First Ldrne Presbyteriaii Church Worship God. Build His Kingdom Share His Love First Larne Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 104895
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 including a Balance Sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS The organisation First Larne Presbyterian Church, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, 2 Inver Road, Larne BT40 3BW is a Charity, registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland with Registration Number NIC104895. The Board of Trustees of the charity is called the 'Kirk Session, Members of the Kirk Session are known as'Elders'. The names of the present Elders, and any past Elders who served during the year, are given below, together with the names of the charity's external advisors. CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: Rev, Dr. C.D. Mcclure Mr. R. Tweed Mrs, G. Alexander Mrs. B. Alexander Mr. J. Alexander Mrs. J. Arnold Mrs. J. Bryson Mr. A. Carmichael to 3103 2024 Mr. N. Carmichael Mr. R. Craig Mr. R. Garrett Mrs. S. Hollinger Mr. W. Hollinger Mr. B. Hunter Mr. D. Jenkins Mr. S. Lindsay Mrs, M, Lindsay Mr. G. Lorimer Mr. N. McAuley Mr. J. Mcclure Mr. K. McKinley Mrs. M. Magill Mr. W. Magill Mr. J. Millar Mrs. B. Moore Mr. N. Moore Mr. R. Moore Mrs. H. Murray Mr. N. Murray Dr. S. Reid Mr. S. Ross Mr. D. Simms Miss K. Swann Mrs. L. Swann Mr. W. Swann
Mrs. J. Tweed Mrs. S. Torbitt Mr. T. Torbitt PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Secretary to Congregational Committee Treasurer Rev. Dr. C.D. Mcclure Mr. R. Tweed Mrs. J. Evans Mrs S Torbitt INDEPENDENT EXAMINER MBS Chartered Accountants 3 High Street LARNE BT40 IJN BANKERS Ulster Bank Limited 11-16 Donegall Square East Belfast BTI SUB STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church 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 the congregation who are within its bounds, It ensures that 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 Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained 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, usually the minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk Session are usually held nine times a year. The duty of ruling elders as members of Kirk Session is to work together with the minister in the oversight and government of the congregation, for the upbuilding of God's people in spiritual fruitfulness and holy concord, and for the extension of Christ's kingdom among all people. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office of the eldership can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain the votes of two-third5 of those who vote.
Presbytery Under the 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, First Larne Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Carrickfergus 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 of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, ministers who have retired from active duty and one elder appointed by each of the Kirk Sessions of the congregations within the presbytery. The General Assembly The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is the supreme court of the church, representing in one body the whole church and acting as its supreme legislative, administrative, and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the month of June in each year 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 ministers and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE First Larne 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 Jesus Christ and, by the power of His Spirit, to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to the world. The mission purpose of the congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church is to 'Worship God, Build His Church and Share His love., ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church meets for worship every Sunday, usually in the morning at 11am and as arranged in the evening, usually at 7pm, when visitors are most welcome. Services of worship are also made available online through Facebook, YouTube and www.firstlarne.or The sacrament of the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion, is usually celebrated by the congregation in early January, on Good Friday evening, in June and in September of each year. Visitors who are communicant members of other congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and of other Christian churches are invited to partake of the Lord's Supper. The congregation has regular meetings for prayer, bible study and fellowship as well as a wide range of activities and organisations including for children, young people, and adults.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and Prayer The congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church, a5 Stated above, meets for worship every Sunday usually in the morning at 11am and as arranged in the evening, usually at 7pm, at First Larne Presbyterian Church, 2 Inver Road, Larne BT40 3BW. Services of worship are also made available online through Facebook, You Tube and www.firstlarne.or Prior to the morning service at 10.15am, members usually meet for a time of prayer. Small Groups meeting during the week give an opportunity for members and friends to meet together for fellowship, bible study and prayer. As well as regular Sunday morning and evening services the congregation acknowledge God's gift of new life at Sacraments of Baptism, celebrate Marriage Services and offer Services of Thanksgiving at times of bereavement. Pastoral Care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are contacted, usually with a visit, on a regular basis by a member of the ministry team. Pastoral care is also provided at times of hospital admission, illness, and bereavement. Mission and Outreach The congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church is involved in a variety of mission and outreach activities in the local area and beyond. This includes hosting outreach sessions of the Larne Foodbank. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider work of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland doing mission and outreach beyond what any congregation could do on it5 own. This United Appeal for Mission provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, a55i5ts congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, the church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership, and pastoral care. Presbytery The congregation is represented at the regular meetings of the Presbytery of Carrickfergus by the Minister of the congregation and by one of the Elders. This provides an important link between the congregation and the wider structures of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and enables representatives of the congregation to participate in the oversight of other congregations within the Carrickfergus Presbytery. Organisations The many groups and orEani5ation5 Within the congregation of First Larne Presbyterian Church continue to be effective in working out the mission purpose of the congregation by providing much needed programmes of activities for children, young people and adults. Volunteers The Charity Trustees, the Elders, wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on working groups and committees and helping with groups, organisations and other church activities,
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 Ithe 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 a nd 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 information, the congregation's website www.firstlarne.or 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 Commi5sion5 public benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Freewill Offering and other donations both weekly and by regular bank transfer. There were 360 contributors during the year donating a total of £116,756 to general funds1£126,006 in previous year, 2023). Total income of the congregation during the year was £207,006 compared to £209,907 in the previous year. Total expenditure decreased from £237,543 to £215,505.
