Presbyter
an
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31
December 2023 includlng a balance sheet as at that date.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
First Presbyterlan Church Portadown a Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
3 Lynden Gate Park, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT63 5YJ
Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC104957)
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The charity trustees who served during the year or who We￿ trustees as at 31 December
2023 were'.-
Rev Robin Brown
Mr John Crozier
Mr Robert Dowe
Mr Samuel Gamble
Mr Eric Hammond
Mr Stephen Hunter
MrGa
Kenned
Mr Kenneth Mawhinney (resigned 20
February 20231
MrNi
el Mcclelland
Mr James McKittrick
Mr Wllllam Ruddell
Mr Geor
e Russell
Mr Noel Brownlee
Dr Gilbert Carson
Mr Brian Dawson
Mr John Flnlav
Mr Gareth Gleer
Mr David Hunter
Mr Robert Irwin
Mr Mark Kent (resi8ned I September 2023)
Mr W J Mccave
Mr Brian McGuire
Mr Mark Neale
Mc Phillip Patterson
PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS
Mlni5ter
Clerk of Session
Church Secretary
Treasurer
Rev Robin Brown
Mr Robert Dowev
Mr Jonathan Graham
Mr Ni8el Jameson

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd)
AUDITORS
Ruddell & Companv
Chartered Accountants & Reglstered Auditors
16 Church Street
Dungannon
Co Tyrone
BT716AB
BANKERS
Bank of Ireland
13 Market Street
Lurgan
Co Armagh
BT66 6AR

