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FIRST RATHFRILAND PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Registered Charlty in Northern Ireland INIC105054)

FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
STRucfuRE 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-officio members of the Congregational Committee.
The Kirk Session consist5 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 at least five times each year or as appropriate.
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 governance the corporate oversight of a congregation
is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and ternporal affairs of the
congregations a55igned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. First
Rathfriland congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Iveagh Presbytery of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers
of congregations a55igned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and
an elder appointed by the Kirk session of the congregation.

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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.
First Rathfriland 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 playtheir part in fulfilling God's mission to our world.
The congregations mission purposes is - Committed to the weekly worship of the Lord. Dedicated to
learning and obeying the Word of God. Motivated to witness to our community by word and action that
Jesus is the only way to Salvation. Encouraging support and prayer for mission in our world. Our vision is,
by the grace of God, to be on inclusive, welcoming community of Christ's people of all ages.
The congregation aims to live out its Mission ond Vision as o family of God's people by being..
A CovenGnt Community.. where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by livingfaithfully
toward him and toward one another
An Intergenerational Community.. where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage
ond nurture younger members to maturity in Christ.
An Outword looking Community.. where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel
to become blessings for other5 beyond the bounds of our community.
As a congregation of the Presbyteriun Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme
outhority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the LGrger and
Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key motters of Christian faith
and practice]

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES
The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the
Lords Supper is observed on several occasions during the year and all those who have been baptised and
who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The
congregation holds regular bible study meetings and has a wide range of organisations including
Sunday School
Young Fellowship
Boys Brigade
Girls Brigade
Presbyterian Women
Men'5 Fellowship
Thursday Fellowship
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Worship and prayer
The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am and 7.00pm. During the week the
Bible Study provides 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 during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at 2 Sacrament of
Baptism's, we conducted 2 marriage services and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort
those who had been bereaved during the year.
At 31 December 2023 there were 202 cornmunicant members and 235 families connected with the
congregations. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 125.
Pastoral care
Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a
regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors.
Mlsslon and outreach
At a local level the congregation gave £9,029 to United Appeal and approx. £4,000 to local charities.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian
Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination
and to do mission and outreach on a 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.
assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant
support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Union Theological College,
the Church's training college for ministry Students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of
worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care.
The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeal, Sunday
School project and any other special appeals.
Presbytery
The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and / or one of
the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the
church.
General Assembly
The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June.
Property
During our vacancy the Congregation sold the manse (£265,000) and purchased a new one at 6 Finnard
Road, Rathfriland1£394,500).
Volunteers
The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by
serving on committees and helping with organizations and other church activities.

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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
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, Missionarie5, 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.

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Flrst Rathfrlland CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd)
HNANCthL REVIEW
The congregatlon's rnain Sour￿ of Income is members, contributlons throu8h the Weekly Freewlll
Offerlng. There were 170 contributors durlng the year1168 in previous year. 20221 donating a total of
£71,021. {£70S96 In previous year. 2022)
Total Income of the congregatSon during the year was £154.041 compared to £146,277 In the previous
year.
Total expendlture during the year was £130.580 compared to £128,418 In the previous year.
STATEMEt4T OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financlal statements of the
congregation in accordance wlth applicable law and generally accepted accounting practbce.
As the con8regation's totsl Income does not exceed £250,0(Kl. the Trustees have elerted under Section
6413) of the Charltle5 Act (Northem Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and pawnent account and a
statement of assets and liabilitie&
The Trustees are responslble for keepln8 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the congregation's transactions and rfisdose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time its financial
position. They are also responsible for safeBuardlnE the assets of the congregatlon and hen￿ for takln8
reasonable steps for the preventlon and detectlon of fraud and other irregularitles.
Approved by the Kirk Sesslon at a meeting on 19th February 2024 and signed on its behalf by
Mlnister
Treasurer

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
I report on the accounts of the charity forthe year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages
10 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance with the
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
• examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;
• follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given bythe Charity Commission for Northern
Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basls of Independent Examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my
examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission
for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b} of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a compari50n 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 concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2. That 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 information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Presbyter
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Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (l) to (4) listed above
and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have
found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
B. Magenn
FCCA FCA
For and behalf of S.M. Wint & Co
Chartered Certlfled Accountants & Reglstered Auditors
8 Newry Road
Banbridge
BT32 3HN
27th March 2024