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and falr view of the state of affairs of the congregations and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the financial statement5 the Trustees are required to: Select sultable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financlal statements on the Eoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the funds wlll contlnue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explaln the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme the flnancial positlon of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommènded Practice "Accountlng and Reporting by Charities {1 January 20151" They are also responsible for safe8uarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detectlon of fraud and other irregularities. GOING CONCERN The activities of the con8regatlon are dependent on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing thls report and subject to the contlnuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis, the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is approprlate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments, It Is the pollcy of the Trustees to hold at least SSX month's normal expendlture from unrestricted funds. At the year end, unrestricted reserves were £201,242 which represents a higher level of reserves. The Tru5tee5, however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present activitie5 is dependent on the ongoing financlal support of members. RISK REVIEW A revlew of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage Identlfied risl<s. The principal risks are in relation to the lil<elihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated wlth the expectatlon of ongoing flnancla5 support from members. These risl(s are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various actlvitles of the congregatlon at stated meetings and by encouraglng members in their regular giving.
th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 8 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by R Tweed Mr. R, Tweed Clerk of Se5slon Date.. 8th May 2025
QUALIFIED INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND We report on the accounts of First Larne Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31" December 2024, whlch are set out on pages 10 to 21. Respectlve responslbilities of charlty trustee5 and examlner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is our responsiblllty to., Examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charitles Act Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under Section 6519llbl of the Charities Act State whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basls of Independent examlner'5 report We have examined your charlty accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examinatlon was carried out In accordance wlth the general Directlon5 given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under sectlon 6519llbl of the Charities Act. Our examinatlon included a revlew of the accountlng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concernlng any such matters. Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving me cause to believe.. l. The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act. 2. The accounts do not accord with those accounting records. 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act. 4. That there is further informatlon needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
QUALIFIED INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST LARNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND {cont'd) Independent examlner's statement We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directlons of the Charity Commlssion for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Signed: Name: MBS Chartered Accountants Relevant ProfessSonal body: Instltute of Chartered Accountants Ireland Address: 3 High Street LARNE BT40 IJN Date..
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterian Church Sn Ireland RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2024 Receipts: Donatlons and leEacies Charitable activitles Other trading activities Investments Other 136,737 986 11,850 985 1,401 32,483 15,087 5,500 174,720 16,073 11,850 2,962 1,401 177,551 15,574 11,412 1,820 3,550 273 1,704 Total 151,959 47,843 7,204 207,006 209,907 Payments: Raising funds Charitable activities Other Expenses 459 182,125 459 215,046 440 237,103 32,921 Total 182,584 32,921 215,505 237,543 Net gains/(lossesl on investments 638 638 1,154 Net Re¢elpts/ (Payments) Transfers between funds Gains/llossesl on revaluation of flxed assets 130,6251 1,951 14,922 11,915) 7,842 1361 17,861} 126,4821 Net movement In funds Reconciliation of funds,, Total funds brought forward 128,6741 13,007 7,806 17,861) 126,4821 229,916 258,435 122,891 611,242 637,724 Total funds carrled forward 201,242 271,442 130,697 603,381 611,242 io
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2024 Fund Reconclllatlon: Bank and Cash at start of year 229,916 258,435 122,891 611,242 637,724 Net movement In funds {28,6741 13,007 7,806 17,8611 {26,4821 Bank and Cash at end of year 201,242 271,442 130,697 603,381 611,242 other Assets Fixed Assets Investments 12 13 220,000 18,850 220,000 17,764 238,850 237,764 th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 8 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by Mr. R. Tweed Clerk of Session Date: li
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation Is less than £250,000 the congregation have elected in accordance with the provisions In The Charities {Accounts and Reports ReEulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its accounts on a receipts a nd payments basls. FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds, the capltal of whlch must be retained either permanently or at the congregation's discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restrlcted or unrestrlcted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprlse lal 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. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes. Designated funds are general fund5 set aside by the congregatlon for use in the future. 12
