REGENT 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 {NIC105068)

Presbyter
an
111 IHELAXD
REGENTSTREEf 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 including a Balance Sheet as at that date.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS
Regent Street Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
48A Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4LP
Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC105068)
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The Charity Trustees who serrfed during the year or who were trustees at the date of this
report were:
Mr. Norman Armstrong
Mr. Roy Brown
Mrs. Karen Elizabeth Glass
Mr. Ivan Logan Hamilton
Mrs. Joan Hosford
Mr. lan Macdonald
Mr. John Joseph Alexander Bell
Mr. Andrew John Crawford
Mr. Harvey Hamilton
Ms. Joan Catherine Hamilton
Mr. William Hosford
Mr. Ronald Martin
Mrs. Anne Louise Mcconnell
| Mrs. Helen Moffett
Mr. Charles Robert Orr
Mrs. Julie Sarah Mcclelland
Mr. Robert Malcolm Mcconnell
Dr Gale Samuel John Moffett
Mr. Alex Palmer
Dr Michael Park
Mr. David John Thompson
Rev Anne Tolland

an
REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS
Minister
Clerk of Session
Treasurer
Rev. Anne Tolland
Mr. lan Macdonald
Mr. Andrew John Crawford
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mr. William McAdam, Stanley Woods & Co, Alexander House, 49151 Church Street,
Newtownards, BT23 4AN
BANKERS
Ulster Bank, 22 Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DP
SOLICITORS
Russell & Co Solicitors, 11 Lower Mary Street, Newtownards, BT23 4JJ

REGENTSTREETCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
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 Session has delegated to its
Congre8ational 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 consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the
congregation. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at
meetin8s, 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 twice, but more typically eight
times each year. The Kirk Sesslon met on twelve occasions during 2023, twice in
February, October and December once in January, March, May, August, 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 elerted if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote.
Presb
Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight
of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends the spiritual
and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Regent Street congregation of the Presbyterian Church
has been assigned to the Ards Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The
membership of the Presbytery consists of the active ministers of congregations
assigned to it by the General Assembly, ministers who have retired from active duty
and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.

REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE pREsB￿ER1AN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
The General Assembl
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 matter5 brought before it. The General Assembly is
normally constituted during June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of
business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists of the active
ministers of each congregation, retired ministers 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.
Regent 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 purpose is by the grace of God, to be a welcoming
community of Christ's people who are "Living and Sharing God's Good News"
The congregation aims to live out its Mission as a family of God's people by being:
A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promlses of
God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another.
An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to
engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ.
An Outward looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that
belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of
our community.
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.

REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES
The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are always welcome to
join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is typically obser4ed on five occasions during
the year and all those who have been baptized and who have made a profession of
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are admitted to the Lord's Supper. During 2023 we
observed the Sacrament of the Lords Supper on three occasions.
At present we conduct only one worship service each Sunday, it is hoped we will
develop opportunities for more assorted styles of worship in the future.
The congregation has held a number of more infonnal services in previous years to try
and reach out to families and individuals who are less comfortable with a more
traditional Sunday morning service.
The congregation has a wide range of organisations including:
Sunday School (Beginners and Senior)
Crèche
Bible Cla55 (known as "Quest")
Various youth groups
8adminton Club
Thursday Club Isenior citizens)
First Friends (Mothers and babies)
Bowling Club
Regent Ramblers (walking group)
Knlt and Natter Group
Bible Study Group
The congregation also allows its premises to be used for a number of young people's
organisations administered and run by the Scout and Guiding Associations.
We have a history of community involvement and are more than happy to make the
premises available for the use of local organisations.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Worshi
and
ra
er.
The congregation meets for worship each Sunday at 11 am.
In addition, Christian education programs take place on a regular basis.

REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PREs8￿ERlAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
Prayer is an intrinsic part of church life. and time is set aside prior to the Sunday
morning service each week and again on Monday lunchtime to focus on this aspect of
our witness. There is also a successful program known as the Prayer Tree which allows
members of the congregation to ask for specific prayers and a resolute team of
individuals will carryout these requests.
There were no marriage or baptism services during 2023.
Regretfully we did lose a few members during the year, and we found ourselves giving
our grateful thanks to God for their faithful service to our congregation and the wider
world.
On 31 December 2023 there were 238 communicant members and 291 families
connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at Sunday morning
worship is 130.
Pastoral care
All members of the congregation are visited on a regular basis by the minister and elders.
With particular emphasis on those who are unable to attend church due to sickness or
age and those in hospital and nursing homes.
There is also a 'CD' ministry where recordings of services are distributed to those
members of the congre8ation who are unable to regularly attend services. This service is
also available to family and friends of the funeral service of those who have passed
away. It is our intention to reestablish our regular weekly live streaming of Sunday
seriices which have proven very popular during Covid restrictions.
Mission and outreach
The congregation supports several charitable programs and agencies, both financially
and in more practical ways.
Locally the congregation continues to support the work of The Link Family and
Community Centre.
There is also an ongoing collection for a local food bank, which the congregation
supported generously in 2023.
The 'welcome' area at the front of the church (known as the 'Hub') is open for tea,
coffee and a chat. It is open to ALL members of the public, regardle55 of whether they
belong to our congregation, a different church. or have no church affiliation

