2023-12-31-annual-report

All Souls Church

an inclusive church

Annual Report from the Trustees for year ending 31[st] December 2023

Compiled by the Ministers, Session and Congregational Committee of All Souls Church

Annual General Meeting: Sunday 24[th] March 2024

Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland

NIC 102094

In compiling this report the Trustees have had regard to the Northern Ireland Charity Commission’s public benefit requirements statutory guidance.

Objectives and Activities

We are a congregation of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Our objectives are the promotion of Christianity in accordance with the constitution and codes of practice of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland being: that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the rule of Christian faith and duty under the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. That it is the inalienable right of every Christian to search these records of divine truth for his own instruction and guidance, to form his own opinions regarding what they teach, and to worship God in sincerity, agreeably to the dictates of his own conscience, without privation, penalty, or inconvenience inflicted by others.

We meet regularly for the public worship of God, in the spirit of Jesus. As disciples of Christ, to preach the word of God in accordance with the Constitution, Code of Discipline and Regulations of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland. To promote the Christian faith within the community of Belfast and beyond, without any requirement for Minister, Elder or Members to subscribe to a doctrinal statement of faith as a condition of Church membership. To offer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion), in accord with the Constitution of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland. To offer pastoral care to those in need within the church community and beyond; in particular to the sick and elderly within the community. To facilitate access to those in need to denominational charities as appropriate. To support wider community life, through the maintenance of good relations with all other religious traditions and community organisations.

Public benefit statement

The direct benefit which flows from this purpose is the provision of liberal Christian religious activities open to all. The benefits are evidenced by the conduct of regular services of Christian worship and the maintenance of an inclusive Christian community. There is no harm arising from these benefits. Public access is made known using printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is in relation to those in paid employment within our congregation who receive benefits because of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The Charity’s beneficiaries are all those members of society who wish to be part of, or associate, with a liberal Christian organisation, their families, and other individuals that the Congregation is in direct and indirect contact within the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, which benefit from our engagement with them, also our support for Christian and other secular organisations and charities. In furtherance of providing these benefits we involve ourselves in offering advice/advocacy/information, c ounselling and support, community development, crossborder/cross-community, general charitable purposes, the relief of poverty and also religious activity.

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Minister’s Report

Rev Chris Hudson MBE (Minister)

In general, it is interesting to note that we are living through an age of decreasing numbers attending churches. However, we are pleased to see a modest increase and a changing demographic, such as identity and age profile. This makes me optimistic for the future of All Souls’Church.

We have many activities and see them increasing, Choir, Book Club, Chapter Chat and YourSpace, to mention a few.

It is my ambition to write and contribute to the understanding of our unique faith. With that in mind, I hope to spend some time in Harris Manchester College in Oxford later this year. We, the NSPCI, have a strong and historic link with the College, which is associated with the General Assembly of Unitarians and Free Christians.

We need to reflect on our own history and see its relevance in our contemporary world. I note that Charles Stewart and Ian Murray have initiated this project already. We can see evidence in the Church.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the life of our community. We can be truly optimistic as more people come forward to play a role, which helps to continue the growth in church life.

The work of Kirk Session, Committee – including Finance, Events and Property, Choir and Kids Club are covered in other sections of this report. What is important to us is the witness to faith that our community provides. At the heart of our congregation, is a religious commitment which is unique in general church life. We embrace faith with an open mind. This is essential to our continued life in this city. We are blessed to see more people joining in the wonder of creation and the great journey of faith.

Every blessing on all those who enter our beloved community.

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Session Report

Mr Errol Steele (Clerk of Session)

The Kirk Session is pleased to report on another good year in the life of All Souls’. Numbers attending services are increasing, with an average of sixty at each service. We are welcoming several new faces and there is a strong feeling of optimism in the church.

We celebrated the usual special services during the year: Holocaust Memorial, Good Friday and Easter Communion, Harvest Thanksgiving, Advent services and the Christmas Readings and Carol Service. We hosted the annual Pride service and the Pride Christmas Services again. Radio Ulster Sunday Service was broadcast from All Souls’ in July.

