All Sainv Parish Church Antrim Annual report and finanoal statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Charities Number.. NIC101049 All Saints, Parfsh Church Antrim Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 DetÈmber 2024 Content5 Pages References and administrative details Trustees, Annual Report 4-16 Independent examinerfs report to theTrustees 17 Statement of financial activities 18 Statement of financial position/Balance sheet 19 Notes to the financial statements 20-29 All Saints. Parish Church Antrim References and administrative detsils Charity Name-. All Saints, Parish Church Antrim Charity Registration Number: NIC101049 Contact Address: All Saints. Parish Centre Railway Street Antrim 8T414AE Trustees Trustees from 01411-2024- 31-12-2024 The Ven.Dr S.R. McBride. Sylvia Barton, Cecil Barton. Rev Peter Blake, Brian Neill. Rev Claire Thompson, JacquelineAdams, William Hurst, Stephen Kelly,John Mcmaster, Paul Smyth. DavidTate, Cynthia Cherry, Wendy Smyth. Colin Brooks, Sheila Thompson, Brian Ford, Irene Gates, John Wallace, David Mcclean and Carol Moore. Trvstees a rovin this re ort The Ven.Dr S.R. McBride, Sylvia Barton, Cecil Barton, Rev Peter Blake, Brian Neill, Rev Claire Thompson, Jacquellne Adams, William Hurst, Stephen Kelly, John Mcmaster, Paul Smyih, Oavid Tate, Cynthia Cherry, Wendv Smyth, Colin Brooks, Sheila Thompson, Brian Ford. Irene Gatesjohn Wallace, David Mcclean and Carol Moore. Principal Office-bearers Vicar: Pastoral Administrator: Curate Assistant: Hon Treasurer: Hon Secretary= Vicar's Church Warden: People's Church Warden: Ven. Dr S.R. McBride Rev P Blake Rev Claire Thompson Mr Brian Neill Mrs Irene Gates Miss Carol Moore Mr David Mcclean Independent Examiner lan Johnston {A.F.A.} For and on behalf of Stevenson and Wilson Chartered Accountants 22 - 30 Broadway Avenue Ballymena BT43 7AA Bankers Ulster Bank 49 Wellington Street Ballymena BT43 6AD All saints. Parish Church Antrim Trusteeg Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 The trustees present the annual report and accounts for All Saints. Parish Church Antrim for the year ended 31 December 2024. All Saints, Parish Church, Antrim, is situated in the heart of Antrim town, and the Parish Centre is one minute's walk away in Railway Street. Correspondence can be addressed to: The Vicar, Ven. Dr. S. R. McBride The Wicarage 10 Vicarage Gardens ANTRIM. BT414JP Matters of a financial nature can be addressed to: Mrs. Brian Neill clo All Saint5, Parish Centre 18 Railway Street ANTRIM, BT414AE Pur The princlpal funrtion of the Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting through the work of the Parish the whole rnission of the Church, pastoral, social and ecumenical. All the function5 of the Parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship and communicating with and caring for parishioners of all ages especially the sick and elderly and others in our community. Additionally. the Parlsh is entrusted with the care of numerous historical items, and the maintenance of these assets, along with the preservation of the various buildings. constitutes a secondary charitable purpose. All properties and valuable items are fully insured and undergo regular revaluation. Govemance Structure and Mana ement Governanee The principal document forthe Eovernance of Antrim Parish is Chapter111 of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland, which governs Parishes and Parochial Organisation. Diocesan Regulations are also issued periodically, and these interpret some aspects of the Constitution where that responsibility has been delegated by the General Synod to Diocesan Councils and Synods. The other major factor in parish governance is civil lawl particularly Health and Safety, Child Protection le8islation. Safeguarding Trust regulations, and Employment and Management procedures for lay staff. For example, as children and youn8 adults are important in our Charity. we carry out the necessary check5 on all youth leaders and we are fully compliant with the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust. A dedicated Health and Safety team oversees the compliance of all Parish Centre users with the established Conditions of Use. ensurin8 Strict adherence to Fire Evacuation procedures and the completion of necessary Risk Assessments. Regular Fire Evacuation drills are conducted for both the Church and Parish Centre, with prO￿dural update5 implemented whenever recomrnendations for improvements are made. All Sainw Parish Church Antrim Trusteeg Annual Report for the year ended 31 DÈcember 2024 (continued) Structure All members ofthe Church of Ireland who are overthe age of 18. and are either resident within the