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
The Kirk Sesslon
The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of it5 Kirk Session. Under the
con8re8ation's 8overnlng document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government
of the Presbyterlan 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 boLJnds. It ensures pastoral care is In place in the congregation and seeks
to further the contribution of the church to Chfistian wttness and service in the local
community. The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congregational Commlttee the temporal
affairs of the congregation includin8 admlnlstering all funds and Property belonging to the
congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are member5 of the Congregational Committee.
The Kirk Session consists of the ordained mlnister and the rullng elders of the congregatlon.
All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings. except that
the Moderator, the minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative role but
only a casting vote.
stated meetlngs of the Klrk Session are held at lea51 twice in each year.
To be chosen for the offlce of the eldership In the congregation a person must be a voting
member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selectlon of those proposed to be
alled to the off ice can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session.
Presbytery of Armagh
Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of
congregation Is the responslbility 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 Presbyterian Church Portadown has been assigned to the
Armagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery
conslsts malnlv of the active mlnisters of congre83tlon% assl8npd to It by the General
Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk
Sosslon of each congregation.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
The General Assembly
The General Assembly Is the supreme court of the church, repre5entin8 in one body the whose
church and acting as its supreme leglslatlve, admlnlstr3tlon and Judlclal authorlty, In dealin8
with all matters brought before it. The General A55embly in 2023 was constituted from 21,
to 24th June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business, it is dissolved.
The membership of the General Assembly con5iSts mainly of the active mini5tefS of each
congregation, retired minsters and a representatlve elder appolnted by the Kirk Session of
each congregation.
DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE
First Presbyterlan Church Portadown Is a congre8ation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a5 a reforffled church within the wider body of Christ IS
8rounded in the scriptures and exlsts to love and honour God throu8h faith in His Son and by
the power of HIS Splrit, and to enable her members to play their part In fulfSllln8 God's mission
to our world.
The congregation's mlsslon purposes are by the grace of God, to help people of all ages
become fully devoted follower5 of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an
inclusive, welcomin8 community of Christ's people of all ages, which:
Is increaslngly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others;
Is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible:
is relevant to people of this time and place.
The congrpgation aims to live out its mission and vision as 3 family of God's people by being:
a covenant community: where our relationshlps are rooted in the promises of God by
Ilvlng faithfully toward hlm and toward one another;
an interKenerational community: where adults intentionally take the lead to en8a8e with,
encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ.
an outward looking communlty.. whpre we want the blessln85 of God that belon8 to us in
the 8ospel to become blesslngs for others beyond the bounds of our community.
As a con8regatlon of the Pre5byterlan Church In Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the
supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westmln5ter Confession of Falth, along
with the Lar8er and Shorter CatechSsms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on
key matters of Christian faith and practice.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES
The congregation meets for worship every Sunday morning and evening and visitors are
welcome. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on several occasions during the
vear and all those who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted
to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular Blble study meetlngs and has a wlde
range of organisations Including
CLICK Iministry to children each Sunday)
Youth Fellowship
Edenderry C.E.
Senlor C.E. Fellowshlp
"Chatterbox" for mothers and toddlers
Presbyterian Women
Edenderry Fellowshlp and Luncheon Club
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Worship and prayer
The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11..00am and 6..30pm. During
the week a Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet for fellowship, to study
the scriptures and for a time of prayer.
As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God'5 gift of 2 new live5 at
the sacrament of Baptlsm. We also gave thanks for faithful services and 50U8ht to comfort
those who had been bereaved durin8 the year.
At 31 December 2023 there were 426 communicant member5 and 493 familie5 connected
with the congregation.
The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 3f)O and at evening worship 130.
Pastoral care
Meiiiber5 uf the congregaiion who are unable 10 attend church due to slckness or age are
visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral
visitor5.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {conVd)
Mission and outrearh
At 3 local level the con8re83tion pro-active in seekin8 to be obedient to the con8re8ation's
misslon statement which is "Passion for Christ, Compassion for People". This mission is
delivered through the faithf ul preaching of God's Word each Lord's Day, pastoral visitation
and a varied programme of weekly events and teachinE through church organisations and
occasion31 "one off, outreach events. The congregation supports the United Appeal for
Misslon which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables
on8re8ations to SUPPOrt the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and
outreach on denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The
United Appeal fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas,
a5SiSts 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 tralnin8 college for ministry students. and financially
5UPPQrt5 consregations in the areas of worshlp, dlscipleshipi 8lobal mi55ion, outreach,
leadershlp and pastoral care.
Presbytery of Armagh
Tl)e congregation was represented at the regular meeting5 of Presbytery by our mlni5ter and
an elder. This provides an Important link between the congregation and the wider structures
of the church.
General Assembly
The mlnlster and one of our elders were nomlnated to attend the meetin8 of the General
Assembly of the Pre5byterlan Church In Ireland held In Assembly Bulldin85, Belfast, In June.
Organlsatlons
The church has a Bible Clas5 teaching programme each Sunday mornin& and a Youth
Fellowshlp on alternate Sunday evenings after church. During the week there is a Boys,
Brigade Company, a new group called Eden Girls, Edenderry C.E. on Saturday ni8ht, a Senlor
Chrlstian Endeavour, a monthly senior citizens, meeting and several prayer meetings. These
organisations cover the full range of ages and include Bible teaching and a time of prayer.
On Wednesday mornings our maln hall is used by our mother5. and to¢Jdler5' 8roup. Many
children and thelr carers are regular attenders.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
Volunteers
The trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their
time by serving on committees and helping with organisatlons and other church activities.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The Presbyterlan Church In Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit
to its members and the general public by making known the ChrlstianBospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ through the advancement of religion.
The dlrect benefit5 which flow from the purposes of the church include the 8aining of an
understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the church's subordlnate
standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms)
leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response toBible teachin8.
In turn, thi5 framework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the
local community such as throu8h the care of those in need lincluding the sick. disabled and
bereaved).
Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members or
are facilitated throu8h Presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is
facllltated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known usin8
noticeboards, prtnted material, press advertisement. websites. and social medla or In other
ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and infom)al
and ad-hoc feedback from members, thelr famllles, and members of the public.
The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prfvate benefit flowing from our purpose 15
related to ministers, missionaries, deaconesses. Irish Mission workers and lay agents who
receive benefits a.s 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 indmduals 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 Northem Ireland. the
Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefrt frorn our engagement with and 5UPPOrt for
both Christian and other secularorganisations, charities and individual members of the public.
The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commlssion's public benefft fequtrernerrt
statutory guidance.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The principal source of Income of First Presbyterian Church Portadown continues to
be from donations and plate collections.
The principal expense of First Presbyterian Church Portadown is in respect of
payments regarding congregational running expenses and donations to missions and
charlties.
First Presbyterlan Church Portadown had a net gain of £229,141.10 for the year ended
310ecember 2023.
First Presbyterian Church Portadown continues to be in a healthy financial state as at
31 December 2023 with total cash funds of £567,45S.81.
Flrst Presbyterian Church Portadown aims to retain sufficient rèserves to meet Its expected
future expendlture requirements as well as potential future capital projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The trustees are responslble for preparlng the annual report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kin8dom Generally Accepted Accountin8 Practi￿.
The trustees are required to prepare flnanclal statements for each financlal year which give a
true and falr vlew of the state of affairs of the congregation and the financial activities for that
year. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:
select suitable accountlng pollcles and then apply them consistently
make Judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basi5 unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the funds will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountin8 records that are sufficient to
show and explain the funds, transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme
the fliiani1431 po)ItloTr of Llie cuii¥ie¥aLluii diid eiidble ilieiii iv viisuiE Ilidl (he Iliidwicldl
statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice"Accounting and Reporting
by Charities11 January 2015)" They are also responsible for safe8uardin8 the assets of the
congregation and hence for taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.

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TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
GOING CONCERN
The activltles of the congregation are dependent on ongoln8 contributions frorn its members.
The trustees are of the opinion that the con8re8ation has sufflcient resources at the date of
approval of these flnancial statements to meet commitments whlch w511 arise In the year from
the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund
on an on80in8 basis the congre8ation's current artivities and other financial commitments.
RESEF(VES POLICY
The trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold
taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the trustees to hold
reserves equivalent to between 3 and 6 months. normal expenditure. At the year-end
unrestrlcted reserves were £162,045.28 whlch represents a higher level of reserves. The
trustees however, conslder it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its
present activlties Is dependent of the on8oln8 financial support of members.
RISK REVIEW
A revlew of major risks has been undertaken by the trustees and systems and procedures
implemented to manage identlfied rlsks. The prlnclpal risks are In relation to the likellhood of
reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expecL3tion of ongoin8 financial
support from members. These risks are mitigated by the trustees, and the Congregational
Committee, regularly monitoring the varlous activities of the congregation at stated meetings
and by encouraging member5 in their regular 8iving.
Approved by the Kirk Session at a Meeting on 28 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by
Mr
owey
William J McKittrick
28 May 2024
28 May 2024