We are, as ever, indebted to Trevor Gillian and the choir for their huge contribution, which enhances our worship each Sunday and we thank all our musicians for their input, which adds so much to our services.

We are particularly indebted to our Technical Team for all their work both in church and in relaying our services on the internet through our YouTube channel, which is bringing our message to an ever-widening audience, of approximately 60 views per week.

We are grateful, as always, to everyone who contributes in any way to make All Souls’ a welcoming and inclusive community: those who meet and greet, who read lessons, who provide flowers, produce and serve food and hot beverages, and those who help in so many other ways.

We congratulate our Assistant Minister, the Rev Alister Bell on his appointment as Minister in Charge of our Moira congregation; and on his marriage to Colin Matchett. We wish them every happiness in the future.

In previous years All Souls’ has provided the names of those who were baptised, who got married and those who were associated with All Souls’ but who died during the year. With due regard to GDPR, names will no longer be included in this report.

We welcomed four new stipend members to the congregation in 2023. There were nine baptisms. There were three marriages; one couple had a religious blessing following a civil marriage. We record with regret the passing of

Margaret Allen and Stephen King and we extend our sympathies to the family circle.

Other activities which continue in the Church and which are not reported on elsewhere, include Your Space, which takes place monthly; Book Club, which also takes place monthly; and the Chapter Chat Group which also takes place every month.

One of our members is undertaking a lay preacher course.

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Various events were also held which were open to All Souls’ congregants and friends and family, which included bus trips and evening concerts.

In conclusion, it is a pleasure to report so positively on the past year. We are, as ever, indebted to the Rev Chris Hudson and Dr Isabella Evangelisti for all their work on our behalf both inside and outside the church, which does so much to keep our tolerant, liberal and inclusive message to the fore at a time when these qualities appear so sadly lacking in the world.

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Church Committee Report

Mr Alan Kirk (Elder and Hon Secretary)

At the AGM of 2023, I was pleased to be nominated once again as the Hon Secretary of All Souls Church and am pleased to present this report on behalf of the church committee. I send my thanks to my colleagues on committee for their dedication and conscientiousness in their respective roles and to the Ministers for their continued insight and leadership.

There have been many physical improvements around the building this year and we are very thankful to Ian Murray, Charles Stewart, Bryan Cooney and all who have given of their time and energy to improve the communal spaces both inside and outside of the church.

We are indebted to the tireless efforts of all those who look after bookings of the halls and carpark. This is not an easy task, and all individuals handle the challenges with much forbearance.

We are grateful to our Finance subcommittee for their thorough analysis of our church finances and for the hard work that is done on all aspects of our income and outgoings.

The social side of church life has continued to flourish greatly, thanks to the vision of the events subcommittee. This year saw a successful trip to Gracehill and Arthur Cottage; alongside other social events throughout the year. Thanks also to Patricia Whiteside for her continued vision with Chapter Chat and YourSpace.

As a committee, we place on record our thanks to the team at the AV Desk who have continued to work hard to support our worship through technology. We appeal to any member of the congregation who could participate in this important role in church life.

The governance of All Souls’ Church was facilitated by in person meetings throughout the year although at times it was difficult to schedule meetings due to availability of officers. Moving forward for the next church year, a detailed schedule of meetings is now in place.

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Property Report

Mr Ian Murray (Property Committee)

The aspect of maintaining the Buildings and Grounds is represented on the Committee by Charles Stewart and Ian Murray, who work alongside the Church officer, Brian Cooney.

The Hall and the Carpark are a hybrid aspect of the church administration, crossing over both the Finance and Property sub-committees.

Apart from the routine maintenance carried out on a weekly basis, the following occurred in 2023.

