Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church A congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees, Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC105081
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A 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 DETAILS Hamilton Road Presbyterian a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Hamilton Road, Bangor, BT20 4LN Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105081) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: N M Anketell W N Bennett R P Campbell W S E Carson lappointed June 20231 Rev. C E Ebbinghaus J Eves S A Nelson lappointed June 2023] C Mcconaghy A S McDowell B R McDowell G Nesbitt C S Petherick Iretired January 2023] L Robinson [appointed June 2023] G W Rutherford J R Sheldon S C Hanna S Hardy J Hatty lappointed June 20231 kE W P Hatty C Killick CJLee J Macafee [retired September 2023] N McAuley [appointed June 2023] P Mclvor [appointed June 2023] R McKeown [appointed June 2023] E l Millen S Mullan V J Steele W Steele [retired January 2023] S Stevenson T Stevenson G J Thomson S Williams Iretired March 20231 During January 2023 the voting members of the congregation were engaged in an election of new elders in accordance with the rules and guidance set out in the Code. The congregation was pleased to install these seven new elders, following their appropriate training, on 4th June 2023. 21 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Senior Minister Rev. Christoph Ebbinghaus Clerk of Session Mr. Alan McDowell Honorary Treasurer Mr. Dean Russell AUDITOR Muir & Addy Accountants Muir Building 427 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 2LT BANKERS Danske Bank Bloomfield Shopping Centre South Circular Road Bangor BT19 7HB SOLICITORS Carson McDowell Solicitors Murray House 4 Murray Street Belfast BTI 6DN 31 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd) 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 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 dele8ated 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 consists 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 minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are generally held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from September to June and at other times as required. To be chosen for the off ice 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. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of 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. Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Ards 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 each congregation. 41 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) 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 Hamilton Road 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 purpose is'to see unbelieving people become faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ., Our vision for our church family, by the grace of God, is to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The congregation aims to live out its purpose and vision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises 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 member5 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. A5 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. 51 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd) AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES Our church family continues to meet on Sundays and we have been encouraged to see many new faces join with our many faithful attenders. During the Covid-19 pandemic we commenced live streaming of serrfices and this has been continued to facilitate those not able to attend church in person. Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church has a wide range of organisations and groups as listed below. Girls, Brigade Boys, Brigade Connect Connect + • YF Women's Fellowship Men's Football Tots & Co HRPC Globe • Crèche Beginners, & Junior and Senior Sunday School Afternoon PW Adult Inclusive Bible Club REAL Women's Ministry (including book club) MOPS Coffee & Craft Badminton Men's Ministry 61 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The church family meets for worship each Sunday at 11.00am and 6.30pm. followed by coffee, tea and fellowship after each service. This is an important part of how we engage together as a church family. During a morning service in June 2023 we were delighted to welcome 36 new members into our church familv. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life with 6 infant and 3 adult Sacraments of Baptism and gave thanks for falthful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 729 communicant members and 663 families connected with the congregation, Sunday morning attendance varies but an approximate average is 450 with, on average, 400 weekly You Tube views. Pastoral care We continue to review and develop our pastoral care to allow us to meet our present and future needs. Each elder is responsible for a district comprising approximately 20 households of church members. During 2022 the elders conducted a review of their districts in an attempt to better connect with the church family. Mlsslon and outreach Mission and outreach events continued to be central to the purpose of the church. The Drop- in facility in the Welcome Centre opens on three mornings a week and is staffed by volunteers for the church family. CSSM, a summer programme for children and young people, run by Scripture Union Northern Ireland and facilitated by many young people from the church, was based in our church halls in July, Contact was continued with the local business community with over 100 people attending a Christmas reception and buffet in the church at the beginning of December which gave us the opportunity to thank the traders for their faithful contribution to the local community. With the arrival of many seeking sanctuary within our community the church has developed a range of support activities to augment the ongoing teaching of English. Sports provision, cooking and craft activities were introduced together with a weekly drop in international café known collectively as HRPC Globe. 71 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Periodically throughout the year, collections of foodstuffs were organised to support the work of Storehouse which supplies food etc. to needy familie5 in the North Down area. The congregation continues to respond generously and willingly when appeals are made for these local charities. During 2023 volunteers from within the church organised a 'free food Monda where surplus and end of date food is donated by local supermarkets and is publicly made available to any who require it- this is a developing ministry to the community. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. A total of £37,155 was raised in 2023 against a target of £34,972 and passed to PCI. 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, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports the congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership, and pastoral care. The congregation also has a long-standing involvement in, and commitment to, mission, both at home and across the world. There are currently 9 familieslcouples from the congregation and 4 other adults (members and associates) serving with various mission agencies in the UK & Ireland as well as in Africa, Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition, there are partnership arrangements with 12 organisations working in the UK & Ireland and in the rest of the world. As well as encouraging prayer support for missions within the congregation, the Missions Committee received general donations, specific donations (with request) and other income of £163,363 in 2023 through the Missions Support bank account. A total of £165,362 was disbursed to support the missions family and partner organisations. All bud8et commitments to missions family members and partner organisations were honoured and, due to a generous one-off donation of £20,000 and in line with the donor's wishes, additional amounts were distributed to our missions family and to further resource the work of Christianity Explored in East Africa. 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. 