Churches Together ‘walking’ carol service in Bushmills

The event began in Dunluce Presbyterian Church where a warm welcome was given by Rev Alan Buick.

After readings from scriptures and two carols - O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Love Came Down at Christmas - the group left and made its way to St Mary’s Catholic Church.

Rev Fr Rory Sheehan welcomed the group to the church where there was standing room only - a testament to the increasing popularity and success of the event which began six years ago.

After a reading from Isaiah and two more carols - In the Bleak Midwinter and O Little Town of Bethlehem - it was onwards to Bushmills Presbyterian Church where Rev Philip Wilson welcomed the carol singers.

Rev Wilson also commented on how delighted he was to see the crowd each year growing in size.

After a reading from Luke’s Gospel and two more carols - Once in Royal David’s City and Away in a Manager - it was off to the final meeting point of the evening, St John the Baptist Parish Church.

Canon George Graham welcomed the group who had enjoyed a very mild evening for their journey around the four churches.

Following a reading from Matthew and two final carols - Still the Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Canon Graham lead the group in the final blessing before inviting everyone to the parish hall for refreshments.

The members of the Causeway Coast Peace Group provided warming soup and wheaten bread followed by festive mince pies and cream.