Church

• At the time of writing this report, the renovation to the crypt is close to completion and now offers an alternative meeting space for small groups both on Sundays and during the week. Compared to pre-renovation, it presents a more presentable image of All Souls to visitors and members alike. The renovation was approved by the Committee in May 2022 and has taken considerable time, mainly because most of the “heavy lifting” was done on a volunteer basis. The cost came to £10,307, which is 3% above the budget set by the committee. This cost excludes the purchase of the carpet tiles and their fitting, which amounted to approximately £800. This cost was covered by one member of the congregation, and our thanks go to the individual concerned.

• Safety treads were fitted to the external Crypt stairs in the interests of Health and Safety and Insurance.

• A clean-up operation has been undertaken in the tower. Pigeons have been roosting in the loft. Over time, the wire mesh which prevents pigeons from getting in and roosting has become breached. Given the difficult access (82 steps) and also the fact that the larger room is only used for storage; any damage only becomes apparent at a later stage. On the most recent inspection, a considerable mess was encountered, which has now been cleared, and access improved to provide more regular inspection.

• During the year, a handrail was erected at the steps of the chancel to ease access to the same.

• Every 5 years, we are required by law to have a detailed inspection of our electrical installations, and this occurred in September. The inspection found the following:

• (a) No immediate/critical action needed.

• (b) 9 non-critical recommendations to be carried out in the interim (which have now been carried out)

• (c) 24 suggestions for future consideration.

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Halls

Six years ago, the Hall was refurnished and painted, and it is still in good shape. What was not touched at that time were the kitchen and toilet areas, and these areas could now do with some attention.

• The previous plastic chairs (which when stacked looked like a contemporary artwork of the leaning tower of Pisa) were replaced by 85 banqueting style chairs.

• The door from the Rosemary Hall to the Agnew room came off its hinges during the year; this was rectified, and procedures were put in place, with users notified when moving chairs through this doorway.

• During the year, 2 radiators came loose from the wall. The mounting brackets were re-secured. The methods used (over 100 years ago) when the plaster was applied were not the same as what is applied today, and over the years, voids occur between the plaster and brickwork, as anybody with an old house would attest.

• A triple extension ladder has been purchased. This will enable certain tasks to be carried out more safely.

As most members do not normally venture into the hall, it is important to remember that, as well as being used for Church purposes, it also provides approximately 15% of the total income in the form of hiring charges. It is therefore important that it is well maintained and presented.

Grounds

• The Carpark, which provides approximately 15% of total income, was re-marked during the year. Our thanks again to the same donor who paid for this, as they did for the crypt flooring.

• In 2022, we had a tree fall on the Bell tower from Elmwood Avenue. In 2023, our fence returned fire by letting three of its panels fall onto the avenue. This has now been repaired.

• During the year, the shrub beds at the front and side of the church were cleared of invasive grass. The beds will be replanted with low-maintenance shrubs and plants. In a positive prelude, the daffodils are now coming to life after years of being suppressed by the grass.

• Much of the “heavy lifting” was once again done by volunteers. We thank all who volunteered their time and energy to help the Property sub-committee.

If you feel that an aspect of the interior or exterior of the church could be improved, mention it to an Elder or Committee member for consideration by the committee.

To own and occupy buildings and grounds such as ours requires a considerable amount of volunteer time and due diligence, given the safety, health, and liability aspects concerned. In all aspects of responsibility, burdens can put you in a very lonely place. However, as with the sprouting of the daffodils, when you see people lend a hand, it renews our hope in human nature and fellowship. Once again, I record my thanks to all who support us in this aspect of life in All Souls Church.

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Finance Report Louise Foye (Treasurer)

The Treasurer is responsible, under the Denomination's code, for controlling and applying funds, keeping records and preparing an annual statement of Income & Expenditure. In discharging these duties, I am well supported by my fellow subcommittee members: Ian Murray, Alan Gray, and Mark Shimmons.

The Financial Statements show a surplus for 2023 of £12,704, compared to £7,783 in 2022. Excluding the figures for equipment purchased and improvements of £10,877 and £3,772 respectively, treating them as "one-off expenses," our normal running surplus was £23,581 in 2023 and £11,555 in 2022.

