an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC104316)
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Townsend Street Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 32 Townsend Street Belfast BT13 2ES Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC1043161 CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Doreen Anderson (Resigned Sep 20221 Margaret Browne (Resigned Sep 20221 Heather Darragh Paul Darragh Daniel Fleming (Resigned Sep 20221 Jack Lamb Heather Murray (Resigned Sep 20221 Ruth Pritchard Colin Skillen PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Jack Lamb (Retired Sep 221 Heather Darragh Colin Skillen INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS SOLICITORS Liz Crossan PACEM Stirling House Belfast BT5 68Q Northern Bank Limited T/As Danske Bank PO Box 183 Donegall Square West Belfast BTI 6JS King & Gowdy 298 Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3EJ
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session, Under the congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Sessions has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-off icio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the ministers in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held on the first Friday of January, March, May, September and November. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of 8overnance the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Townsend Street congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Townsend Street congregation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptures, and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission statement is as follows: "We are here to show Christ and the church are not just memories of the past but are joyful, alive and relevant to everyone here and now." As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the bible teacheson key matters of Christian faith and practice. ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES When active the congregation met for public worship every Sunday and visitors were welcome to join. The Sacrarnent of the Lord's Supper was observed on the first Sunday of January, April and October and on the last Sunday in June. All those who had been baptised and who had made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ were admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation continues to hold regular bible study meetings.
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd} ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation met for worship each Sunday at 11:30am. Following the retirement of Rev Jack Lamb in September 2022, the congregation ceased to meet for worship when the difficult decision was made to dissolve the congregation. A monthly Bible Study carried out by telephone conference call continues to provide an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular services and virtual meetings during the year we gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved. As at 31 December 2023 there were no communicant members and no families contributing to the congregation. Pastoral care Visitation and pastoral care continued in 2023 under the guidance of Rev Morris Gault, convenor of the vacancy. Pastoral care assistant was made redundant in December 2023. Mission and outreach At a local level the congregation has fundraised for and supported the Ukraine Appeal and the Royal British Legion. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by the convenor of the vacancy. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The convenor of the vacancy and one of our elders attended the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June.
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Property During the year the congregation incurred expenditure of £4,258 on property maintenance. Organisations The Knitting & Crochet Group met weekly with an attendance of around 9 people. They knit small hats go to the Premature Baby unit in the Royal Maternity Hospital and provide knitted vests to Presbyterian Friendship House, who in turn send them to Africa for new born babies. They a150 knit blankets which are donated to the Nl Hospice. Knitted scarves and hats were also donated to the Welcome Organisation for homeless people in the city as well as to Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child for inclusion in shoe box Christmas gifts for children at Christmas. The knitting has carried on in participants, homes following closure. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities.
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirernent by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Church's subordinate standards {the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved}. Generally the above benefits are delivered locally by con8regations and their members, or are facilitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission worker5 and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations, charities and individual members of the public, The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main income sources are members, subscriptions to Freewill Offering, grants from the Listed Places of Worship Scheme and investment income. The total income from all sources during the year was £332,85112022: £35,606). Income from donations and legacies was £300,414 {2022: £18,483), income from other charitable activities was £25912022: £1,300), income from other operating activities was £8,37012022: £13,138), investment gains amounted to £20,646 (2022.. losses £28,189) and income from grants was £3,16212022: £30,872). Total expenditure in 2023 was £39,81812022'. £156,543).