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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTY (Receipts and Payments Account)
for the year ended 31 December 2023
Note Unrestrlcted
Funds
Restrlcted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Receipts
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investment Income
Other
89,723
100
1,390
611
39,293
20,469
129,016
20,569
1,390
2,038
1,028
122,540
20,715
1,120
1,222
680
1,427
1,028
91.824
62,217
154,041
146,277
Sale of Investments
Sale of fixed assets
Loans Received
265,000
30,000
265,000
30,000
Total RecelptS
91,824
357,217
449,041
146,277
Payments
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Investment costs
Other
79,905
50,675
130,580
128,418
79,905
50,675
130,580
128,418
Purchase of Investments
Purchase of fixed assets
Loan Repayments
394,500
394,500
Total Payments
79,905
445,175
525,080
128,418
Net receipts / (payments)
Transfers between funds
11919
(70,000)
{87,958)
70,000
(76,039)
17,859
Net movement in funds
Funds brought fonvard
(58,081)
65,912
117,958)
41.731
(76,039)
107,643
17,859
89,784
Fund5 carried forward
12
7,831
23,773
31,604
107,643
10

Presbyter
FIRsf RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
srATEMENf OF ASSET5 AND UABIUTIES
As at 31 December 2023
Unrestrlcted Restrkted Endowment
Funds
Funits
Funds
Total
Fund5
2023
T¢)t81
Funds
2022
Funds Recondllatlon
Bank and Cash at start of year
Net movement in funds
65.912
(58,081)
41,731
{17.958)
107,643
(76,039)
89.784
17,859
Bank and Cash at end of year
7.831
23,773
31,604
107,643
Bank & Cash Balances
Bank Deposit Accounts
Bank Current Accounts
Cash in Hand
31,604
107,643
31,604 107,643
Fixed Assets- Note 10
Buildings- value insured
Fixtures. Fittings & Equipment
Vehldes
1nveStn￿nts- Note 11
Gfft Aid receivable on donattons
3,432￿ 3.303.300
31.132
18,513
3,463.932 3.321,813
Loans
No other known Ilabilitie5
130.000}
3,46S,536 3321.813
Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at a meeting on 27th March 2024 and s18ned on Its behalf by
ady (-
11
ly (-

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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
31 December 2023
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS
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 Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare
its accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
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. 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 funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future.
DONATIONSAND LEGACIES
Unrestrirted
Funds
Restrirted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Recorded giving:
Loose collections
Donations and gifts
Gift Aid
Legacies and bequest
567
71,744
17.412
567
108,580
19.869
649
104,429
17,462
36,836
2,457
89,723
39,293
129,016
122,540
12

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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
31 December 2023
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestrirted
Funds
Restricted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Income from charitable activities
Fees from weddings and funerals
Fundraising events
Membership fees
Grants
950
1,456
5,963
12,100
950
1,556
5,963
12,100
100
1,367
4,461
14,887
100
20,469
20,569
20,715
4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Fund5
Restrlcted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Letting of premises
Trading income
1.390
1,390
1,120
1,390
1,390
1,120
INVESTMENT INCOME
Unrestrirted
Fund5
Restrirted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Deposit interest
General Investment Fund
Wayleave
Other investment income
106
1,321
110
1,928
18
1,204
607
611
1.427
2,038
1,222
13

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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd)
31 December 2023
OTHER INCOME
Unrestrirted
Funds
Restricted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Insurance claims
Other income
1,028
1,028
680
1,028
1,028
680
RAISING FUNDS
Unrestrlcted
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
FWO envelopes
Fundraising events
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestrirted
Fund5
Restricted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
General Assembly Assessments
Presbytery fees
Ministry and support staff costs
Congregational running expenses
Donations to Missions and
charities
Governance costs
11,698
916
34,161
27,963
3,664
11,698
916
42,661
50,417
23,385
8,616
654
30,223
66,287
21,116
8,500
22,454
19,721
1,503
1,503
1,522
79,905
50,675
130,580
128,418
14

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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (convd)
31 December 2023
OTHER EXPENDITURE
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
Other
10. FIXED ASSETS
The congregation owns the church premises with adjacent graveyard situated at Newry St, the hall at
Newry Street and the manse at 6 Finnard Road, together with the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and
machinery. These have a value of £3,432,800.
11. INVESTMENTS
The congregation has the following investments. Amounts are shown at market valuation.
2023
2022
General Investment Fund
Property
Other investments
31,132
18,513
31,132
18,513
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FIRST RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd)
31 December 2023
12. FUND BALANCES
Fund
Balance
at start
Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer
{Deflcit)
Balance
at end
Unrestrlcted Funds
General Fund
65,912
91.824
79,905
11,919
(70,000)
7,831
65,912
91,824
79,905
11,919
7,831
Restricted Funds
Building Fund
Cong. Organisational Funds
Mission and Charities Fund
24,275
17,320
136
312,033
19,851
25,333
399,228
20,478
25,469
{87,195)
{627)
{136)
70,000
7,080
16,693
41,731
357,217
445,175
(87,958)
70,000
23,773
Endowment Funds
[Name of Fund]
Total
107,643 449,041
525,080 {76,039)
31,604
16