I could conclude this report by stating that the church's finances are in rude health, meaning strong and healthy, capable of meeting any financial challenges with confidence. However, custom dictates that I provide further commentary.

INCOME

Our total income for 2023 increased by £17,839 over the previous year. The income can be classified into three categories.

Voluntary Income:

• £41,417 (41% of total income), increased by £5,683. Within this category, stipend income increased by 5%, and plate collection by 167%. This likely reflects societal changes, with people less willing to becoming stipend members. However, stipend income is core funding for any church, and we encourage those who are not already stipend members to consider contributing either by envelope on Sundays or by Standing Order.

Investment Income

• £29,572 (30% of total income), up by £5,422. We transferred £30,000 from our Current Account during the year, contributing to the increased return. However, the rate of return is beyond our control as it is managed by M&G Chari fund managers.

Carpark and Hall Hire

• £27,740 (28% of total income), increased by £5,111. The main reason is the occupancy rate for the carpark, which was approximately 90% in 2023, compared to around 50% or less during the Covid period. Thankfully, there has been a consistent recovery since then.

The remaining 1% (£1,200) was a government-funded grant towards energy costs. All charities fall into the domestic tariff rate and were automatically awarded the same.

EXPENSES

Expenses for the year amounted to £87,747.

• Salaries: £56,401 (Congregational Committee decision)

• Purchase of hall chairs: £4,488 (Congregational Committee decision)

• Completion of crypt renovations: £6,389 (Congregational Committee decision)

• Running Costs (Heating/Insurance etc): £20,469.

RESERVES

Our reserves, totalling £686,770 at 31st December 2023, are distributed as follows:

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• Bank Operating Account: £43,611, representing 6% of total reserves.

• Bank term deposits: £148,917, representing 22% of total reserves.

• M & G Chari Fund: £494,242, representing 72% of total reserves (market valuation at 31st December 2023).

We believe that the disposition of the reserves is satisfactory for the immediate, medium and long-term needs of the congregation.

Finally, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Alan, Ian, and Mark for their work and dedication in managing the church's financial affairs in 2023, and for the support they have provided me during that year.

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Choir and Musical Report

Rev Trevor Gillian (Director of Music)

I am pleased to submit this report on the musical life of All Souls' for the year 2023.

The choir members continue to rehearse most weeks to ensure a strong lead and make significant contribution to worship at our Sunday and other services. Numbers remain at around a dozen, and it is always encouraging to welcome new members. Please speak to me if you are interested and we will be glad to have you join us, even if only to listen in for a few weeks as a trial.

We are grateful to choir members, Eve, Frances, Violet, Violina and Roger, and others, including Muriel and Patricia who contribute musically in different ways. Jacynth Hamill and Norman Richardson have joined to help us on occasion, in choir and as soloists. Brian Webb has also sung a solo over the last year, and, as always Brian Cooney most willingly adds to the variety of music and song in our services. Gareth Johnston and Sam Magilton have given excellent and reliable service in my absence.

A much-enjoyed highlight of the year was the visit of the PSNI Ladies Choir to the Palm Sunday service. We look forward to their return.

I commend the choir members' enthusiasm to learn new pieces and expand the variety and style of our repertoire. Again, the congregation's willingness to learn new songs of praise is most appreciated. We hope to continue adding to our hymn resources by means of the digital images: the sound and video technical crew are most helpful in every respect and deserve our thanks.

Finally, I record my thanks to the Rev Chris, the Rev Alister, the Session and the Committee for their leadership, vision and encouragement. Many thanks also to the congregation for their continued and valued appreciation and support.

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Communications Report

Mr Alan Kirk (Elder and Hon Secretary)

After another successful year, it is with pleasure that I present the fourth report on our church communications. In 2023, All Souls Church celebrated 13 years on Social Media and continue to enjoy a growing presence on Facebook and YouTube.

