Thriving church set to open second extension

Dromore’s thriving Elim Pentecostal Church will soon officially open premises newly extended for the second time in its 27-year history at Bridge Street in town.

Irish Superintendent, Edwin Michael, and other members of the Irish Leadership team will conduct the 11am ceremony on Sunday, May 3.

The present pastor, Paul Eagleson, who has been at the church for nearly three years, described the imminent opening as a momentous occasion.

“We are excited,” he said, “to see what God is going to do in Dromore and look forward to the day when even this new building will not be able to contain the number of people worshipping God.”

Dromore Elim was established in 1987 as part of a pioneer project by Hillsborough Elim Church.

Led by Pastor Noel Mills, the church grew from an initial House Group of some 18 adults to a point where premises were purchased at the present location on Bridge Street.

The building was officially opening on April 16, 1988, when activities at the church included a playgroup, coffee shop and children’s/youth meetings.

After a decade of alternating decline and growth the church had to extend again in 1999, when a new worship centre was built at the rear of the existing premises.

Opened in October 2000, it too was to prove insufficient to hold a growing congregation and the leadership team turned to exporing the possibility of a fresh extension, purchasing vacant land adjacent to the church and drawing up plans for the new worship centre soon to be officially opened, thereby enabling Dromore Elim to comfortably accommodate almost 200 people.

A spokesperson said: “Today, the church boasts a number of ministries geared towards impacting and interacting with the community.

“These include a Friday night coffee shop for all ages, seniors’ meetings, carers’ meetings, After Schools Hub for P4-7 ages, afternoon drop-in and 3:6teen club for older youth.

“It also boasts a thriving care shop in Bridge Street, with one of its aims to support the work of Elim Missions in Africa.”

The church intends its additional space to to facilitate not just regular Sunday meetings but other events where people can explore what it means to follow Christ. “We have always been known as a church that reaches out into the community and we want that to continue,” said Mr Eagleson. “We want to simply show God’s Love and carry His message to those who are seeking more in life.”

Details of service times and other activities can be found on the church website - dromoreelim.org - or by contacting the office 028 9269 8759.

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