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS No Trustee received any remuneration as a result of their Trusteeship of the Charity. During the year one resigned Trustee was employed by the Charity: Mrs Doreen Anderson as a pastoral assistant Wages £5,82912022: £5,450) Redundancy £3,50012022: £01 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The congregation is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The Trustees are responsible for their annual report and for the preparation of financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the net movement in funds of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its activities. Paul Darragh Trustee Colin Skillen Trustee 21" October 2024 21st October 2024
an INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 2 to 16. Respective responsibilitie5 of trustees and examiner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 65{31 of the Charities Act INorthern Ireland) 2008 and have requested than an independent examiner's report be prepared. The charity's gross income does not exceed £500,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to.. • examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. An examination includes a review ofthe accounting records kept bythe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the staternent below, Independent examinerfs statement The charity's gross income in the year was £332,851 {2022: £35,606). In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 as far as this applies to the charity; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Staternent of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or 12) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Liz Crossan Chartered Accountant ICAII Chartered Tax Advisor ICIOTI 31st October 2024
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES {including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 300,414 259 8,362 15,184 3,162 300,414 259 8,370 20,646 3,162 18,483 1,300 13,138 128,1891 30,874 4,978 484 Total Income 327,381 4,986 484 332,851 35,606 Expenditure Raising funds Cha ritable activities Other 34,674 5,144 39,818 156,543 Total Expenditure 34,674 5,144 39,818 156,543 Net income/lexpenditurel Transfers between funds 292,707 {3,4291 11581 3,429 484 293,033 1120,937) Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 289,278 272,418 3,271 59,856 484 5,352 293,033 {120,9371 337,626 458,562 Funds carried forward 12 561,696 63,127 5,836 630,659 337,625 Funds Reconciliation Fund Balances at start of year Net movement in funds 272,418 289,278 59,856 3,271 5,352 484 337,626 458,562 293,033 1120,937) Fund Balances at end of year 561,696 63,127 5,836 630,659 337,625 10
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31 December 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Cash & Cash Equivalents Debtors Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts 148 294,251 330,422 236 289,453 42,582 624,821 332,271 Other Assets Fixed Assets- Note 10 Church Premises Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments- Note 11 5,837 5,353 Net Assets 630,658 337,624 Funds of the Charity Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 561,695 63,127 5,836 272,416 59,856 5,352 Total Funds 630,658 337,624 Approved by the Kirk Session and signed on its behalf by loa )4 Paul Darragh Trustee Colin Skillen Trustee 21st October 2024 21" October 2024 11
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective from 1st January 20151 (Charities SORP IFRS102)I, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006 Townsend Street Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notels). FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the congregation's discretion,. the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and Ib) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes, Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Loose plate collections Donations and gifts In Memoriam 991 17,492 414 300,000 414 300,000 300,414 300,414 18,483 12
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Presbyterian Children's Society World Development Appeals Earl Haig Poppy Day Appeal Ukraine Appeal 1,010 70 19 240 19 240 220 259 259 1,300 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Use of Premises Subscriptions Received 8,330 32 8,330 40 4,700 8,438 8,362 8,370 13,138 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Fund5 Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Investment Dividends & Interest 104 114 14,966 104 114 20,428 35 118 128,3421 4,978 484 15,184 4,978 484 20,646 (28,189) 13
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd 31 December 2023 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Action Mental Health Grant TSBPE Grants LPOW Grant 18,874 12,000 3,162 3,162 3,162 3,162 55,566 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 FWO envelopes CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 PCI Assessments Presbytery fees Staff Cost5 Premises Costs Travel Costs Administration Costs Charitable Donations Local Projects Governance Costs Bank Charges Realised Investment Losses 5,043 460 51,873 25,465 5,663 14,329 4,916 14,329 9,174 4,258 259 259 1,536 7,504 7,155 140 51,704 15,130 40 886 16,016 40 34,674 5,144 39,818 156,543 14
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Other expenses Re-stated balance General Fund 10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation worships in the Church premises situated at 32 Townsend Street and has use of the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery. Information on the cost or valuation of these assets is not available at a cost commensurate with the benefit to the users. The Trustees declare that these assets had an insurance value of £3,887,995 as at 15th November 2023. The Charity's policy is only to recognise items which meet the definition of a fixed asset per FRS102 if its cost is over £10,000. 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments. Amounts are shown at market valuation. 2023 2022 General Investment Fund 438 shares @ £13.3269 5,837 5,353 5,837 5,353 15
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Paymen Surplus / Transfer (Deficit) Balance at end Unrestricted Funds General Fund Development Fund Contingency Fund Benevolent Fund Bequest Fund Luncheon Club Boys, Brigade Sunday School 70,372 44,734 129,754 3,816 4,558 5,234 8,690 5,260 312,414 3,869 10,720 27,008 5,689 1,909 285,406 11,820) 8,811 (3,429) 352,349 42,914 138,565 3,816 4,868 5,234 8,690 5,260 377 67 310 272,418 327,380 34,673 292,707 (3,4291 561,696 Restricted Funds Property & Restoration Fund Manse Fund AH Storey Bequest Fund A McKeown Bequest Fund Organ Fund Window Fund McKeown Memorial Fund United Appeal Fund Children's Society 822 36,153 2,010 2,010 8,489 4,258 539 30 30 140 14,251} 2,492 136 136 645 3,429 3,031 166 166 785 38,645 2,146 2,146 9,134 10,049 323 830 148 682 10,731 325 59,856 4,987 5,145 1158) 3,429 63,127 Endowment Funds General Investment Fund 5,352 484 484 5,836 Total 337,626 332,851 39,818 293,033 630,659 16