All Souls Church continues to attract a very wide following on Facebook, as evidenced by the number of people engaging with our posts on a weekly basis. Although on average our posts can attract anything between 200 to 900 views, a significant number of posts or series of posts have earned significantly more views. All Souls Church continues to attract the most likes and views throughout the denomination. The Carol Service and Pride Service in particular have attracted enormous support.

As Social Media Officer, on occasion I have had to deal with elements of negativity on our page. A strict policy of respect and tolerance continues to be in place and posts are regularly moderated. If anyone has any concerns, please report them to me.

The church continues to make use of our thriving YouTube channel. Our YouTube videos continue to attract attention, and we have received so much positive feedback from near and far. The role of our existing social media platform (Facebook) continues to promote interest in our YouTube Channel, with over 45% of external views of videos coming from Facebook. Approximately 45% come from email with the remaining 10% coming from a range of sources.

I am indebted to our excellent AV Team. Ian Murray, Alan Gray, Mark Shimmons and Muriel Moore who have done an excellent job this year and I am thankful to them for their support. If other volunteers would like to come forward for a technical support role, they would be most welcome.

I also place on record my thanks for the excellent photography provided by Michael McKelvey. This fabulous collection of photographs will give us an excellent archive of memories for future generations and provides a wonderful snapshot of church life via social media. Michael also provides additional video clips, which provide thoughtful snapshots of church life.

A year on from my last report and there has been no movement on the website. The website urgently needs modernisation, but I lack the skills to do this. Ian Murray has done some initial research in this field, and I am thankful for his efforts. I suggest that a small delegation of session or committee members look at potential material for an update as soon as possible.

As we build upon the success of our social media outlets, the social media officer and technical team will continue to embrace new trends and technology to build upon the solid foundations which have been set, in providing a vibrant, relevant, and accessible online presence for our beloved community in All Souls Church.

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Professor Sheena Lewis (Elder and Kids Club Leader)

Kids Club Report

Kids Club meets on the first Sunday of every month. The club is managed by Louise Foye and myself.

We meet in the newly refurbished crypt and have a fantastic friendly space to meet. Many thanks to all those who have put in such hard work to create this for us.

Our continuing challenge is getting enough children to make the club worthwhile. However, the small number who do attend seem to enjoy it.

We have four stalwart members in Reuben, Leo, Pranay and Maya who rarely miss a week. However, having a club of 4 children of widely varying ages is challenging to maintain. Each month, I send 25 invites to those connected with All Souls through long standing family connections or recent baptisms, but as yet, few respond.

Louise and I have bought new toys and games for each age group. Each Sunday, we have a theme and we play games, chat to the children about what they are doing and have a short cartoon or talk about a Christian value like kindness, forgiveness, giving or being a good friend.

The children and their parents remain very appreciative of the efforts to develop our children’s ministry.

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Policy Documents

Reserve Policy

The Unrestricted Funds are funds that have been received carrying no restriction on their use and are put to purpose at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Charity. Within this fund we have designated reserves, a significant part of these are those relating to property. The Church Building has Grade B + listed status and the Hall has Grade B listed status, both buildings were constructed circa 1896. Given the age of the buildings and their listed status, the retention of the reserves provide assurance that if major work is required to the buildings and in the absence of outside funding not being forthcoming, that the Church has the sufficient reserves available. Another significant reserve is that to assist in the future purchase of a Manse should the need arise.

Restricted Reserves: These are held until such times that expenditure is made for the purpose that the donor(s) instructed.

Endowment Reserve: These are Bequests held in accordance with the conditions within which they were created, mainly providing income in memory of deceased members.

