Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC104316)
Presbyter 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 2024. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Townsend Street Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 32 Townsend Street Belfast BT13 2ES Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC104316) ( CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Heather Darragh Paul Darragh Jack Lamb Ruth Pritchard Colin Skillen PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Retired Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev Jack Lamb Heather Darragh Colin Skillen INDEPENDENT EXAMINER BANKERS SOLICITORS Liz Crossan PACEM Stirling House Belfast BT5 6BQ 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 Icont'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 minister and the ruling elders of the congregation. 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. 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 Underthe Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance 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 teaches on 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 Sacrament 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 (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer 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. The congregation was dissolved in December 2023. A monthly Bible Study carried out by telephone conference call continues to provide an opportunity for past members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As part of these virtual meetings during the year we gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved. With effect from 31 December 2023 there were no communicant members of the congregation and no families were contributing to the congregation. Pastoral care Visitation and pastoral care continued in 2024 under the guidance of Rev Morris Gault, convenor of the South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland INIC106486>. Mission and outreach The congregation was dissolved in 2023 and at a local level no mission, outreach nor fundraising has been carried out since then. Presbytery Visitation and pastoral care continued in 2024 under the guidance of Rev Morris Gault, convenor of the South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (NIC106486). General Assembly The congregation were represented by Rev Morris Gault, convenor of the South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland at the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June.
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) Organisations The Knitting & Crochet Group continues to meet weekly with an attendance of around 6 people. They knit small hats to 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 also 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 requirement 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 congregations 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 workers 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 income this year is from a bequest legacy and returns on investments. The total income from all sources during the year was £341,08612023,. £332,851}. Income from legacies was £314,709 {2023.. £300,414), investment income and gains amounted to £26,37112023: £20,646}. Total expenditure in 2024 was £6,839 (2023: £39,818).
Presbyter 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. 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 8oin8 concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its activities. /a)4 Paul Darragh Trustee Colin Skillen Trustee th 27 June 2025 27th June 2025
Presbyter an INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 16. Respective responsibilltles of trustees and examiner The trusteè5 are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 65131 of the Charities Act (Northern 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 quallfied member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants In Ireland. Having $3tisfied myself that the charity 15 not Subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent exa mination, it is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Irelandl 2008,. follow the procedures lald 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 examlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, An examination includes a revlew of the accountlng records kept by the charity and a compari50n 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 trustee5 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 statement below. Independent examinerfs statement The charity's gross income in the year was £341,08612023.' £332,851), In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 111 whlch gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materia I respect thè 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 accountlng records, comply with the accountlng requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn i n order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Liz Crossan Chartered Accountant ICAII Chartered Tax Advisor ICIOTI 30, September 2025
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 2024 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 314,709 314,709 300,414 259 8,370 20,646 3,162 21,754 4,341 276 26,371 Total Income 336,469 4,341 276 341,086 332,851 Expenditure Raising funds Charitable activities Other 5,934 905 6,839 39,818 Total Expendlture 5,934 905 6,839 39,818 Net income/lexpenditure) Transfers between funds 330,535 3,436 276 334,247 293,033 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 330,535 561,696 3,436 63,127 276 5,836 334,247 630,659 293,033 337,626 Funds carried forward 12 892,231 66,563 6,112 964,905 630,659 Funds Reconciliation Fund Balances at start of year Net movement in funds 561,696 330,535 63,127 3,436 5,836 276 630,659 334,247 337,626 293,033 Fund Balances at end of year 892,231 66,563 6,112 964,905 630,659 10
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31 December 2024 Total 2024 Total 2023 Cash & Cash Equivalents Debtors Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts 148 294,251 330,422 296,199 662,593 958,792 624,821 Other Assets Fixed Assets - Note 10 Church Premises Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments- Note 11 6,112 5,837 Net Assets 964,905 630,658 Funds of the Charity Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 892,231 66,563 6,112 561,695 63,127 5,836 Total Funds 964,905 630,658 Approved by the Kirk Session and signed on its behalf by Paul Darragh Trustee Colin Skillen Trustee th 27 June 2025 th 27 June 2025 11
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 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 2015)- (Charities SORP (FRS102)I, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and f Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 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 f irst place. Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and Ibl 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 2024 Total 2023 Loose plate collections Donations and gifts In Memoriam 414 300,000 314,709 314,709 314,709 314,709 300,414 12
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Presbyterian Children's Society World Development Appeals Earl Haig Poppy Day Appeal Ukraine Appeal 19 240 259 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Use of Premises Subscriptions Received 8,330 40 8,370 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Investment Dividends & Interest 8,559 145 13,050 8,559 145 17,667 104 114 20,428 4,341 276 21,754 4,341 276 26,371 20,646 13
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) 31 December 2024 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 PAYE Refund Interest TSBPE Grants LPOW Grant 3,162 3,162 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 FWO envelopes CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Fund5 Total 2024 Total 2023 PCI Assessments Presbytery fees Staff Costs Premises Costs Travel Costs Administration Costs Charitable Donations Local Projects Governance Costs Bank Charges Realised Investment Losses 14,329 9,174 1,650 1,650 1,440 1,440 259 2,722 122 905 3,627 122 16,016 40 5,934 905 6,839 39,818 14
an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) 31 December 2024 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Other expenses Re-stated balance General Fund (10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation worshipped in the Church premises situated at 32 Townsend Street and had use of the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery. Ownership of the premises was taken over in December 2023 by The Ulster Orchestra Society Ltd. 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. 2024 2023 General Investment Fund 438 shares @ £13.957 6,112 5,837 6,112 5,837 15
Presbyter an TOWNSEND STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Paymen Surplus / Transfer (Deficit) Balance at end Unrestricted Funds General Fund Development FLJnd Contingency Fund Benevolent Fund Bequest Fund Luncheon Club Boys, Brigade Sunday School 352,349 42,914 138,565 3,816 4,868 5,234 8,690 5,260 323,419 3,374 9,348 3,212 704 1,950 320,207 2,670 7,398 672,556 45,584 145,963 3,816 5,127 5,234 8,690 5,260 328 69 259 561,696 336,469 5,934 330,529 892,231 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 38,645 2,146 2,146 9,134 2,643 145 145 684 551 30 30 143 2,092 115 115 541 40,737 2,261 2,261 9,675 10,731 325 724 151 573 11,304 325 63,127 4,341 905 3,436 66,563 Endowment Funds General Investment Fund 5,836 276 276 6,112 Total 630,659 341,081 6,839 334,242 964,905 16