parish or live elsewhere but have been accustomed members of the congregation for at least three months. may register as members ofthe General Vestry of the parish- this allows them to attend 2nd vote at meetings of the General Vestry and to stand for elertion to the Selert Vestry. Meetings of the General Vestry are held at least once a year, and at the Annual General Vestry meeting. held at Eastertime. the Select Vestry members are elected. The Select Vestry hold their positions for a period of one year. Select Vestry members may be reolerted annually. and there is no limit to the number of terms that they may serve. The members of the Selert Vestry make up the Charity Trustees. Trustees: Chair: The Ven. Dr. S. R. McBride Stephen Kelly David Mcclean John Mcmaster Carol Moore Brian Neill Paul Smyth Wendy Srnyth David Tate Rev Claire Thompson Sheila Thompson John Wallate Jacqueline Adams Cecil Barton Sylvia Barton Rev Peter Blake Colin Brooks Cynthia Cherry Brian Ford Irene Gates Willaim Hurst Mana ement The Select Vestry meets regularly at times fixed by the members, with the Vicar or the Rev Blake in the Chair. Ad hoc meetings may be called by the Vicar when necessary. The primary responsibility of the Select Vestry is to ensure the ministry and witness of the Parish is maintained, developed, and safeguarded both legally and financially. The Vestry IS specifically tasked with overseeing the administration of the Parish finances as well as the maintenance and care of the buildings, both internally and externally ("Finance, Fabric and Furnishin85"1. Additionally, the Selert Vestry acts as the legal employer for all lay staff and holds responsibility for Health and Safety, insurance and the care of the Parish's assets. The Selett Vestry may delegate responsibility for aspects of its work to persons or to sub-committees, who report back to the Select Vestry. The Finances are managed bythe Honorary Treasurer, Mr Brian Neill, who reports back to the other Trustees at Vestry meetings monthly or in-between if necessary. The Trustee5 are updated with the financial situation at each meeting. The security and safeguardin8 of all financial resources are paramount to the Trustees, with all money being counted under dual control. The Church of Ireland organises 5-yearly inspections of its buildings which are carried out by a qualified architect or conseNation specialist with a qualification in historic buildings conservation. Parishe5 are supplied with a Quinquennial In5pertion Report which may contain recommendations for repairs. As a parish we are diligent in our compliance to carry out the recommended repairs. In recent years. following receipt of our Quinquennial Reports from the Diocesan Surveyor. Chris Mccollum, we have undertaken improvements such as the erection of external safety railings, internal balustrading in the church gallery and improvements in the vicarage. All Saints, Parish Church Antrim Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 {continued) In view of all the various or8anisations that utili5e the Parish Centre (see Public Benefit sertion}. and events such as funeral teas. a catering team has been formed. All team members hold HABC Level 2 in Food Safety in Caterin& which is regularly updated. The local Council conducts regular inspections. and the Parish Centre currently holds a rating of 5. Principal Office-bearers Wicar: Pastoral Administrator: Curate Assistant: Hon Treasurer: Hon Secretary.. Vicar's Church Warden: People's Church Warden: Ven. Dr S.R. McBride Rev P Blake Rev Claire Thompson Mr Brian Neill Mrs Irene Gates Miss Carol Moore Mr David Mcclean Independent Examiner lan Johnston (A.F.A.} For and on behalf of Stevenson & Wilson. Chartered Accountants 22130, Broadway Avenue Ballyrnena. BT43 7AA Bankers Ulster Bank 49 Wellington Street Ballymena BT43 6AD Finance Income Our income from parishioners and visitors remained at encouraging levels. The Freewill Offering lincluding Gift Aid} totalled £136,67612023: £137,050). and Fabric Fund (including Gift Aid} came to £20,114 (2023: £23,121 included a one-off donation of £4.000). Loose donations on the collertion plate at the Sunday and Wednesdav Services came to a total of £2,291 (2023: £2,647). The parishioners continue to donate 20p coin5 in °Smartietube5° and the proceeds contribute to our annual donation to CMSI. which helps fund students trainin8 to be chur¢h ministers atthe Kitwe Theological seminary. In 2024 the Smartie tubes total wa5 £95112023: £1,124). The "Extra Mile" bucket continues to gather in coins. banknotes and even cheques at the back of the church. At the start of 2023 we were still collecting for ShelterBox- in February and March we