Structure Governance and Management Governing Document

The Charity is governed under a Trust Deed dated 2001. The Charity also adheres to and is governed by the Constitution and Code of Discipline of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, published by the authority of Synod (May 1997)

Appointment, Induction and Training of Trustees

(Trustees being those holding a position of governance within the Church)

Appointment of Trustees The Kirk Session, Congregational Committee and Custodial Trustees are appointed in accordance with Constitution and Code of Discipline of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Ireland as follows:

Kirk Session

The Minister with Charge is automatically a member of the Kirk Session; Where new Elders are to be added to an existing Session, the decision on when an election is to take place and the number of ruling elders to be chosen devolves normally upon the Kirk Session, but any member of the congregation may petition the Session upon the subject.

Such new Elders shall be nominated and appointed by one or other of the following methods:

(a). Selection by the congregation.

• i. On two successive Sundays the congregation shall be informed of the number of new Ruling Elders being sought and voting members invited to look out among themselves qualified persons suitable for the office, and to give to the Kirk Session on the following Sunday signed lists of the person or persons they propose, not exceeding the number required. The Session may, if they see fit, provide lists to be marked with names proposed, signed and returned.

• ii. ii. The Session shall examine the list received, and names which occur most frequently, if the Session approves, and if those so proposed consent, shall form a list up to the numbers of Ruling Elders required. Should any decline to act their places may be filled by those who come nearest in the proposals recorded, up to the said number. No name shall be listed which has not received the minimum of one third of the votes cast.

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(b) Selection by the Kirk Session

• i. On two successive Sundays the congregation shall be informed that an election of Ruling Elders is to take place and voting members invited to propose, in writing, for the consideration of the Session, any member or members qualified for the office.

• ii. The Session, having considered the proposals received and having obtained the consent of those approved, shall list the names of those to be presented to the congregation. Such list shall be read to the congregation on two successive Sundays.

• iii. Should any voter desire to make an objection to any of them, he shall lodge his objections, with his reasons, in writing, with the Moderator of the Kirk Session within a week from the second announcement.

• iv. Should such objection not be sustained by the Kirk Session, or should there be no objection, then on a subsequent Sunday, fixed by the Session and not earlier than three weeks after the first reading of the list, the congregation shall be informed that the persons named have been chosen and appointed as Ruling Elders.

Congregational Committee

The temporal affairs of a congregation shall be under the care of a Committee, known as the Church Committee, consisting of 12 ordinary members plus a Secretary, Treasurer, Stipend Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent. The Committee shall be appointed by the congregation at the Annual General Meeting and shall in all cases be members in good standing in the congregation and attendant upon its services, and contributors to its support. In the election of committee members their appointment may be:

a. For the ensuing year

b. For a term of 3 years

While, under normal circumstances committee members stand down at the Annual General Meeting of a congregation they shall be eligible for immediate re-election. Church Officers - Secretary, Treasurer, Stipend Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent shall sit ex-officio as members of Committee. The Church Committees shall be representative of the range and extent of congregational activities and of organisations connected with the congregation. In no case should there be less than five elected members and in no case should that number exceed 15% of the church membership. Members of Committee to be chosen at the Annual General Meeting of the congregation shall be nominated and seconded individually. Where there are more nominations than the number of places to be filled a ballot shall be held. Voting shall be by simple majority and by show of hands. No person shall be nominated for office unless they are present and assent to their nomination, or, if absent, have signified such assent in writing beforehand. In the event that the Annual General Meeting of the congregation shall be unable to fill the desired number of places in a Church Committee, the members of the committee may, at a later meeting, co-opt an eligible person or persons to fill such vacancy or vacancies until the next Annual General Meeting of the congregation. Church Officers – Secretary, Treasurer – shall sit ex-officio as members of the Committee. Members of Kirk Session are ex-officio members of Committee and are eligible for election as office holders and entitled to vote.