FIRST LARNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Recorded gSvlng: Loose collections Donatlons and glfts Gift Aid & charitable giving Legacies and bequest 1,244 116,756 18,737 1,244 143,819 24,157 5,500 403 155,682 21,466 27,063 5,420 5,500 136,737 32,483 5,500 174,720 177,551 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Income from charitable activities Christian Literature 986 15,087 16,073 15,574 986 15,087 16,073 15,574 13
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Donations for use of premises Isle Court rent Solar Panel Income 3,695 4,732 3,423 3,695 4,732 3,423 3,650 4,206 3,556 11,850 11,850 11,412 INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit interest General investment fund dividend DFC Charitle5 Bequest account interest 985 273 1,258 448 36 1,220 943 345 36 496 448 36 1,220 985 273 1,704 2,962 1,820 14
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Pre5byterlan Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 OTHER INCOME Grants Sundry 1,321 80 1,321 80 2,950 600 1,401 1,401 3,550 RAISING FUNDS FWO Envelopes 459 459 400 459 459 400 15
FIRST LARNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES General Assembly assessments Presbytery fees Ministerial salary & expenses Other salaries & expenses Congregational running expenses Property running costs Donations to missions and charities Governance costs 15,152 985 73,546 33,566 7,043 51,333 15,152 985 73,546 33,566 20,090 59,827 11,380 500 14,414 945 70,553 43,161 21,095 68,279 18,156 500 13,047 8,494 11,380 500 182,125 32,921 215,046 237,103 OTHER EXPENSES £Nil 16
FIRST LARNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 io. EMPLOYEES Wages and salaries inc NIC Pension contributions 53,705 11,591 51,157 11,039 65,296 62,196 Number of Employees The average number of employees, Including the mlnlster of the congregatlon, durlng the year was: Average number of employees There were no employees in recelpt of employee benefSts In excess of £60,000. 17
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregation of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 ii. PENSION COSTS The minlster of the congreEation is a member of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Pension Scheme 120091. Thls Is a scheme operated by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a separate registered charity. The congregatlon pays an assessment to the Presbyterian Church In Ireland equivalent to the employer's pension contribution for the Scheme and based on the stipend pald to the minister. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme120091 is a funded Scheme of the def Sned benefit type, providing defined benefits based on career average revalued salary. The Scheme has assets held in a separately admlnlstered fund manaEed by a board of trustees. The Presbyterian Church and the Scheme Trustees have agreed a funding plan to ensure the Scheme is sufflclently funded to meet current and future obligation5, A formal schedule of contributions was drawn up on 25 November 2015 whereby the Presbyterian Church agreed to pay from 31 December 2015 contrlbution5 of 24Yo of pensionable salarle5 to cover the accrual of benefits for future service, expenses, the cost of insuring death in servlce benefits and fundlng the scheme deficit. The contributions made by the congregation during the year were Contributions 11,591 11,039 18
FIRST LARNE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Cost or valuat(on At start of year Additions Disposals 220,000 220,000 At end of year 220,000 220,000 Depreclatlon At start of year Provlsion for year Disposals At end of year Net Book Value At start of year 220,000 220,000 At end of year 220,000 220,000 13. INVESTMENTS 2024 2023 General Investment Fund 17,764 16,25 Value at start of year Additions.. divldends reinvested 17,764 448 16,265 345 18,212 638 16,610 1,154 Ga ins/llos5es on revaluation) Value at end of year 18,850 17,764 19
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregatlon of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 14. FUND BALANCES AND RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Balance At end Gains Losses Balance At end Income Ex enditure Transfer Unrestrlcted Funds General Fund Capital Reserve Manse Interest Millbrook School 78,432 150,974 74,989 26,085 50,410 1180,039) 1,951 51,318 74,989 23,909 51,026 369 616 12,5451 229,916 151,959 1182,5841 1,951 201,242 Restricted Funds Building & Repair Fund Community Care Missions & Charities Unlted Appeal Church Organisations Buildings Investment Income 7,081 805 15,265 237 18,494) 1460) 13,852 582 17,254 15,087 111,3801 112,5871 5,874 31,134 220,000 30,549 220,000 11,915 258,435 47,843 {32,921} 11,9151 271,442 Endowments General Investment Fund Bequests 17,764 105,127 448 6,756 638 18,850 111,847 1361 122,891 7,204 638 136) 130,697 TOTAL 611,242 207,006 1215,5051 638 603,381 The movement of funds from the Restricted Fund to the Unrestricted Fund reflects transfers between church organisations and the general fund, largely contributions towards heat & light costs of the hall. 20
FIRST LARNE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A Congregation of The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 15, RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION One of the Trustees, the minister of the congregation, received remuneratlon of £45,997 and expenses of £3,006 for actlng in that capacity. Pension contributions of £11,039 were paid by the congregation In respect of the minister to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme120091. None of the other trustees received any remuneration during the year in connection with their dutles. During the year the congregatlon contributed the following amounts to Funds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterlan Church Sn Ireland, a separate charity. £88,699 £11,340 £903 £1,612 for congregatlonal assessments towards the United appeal toward Presbyterian Children'5 Society towards Moderators Appeal incorporating the World Development Appeal There were no other related party transactlons. 21