collected for the Cathedral chair appeal: and from April onwards we collected for the Leprosy Mission Nl, internjpted in October by collecting for Greenisland Parish Church which had suffered from a fire. As a result of this ongoing work. in 2024 we collected £2.278. but with contributions made in 2023 we were able to hand over £1,000 to ShelterBox, £150 to the Cathedral appeal, £500 to Greenisland and £I,4c￿ to the Leprosy Mission. Any small decrease in the contributions above is far outweighed by the congregation's magnificent response to the appeal for funding for the tower repair. Parishioners donated £43,508, and Gift increased that to £49,960. There were fundraising events like Quiz Night. donations from Antrirn Historical Society and the local Orange Order lodge. and a first instalment grant of £86.354 from National Heritage Lottery, me3nin8 that £138,352 has been added to our bank actount. Work on the tower should start to take place in 2025. All sain￿ Parish Church Antrim Trusteeg Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued) A total of £1,624 was donated by several individuals and families to general church funds. including a £1,000 Harvest donation, a £200 Remembrance Day donation. and a $50 donation from an American tourist. Interest on endowments brought in £4,133. Grants toLilling £2,491 for Youth Work were received from the Education Authority, and a grant of £600 was received from RCB towards our young people's evangelical trip to Spain. A grant of £500. received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, VRS used to help pay for the Evergreens, Christmas Lunch, and we acknowledge ourthanks to the Council forthis contribution. Special collections were lifted at four church setvices, with the proceeds being pa55ed on as appropriate: March: £340 raised at the midweek Lenten service for the Rural Deanery project. June- £700 raised at the Mothers Union area service. October: £506 raised at our Family Service for Nl Hospice. November: £365 raised at the Town Carol Service for the Mayorfs Charities. The Parish Centre is used by a number of organisations. including Starburst Theatre School and the Contact Centre. The financial contributions towards the running expenses of the Parish Centre totalled £7,16812023: £7,390). Two concerts were held in the Church, and we received donations totalling £250. Our property in Innishmoyne realised a rental of £10,545. There was no outlay on repairs this year. The usual expenses of management fees, rates and insurancetotalled £2,235, leaving a surplus for the year of £8,310. Expenditure The bulk of our expenditure is on -normal" expected items, such as salaries and wages; utility bllls for electricity, 8as, oil, water, telephone: buildings and contents insurance- buildings maintenance. In 2024. there were a few Stem5 which were not run￿t-the-rnl1I. £1,426 for a new printer/scanner for the parish centre O￿lCe. £1,968 for trimming trees at the vlcarage. £9,016 for the new soundlbroadcast System in the church. £3,180 for the upgrade to the disabled toilet. £7,978 to Corish Film & Video for the promotional church video. Annual donations The healthy nature of our finances allowed us to continue our tradition of making Christmas donations to a variety of Church organisations and missions. such as the Chaplaincy at Queen's University Belfast, the Chaplaincy at the Missions to Seamen and the Church of Ireland Youth Department. Eleven donations ranging from £260 to £410, and totalling £3,110. were made. The third annual payment of £1,8￿. to pay fortuition fees fortwo Students studying at the Theological College in Zambia, was paid via CMS Ireland in April. The Selert Vestry voted to extend these payments for a further three years. The first of a new set of three annual payments of £3,000 each to Muckamore Parish Development Association las described in the 2021 report) was made in December. A donation of £750 wa5 made to St. Anne's Cathedral in response to their cathedral chairs appeal. All Saints. Parish Church Antrim Trustee< Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued) In summary The financial situation at the end of 2024 is: Current account in Credit by £19.657.50 Deposit account in credtt by £259.490.99 The Deposit account Is designated to cover urgent maintenance and repairs to Church properties as advised by the Diocesan architect. At the end of 2024 it also holds the donations and grants received for the repair work to the Church tower; this work should take place during 2025. All other Assets and Liabilities are stated in the Annual Report and all properties are vested in the RCB and owned by the Parish. All le8itimate involces and requests for payment