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Trustees (Custodial) of the Property of a Congregation

Every Congregation shall have trustees for all its property and such property shall be defined legally by a declaration of trust. Trustees of congregational property of every kind shall be members of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland. They should not be fewer than three in number. Should the number of trustees be reduced to three, the congregation shall at once proceed to choose and appoint an additional trustee or trustees. When a trustee of the property of the congregation ceases to be a member of that congregation, he shall ipso facto cease to be a trustee of such property and shall tender his resignation; and shall sign a declaration to that effect in the minute book of the congregation on taking up office. No resignation of a trustee from his trusteeship of congregational property shall be accepted, and no choice or appointment of a new trustee or trustees shall be made, except by the congregation in congregational meeting assembled. At any meeting of a congregation held to receive a trustee's resignation from office, or to choose and appoint a new trustee or trustees, a memorandum of such resignation or appoint shall be drawn up, shall be signed by the chairman of the meeting in the present of the whole meeting, shall be attested by two or more witnesses, and shall be preserved among the records of the congregation.

Trustee Induction and Training

Kirk Session

Elders are made aware of the duties and obligations of being a member of the Kirk Session having charge of the spiritual needs, welfare and governance of the congregation and are recommended to read the Code of the Church in this respect. Every effort is made to provide mentoring in a meaningful way to help session members be effective for the ministry of eldership and within that, the various aspects of an elder’s work. Elders are mentored in the various aspects of the elder’s work and ministry by their fellow elders on an individual basis and by the learning from, listening to and challenging one another on matters brought before meetings of Session. There is a clear recognition that learning is an ongoing process of development leading to an enhancement of skills to increase their effectiveness as elders.

Congregational Committee

Committee members are assigned to particular tasks, dependant on the skills and talents that they possess and are also mentored by the fellow members of the committee and encouraged to seek the guidance of other members of the congregation in the discharge of their duties. Where it is deemed necessary, outside support will be provided to assist the Committee members in the discharge of their duties.

Trustees (Custodial) of the Property of a Congregation

New trustees shall be guided by existing members as to the duties of being a custodial trustee and, where it is deemed necessary, outside support will be provided to assist the Trustees in the discharge of their duties.

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Reference and administrative details

Name of Charity

All Souls' Church Incorporating the Second Presbyterian Congregation of Belfast and The York Street Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Congregation.

Other names used by the Charity.

All Souls' Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Charity number

Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: NIC102094

Principal Address:

5 Elmwood Ave, BELFAST, BT9 6AZ.

Points of Contact

Website: http://allsoulsbelfast.org

This will soon be under review.

e-mail: [e-mail]

Facebook: All Souls Church, Belfast | Facebook

YouTube: All Souls Church Belfast – YouTube

For members of the congregation

The Minister can be contacted via email or by his phone number which is sent out weekly with a link to the church service.

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All Souls Church an inclusive church

Ministers

Rev Christopher Hudson MBE (Minister) Rev Alister Bell (Assistant Minister)

Clerk of Session

Mr Errol Steele

Elder and Honorary Secretary

Mr Alan Kirk

Elders of Kirk Session

The Minster and The Assistant Minister Dr Roger Courtney Mr Errol Steele Mr Herbie Dougherty Mr Alan Kirk Mr Maurice Moneypenny Mr Charles Stewart Mr Niall Haldane Ms Monica Burns Ms Anne Stewart Professor Sheena Lewis (Children’s Coordinator) Mrs Barbara Moneypenny

Honorary Treasurer

Mrs Louise Foye

Congregational Committee

(All Elders are Ex-Officio members of the Congregational Committee)

The Hon Secretary and The Hon Treasurer Mrs Carol Tweedale-Bardon (Events) Mr Ian Murray (Property and Finance) Mr Michael McKelvey Mr Mark Shimmons (Finance) Mr Ken Steele Mr Alan Gray (Finance) Mr David Linton

The Custodial Trustees

Mr James Kirkwood Jackson Mr Mark Shimmons Mr Denis McKelvey Professor Sheena Lewis Mr James Errol Steele

This report was approved by Session and Committee on 5/3/2024 and signed on its behalf at the AGM.

Rev C. Hudson (Minister)

Mr E. Steele (Clerk of Session)

Mr A. Kirk (Elder and Hon Secretary)

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