REGENTSTREEfcoNGREGATION OFTHE pREsB￿ERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
whatsoever. The Hub is also used on Sunday momings serving refreshments to
members of the congregation prior to the service.
A highly successful 'Holiday Bible Club, and 'Easter Outreach Scheme, were held
during the year.
Overseas missions were supported in a number of ways. The Presbyterian Church in
Ireland's United Appeal is the congregation's core method for financially supporting
the work of the church overseas.
The congregation also generously supported a number of other charities:
Christian Aid: In 2023 for the first time in a number of years a joint Christian Aid Service
was held with our neighbours in Regent Street Methodist Church. This proved to be
highly successful, and the intention of both churches would be to make this a regular
annual event. Members of the congregation were also very generous financially in their
support of Christian Aids emergency appeals throughout the year.
Samaritan's Purse: This is a Sunday school led project, but which is supported by the
whole congregation. It involves filling wrapped shoe boxes with small gifts of toys,
sweets, toiletries and knitted items, which are then transported to disadvantaged
chiSdren, in Eastern Europe and Africa.
In 2023 some 130 shoe boxes were filled and supplied to our local collection partner,
along with a cheque for £650 towards helping with their distrubition costs.
Brown Mone
Collection: This is another Sunday School led project where members of
the congregation are encouraged to donate any spare 'brown and silverf coins. A total
of £742 was donated to the NSPCC.
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 outreach 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 congregations in the
areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, oirtreach, leadership and pastoral care.

REGENT STREETCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development
Appeal, Sunday School project and any other special appeals.
Presb
The congregation wa5 represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our
minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the
congregations and the wider structures of the church.
General Assembl
The minister and one of our elders, nominated by Kirk Session, attend the meetings of
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings,
st
Belfast. In 2023 the General Assembly met from Wednesday 21 June to Saturday 24
June.
th
Pro
ert
During 2023 there was only the general maintenance requirements with no major
building or renovation work required.
anisations.
While the following section describes the organisations that the trustees are
proud to support, once again they spent most of 2023 continuing to build on the
good work of the previous year. This continued demanding work has shown an
overall increase in numbers attending all organisations and continues to grow. As
a result, data regarding attendance was not gathered and this was deemed
inconsequential.
Sunda
School.
The Sunday school meets after the children's address at each morning seniice, then the
young people exit to their classes. The Sunday school provides a Christian education to
the younger children in the con8re8ation. There are currently two age groupings
a) Beginners {Pl-P3)
b) Senior (P4-P7)
Crèche.
A crèche ser￿ICe is provided each Sunday morning for any babies and toddlers.

REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE pREsB￿ER1AN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
uest.
Quest meets each Sunday morning. Thi5 is for young people from Year 8 to Year 14
and explores the benefits and responsibilities of having a Christian life centered on
being part of a church family.
Badminton Club
The badminton club is for over eighteens, and meets each Monday evening for some
exercise, coaching, and fellowship.
Choir
The choir meets on a Wednesday evening to prepare for Sunday services and other
special events during the year.
Bowlin
Club
The bowling club meets each Thursday evening for friendship and a bit of friendly
competition.
Thursda
Club
The Thursday Club is for our more senior members to enjoy a chat, some refreshments,
and various activities (talks, quizzes etc.). The club meets every 2 weeks.
First Friends
First Friends is our baby/toddlerfs group that meets on alternate Fridays from
10.30am until 12 noon. Mums, dads, grandparents and other carers are also
more than welcome.
Re
ent Ramblers
This is the congregation's walking group. There is typically one walk organised each
month, apart from July and August.
Bible Stud
A very well attended Bible study group, lead by the Minister meets on alternate
Wednesday evenings.
Volunteers

REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of all those who give
freely of their time by seniing on committees. helping with organisations, outreach
initiatives, 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 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).
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 all cases. Public access is made known using notice
boards, 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.1rish Mission workers and Lay Agents
who receive benefits because of their holding office or employment. However, this is
incidental
and necessary 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 sep4ices 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.

REGENTSTREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement
statutory guidance.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the
Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 171 contributing families during the year {182 in
the previous year. 2022) donating a total of £92,751 (£82,665 in the previous year,
2022).
As the total income of the congregation in 2020 was more than £250,000 the
con8regation had to prepare its accounts on an accrual's basis, in line with the
provisions in The Charities Accounts and Reports Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.
The same basis is still followed.
Total Income of the congregation during the year was £211,476 compared to £216,148
in the previous year.
Total expenditure during the year was £184,193, compared to £479,941 in the previous
year.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
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 fair view 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 accounting policies and then apply them consistently
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in operation.

REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd)
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
suff icient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregation and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement
of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities (l January
2015),. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud
and other irregularities.
For the year ended 31 December 2023.
GOING CONCERN
The activities of the congregation 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 this report and
subject to the continuin8 SUPPOrt from members to fund on an ongoing basis the
congregation's current activities and other financial commitments.
RISK REVIEW
A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and
procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in
relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated
with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are
mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly
monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by
encouraging members in their regular giving.

REGENT STREET CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5B￿ERIAN CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd)
Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 6th May 2024 and signed on its
behalf by
Rev Anne Tolland (Minister)
Signature:
Date L J<
Mr. lan Macdonald (Clerk of Session)
Signature: .
Date