Armagh Branch.
An initial meeting of those interested in starting a Branch in Armagh met on l0th October 1983 with Edward Cox, who presented slides of the work in Ulster. George Adair and Desmond O'Neill also attended, there were eight people from the area.
At the next meeting, the venue for the first public meeting was discussed. It was felt that the Community Centre in Dobbin Street would be most suitable. The Council were approached but turned down the request as a decision had been taken that the premises would not be used for political or religious meetings.
It was suggested that we write to the Council, the evening was spent in prayer, and a letter sent to the Council.
The Lord answered our prayers and the date of the first public meeting was set for 17th December 1983.
Mr Noel Speers was the speaker and there was a good attendance.
Some further details are:
I. Around 50 members attend the rallies.
There are 11 helpers and they give liberally to the Branch at each meeting.
2. Meetings are held from September to May.
3. About four years ago we were advised that the bus was being withdrawn from November, we prayed about the situation and wrote to the Transport Department, and as a result the service was restored and remains up to now.
4. Annual Outing on the 1st Saturday in June.
5. For ten years now the high-light of our programme has been the annual holiday to the D.C.F.I. Holiday Home in King Street, Newcastle.
6. Thanks to all who have been faithful over the years, and pray that God will send us new members and helpers.
God has blessed us over the years, souls have been saved, others encouraged with the ministry and singing of people from all over Northern Ireland.
Armagh Branch meets at the Armagh Community Centre, Dobbin Street. Second Saturday in the month at 2.30 pm.
Contact Secretary Mr B. Hadden. (028) 3887 1131.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
There are quite a number of those who attended the first Committee meetings still with us.
They are: Janice Allen, Margaret Christie, Audrey Dunlop, Barbara Hawe, Marion Sterritt and Bert Hadden.
(Bert Hadden - Armagh Branch Secretary)