful occasion.

Naomi Jennings will be commissioned as a Pioneer Minister in a service in Agherton Parish Church at 11am on Sunday February 1.
Pioneer Ministry - Church of Ireland

🥞 Annual Pancake Party 🥞Our annual pancake party was a huge success last year, so we’re doing it all again!Come along fo...
27/01/2026

🥞 Annual Pancake Party 🥞

Our annual pancake party was a huge success last year, so we’re doing it all again!
Come along for homemade pancakes with lots of delicious toppings 😋

This family-focused event is organised by Naomi, our Family Wellbeing Coordinator, and is a lovely way for families to come together to mark the start of Lent.

📅 Tuesday 17th February
⏰ 5.00pm
📍 Agherton Parish Centre

Everyone is very welcome to join us, come along and bring a friend!

🧠✨DON'T FORGET Family Quiz Night! ✨🧠Get your thinking caps on and join us for a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughs, an...
12/01/2026

🧠✨DON'T FORGET Family Quiz Night! ✨🧠
Get your thinking caps on and join us for a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughs, and friendly competition!
📅 Friday 30th January
🕢 7.30pm
📍 Agherton Parish Centre
💷 £3 per person | School children FREE
Come along with family and friends and support Agherton Parish Church — everyone welcome!

📌 Office ClosedOur parish office is now closed and will reopen on Monday 5th January at 9:00am.📞 For pastoral emergencie...
22/12/2025

📌 Office Closed

Our parish office is now closed and will reopen on Monday 5th January at 9:00am.

📞 For pastoral emergencies, please contact:
028 7083 2538

Thank you, and we wish you a peaceful and blessed Christmas and New Year.

Address

19 Church Street
Portstewart
BT557AH

Telephone

+442870833277

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