in 2024 were paid in full when received. Public Benefit The charity Trustees have carefully reviewed the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland's guidance on public benefitto ensure that our activities align with the chariws purposes and provide meaningful benefits to our beneficiaries. A detailed overview of our activitie5 and their associated benefits is provlded below. The primary funrtlon of the charity is the advancement of religion. the provision of Spiritual care for the elderly and infirm, and the development of younger people within the community. To fulfil our public benefit objectives, we en8age in regular worship, outreach efforts within the community, and a variety of social and fundraising activities throughout the year. Th Church Services- a full programme of services has been led by the parish clergy team including a monthly Family Service in the Parish Centre on the third Sunday of each month, offering a more informal form of worship aimed at youn8er families in the parish. This setvice is preceded by refreshments, giving parlshioners an opportunity to chat in a relaxed atmosphere. The parish also took part in the annual 'Big Coffee Breav at the Family Service in October. This was well supported by parishioners, raisin8 £506 forthe Nl Hospice. The parish continues to see an increase in the size of its congregation. with several new families from different ethnic backgroLtnds joining us. A common comment is that an exploratory visit to church had met with such a warm and friendly welcome that the newcomers decided to make All Saints, their place of worship. Par15h Choir- the mixed-voice Parish Choir leads the singing at all services, offering special music on feast days nd other significant occasions. Its members range in age from 11 to over 80 years, reflecting the inclusive and intergenerational spirit of the parish. The choir rehearses every Sunday morning from 10:00 to Il=OO a.m. and continues to be an integral part of worship at all church services. under the expert direction of choirmaster and organist Mr Alex McBride. In December. choir members visited tsvo local residential homes to sing Christmas carols and share the message of Christmas wwth the residents. Wednesday morning services- the midweek service of Holy Communion continued throughout 2024, preceded by an informal time for coffee and conversation. A regular and faithful group of parishioners attend each week. finding both spiritual nourishment and social connection through the shared experience of the Wednesday morning service. All Sainw Parlsh Church Antrim Trustees. Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued) The Church Calendar January Activities-the New Year began with a number of meaningful events and initiatives within the parish. A Mothers, Union IMUI Enrolment Service was held on 10th January. along with a special dedication of the new preachin8 scarf for the MU All Ireland Chaplain, Archdeacon Stephen McBride. On 15th January. a new seven- week Bible study series began, focusing on The Chosen (Series 31, offering fresh insights into the life and ministry of Jesus. The Smartie Tube Appeal also continued, encouraging parishioners to fill empty Smartie tubes with 20p coins or £1 coins to support theological students training for ministry in the Church of Zambia. With an annual costof £600 perstudent, the parish remains committed to spon50ringtwo studentsforthe comingyears. February Artivlties- the Rural Deanery's mid-week Lenten services began on Ash Wednesday, offering a time of reflection and spiritual growth. On 7th February. the parish celebrated Annabella Hayes Day, the founder of MU in Ireland. with a special Zoom service featuring guest speaker Baroness Ritchie, along with the All Ireland MU Chaplain. Archdeacon Stephen McBride, Rev. Claire Thompson, and the All Saints, Parish choir and organist. A fundraising Parish Quiz was held on the 16th at the local Golf aub, raising over £500 for parish activities. St Anne's Cathedral's 120 Chairs Appeal was introduced in the parish. with the Dean of Belfast appealin8 to parishes and individuals to support the £75.000 campaign to replace the original wooden chairs at 5t Anne's Cathedral. The new chairs are to be in place for the Cathedral's 120th Anniversary of the consecration of the Nave on 2nd June 2024. All Saints, Parish contributed by purchasing six chairs in support of the appeal, alongside individual parlshioner5 who chose to purchase chair5 in memory of loved ones. March Activities - March was a spiritually rich and communlty-focused month for All Saints, Parish. On 1st March, members of the parish attended the World Day of Prayer. hosted by Greystone Presbyterian Church, an annualglobal eventthatunites people in prayerand reflection,focusing on thevoices and experience5 of women around the world. The parish clergy team led a special Palm Sunday service, A Holy Land Walk with Jesus, combining pitture, word, and song to bringthe events of Holyweekto life. Throughout Lent, mid-weekserNices were hosted by churches across the Rural Deanery and were well attended by All Saints, parishioners. During Holy Week, joint evening services were held with other local churches, including High Street Presbyterian, Antrim Methodist, and the Christian Fellowship, fostering ecumenical connection. On Good Friday, parishioners jolned the wider community in the 17th annual Walk of Witness, a powerful event that continues to promote unity across the town. In the evening of Good Friday, All Saints hosted a movin8 Tenebrae service. Easter Day began with an early morning Holy Communion service by the shore of Lough Neagh. followed by breakfast in the Parish Centre. Later. a joyful Family Holy Communion service was held in the church at 11:30 a.m. Both Easter services were memorable and well attended. marking a meaningful end to the Lenten season. April Activities-the Annual Easter General Vestry Meeting was held on 8th April, providing an opportunlty for parishioners to reflect on the pastyear and lookahead. On Ilth April. the Mothers, Union members participated in a digital prayer journey. uniting members in faith and reflection. A fundraisins Beetle Drive organised by the 5th Antrim Scouts took place on 16th April in support of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Food Bank, offering a fvn evening while supporting a vttal local cause. On 21st April. branch members attended the Mothers, Union Annual Festival Service at St Anne's Cathedral. Later in the month. a new Alpha Course began- an eight se55ion journey exploring the basics of the Christian faith, with an Away Day on 15th June at Ballycastle Parish Centre. May Attivitie5- from 12th to 18th May, parishioners supported Christian Aid Week, helping to make a global impactthrough prayerand giving. On 14th May, the Evergreen5 group enjoyed an afternoon of storytellin8 and mu51C Wlth special guest John Porter. The Connor Mothers, Union Songs of Praise Service took place on 19th May. featuring members, favourite hymns and raising funds for the Mums in May appeal, an All-lreland projett held every three years. The month also Saw the launch of the 'Extra Mile project in support of The Leprosy Mission. highlighting how a donation of £24 can provide a full course of medication to cure one person of the disease. On 25th May, Mother5, Union members enjoyed a memorable outing to Brownlow House in Lurgan. To round off the month. a wine tasting evening was held at the local Golf Club. raising over £l.100 in support of the Tower Restoration Fund. All Salnts, Parish Church Antrim Trusteed Annual RÈport for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued) June Activities- on 2nd June, parishioners attended a Eucharist of Thanksgiving at Belfast Cathedral to mark its 120th Anr)iversary. All Saints. Parish contributed by purchasing six of the new cathedral chairs, with additional personal donations made by individual parishioners. On 6th June. All Saints had the honour of hosting the All Ireland Holy Communion Service, which also marked the 90th anniversary of the local Mothers, Union branch. The service was led by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, and was attended by All Ireland President June Butler, Zonal Trustee Iris Suitor, Down & Dromore Diocesan President Mavis Thomp50n, and former members and friends from neighbouring branches. On Ilth June, the National Churches Trust announced a grant of £34,985 awarded to All Saints to carry out urgent repairs to the south elevation of the thurch tower. This vital funding will help safeguard the historic building, ensuring it remains watertight, weatherproof, and open for community use. Rour)ding off the month. an Open Mic Concert was held in the Parish Centre on 14th June, raising £1,750 in SUPIXIrt of the youth team's upcoming mi55ion trip to Spain in July 2024, a joint venture with Ballyclare Parish. The summer months brought vlbrant energy and meaningful outreach to All Saints, Parish. From 22nd to 26th July, children from Plto P7 took part in the All Stars Holiday Club. held each evening from 6:30to 8-30 p.m. The Club offered a fun and faith-filled programme of stories, games, and crafts. helpin8 children explore what it rneans to belong to God's family. Also in July, three members of the Next Steps Youth Fellowship joined youn8 people from St John's Ballyc13re as an Exodus Ex