81 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd) General Assemblv 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 There were no major refurbishment projects carried out during the year to the church buildings. Organisations The full list of organisations is set out above. Our children and young people meet at various times throughout the week during term time. Many attend BB on Monday evenings, GB on Friday evenings and other organisations on Sundays. Around 200 are involved in these. Tots & Co., our group for preschool aged children and their carer5 met each Thursday morning during term time. This organisation provides an excellent opportunity for social interaction for young mums and others with responsibility for small children and was particularly welcome. Throughout 2023 many adults met in small Discipleship Groups on a fortnightly basis in our church buildings, with others attending prayer meetings, either online or in person. Our Adult Inclusive Bible Club which meets fortnightly, continues to be a wonderful means of providing a safe space for adults with intellectual disabilities to spend time together, socialising with others and enjoying time away from their homes. It also gives a little bit of respite to carers who look after these wonderful people, with so much care and love. Groups for women, including Women's Fellowship and PW, met regularly, and were designed to be a balance of learning and social interaction. A men's ministry, providing various ad hoc events encouraging fellowship between men of all ages, was developed and good numbers have attended. For the more active in the congregation, a Men's Football Club ran on Thursday evenings and for those with differing interests there is a Craft and Coffee group. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and leading and helping with organisations and other church activities. This amounts to an army of several hundred people. 91 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland 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 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 nearly all cases. Public access is made known using 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 because of their holding off ice 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 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 Commission's public benefit requirement statutory guidance. 10 I Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEE5' ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of unrestricted income is members, contributions through Freewill Weekly Offering (FWO) recorded giving. There were 424 contributors during the year (412 in previous year} donating a total of £370.897 to the unrestricted Freewill Offering (General) Fund {£342,899 in previous yearl. An additional amount of £77,890 was received in the form of Gift Aid1£72,579 in previous year). Once other income is taken into account, the total FWO Fund income was £523,011 compared to £473,348 in the previous year (an increase of £49,663 i.e. 10%>. This level of increase in the total giving to the FWO Fund is very encouraging and represents the sacrificial commitment of our members despite difficult economic times as well as the continued growth in the work and ministries of the church. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness in supplying these resources to fund the work of the church. Total income of the congregation for both unrestricted and restricted purposes during the year was £778,383 compared to £762,822 in the previous year which was an increase of £15,561 i.e, 2%. This sustained level of income reflects the continued commitment and generosity of members despite ongoing financial uncertainty for manv. The significant increase in FWO Fund income of IO% has enabled the congregation to largely absorb the increases in expenditure outlined above and continue to report a surplus albeit reduced compared to the previous year. It is very encouraging that member contributions and other income have increased to enable the developing and growing ministries of the church to continue without any restriction on available funds. Total expendlture through the FWO Fund was £491,810 of which £291,463, or 59Yo, related to ministerial and other staff costs. The equivalent total for 2022 was £398,109 of which £245,454 related to ministerial and other staff costs. Overall expenditure through the FWO Fund increased by almost £IOO,000- mainly due to the increase in staff costs of £46,009, the increase in mini5try-related costs of £16,236, and other inf lation-related increases in utilities and insurance costs. After taking into account net transfers from other funds totalling £958, the net surplus of income over expendlture in the FWO Fund was £32,159. Total expenditure of the congregation for both unrestricted and restricted purposes during the year increased from £805,002 in the previous year to £822,738- mainly due to increased congregational running costs as Outlined above. 11 I Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPEcf 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 fiscal year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the congregations 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. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregations and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reportin8 by Charities (l January 20151" They are also responsible for safe8uarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 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 continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's current activities and other financial commitments. The Trustees have assessed the current position and, considering the cash reserves referred to below, are content that there are suff icient resources available to fund the activities of the congregation and related budgeted financial commitments in the coming year. 121 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (convd) RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It has been the policy of the Trustees to hold the equivalent of at least 3 months, normal running costs in cash resenies. The minimum level of unrestrirted reserves has been held at £120,000 following the increase in 2022 to take account of increased costs. At December 31st, cash held in the General and Business Investment bank accounts totalled £330,758. This total includes cash in relation to restricted funds not held in separate bank accounts and doesn't include unrestricted and restricted income that still had to be transferred from our payment processor {Stripel account. 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 caused by financial fraud or error and the 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, by encouraging members in their regular giving and, by reviewing internal controls. Approved by the Kirk Session and signed on its behalf by: •0 kKDJ 4_ /LJk Alan McDowell Norman Bennett 19th May 2024 19th May 2024 131 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Hamilton Road Presbyterlan Church a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Year ended 31 December 2023 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, statement of financial POSition, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practicel. In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended,. have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI (ISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 141 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Hamilton Road Presbyterlan Church Congregation of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements Is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other Informatlon The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowled8e obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencie5 or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the flnancial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this Other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Matters on which we are required to report by exceptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees, report. 151 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Hamilton Road Presbyterlan Church a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 requires US to report to you if, in our opinion.. the information given in the trustees, report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or adequate accounting records have not been kept; or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessin8 the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltor's responsiblllties for the audit of the flnanclal statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK} will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 161 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Hamilton Road Presbyterlan Church a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: We discussed laws and regulations and fraud risks during our audit planning procedures. The charity must comply with the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 and prepare financial statements which give a true and fair view in accordance with the Act and supplementary regulations. It must meet the requirements of charity regulation and apply funds in accordance with any conditions and restrictions attached. The trustees consider that fraud, if it were to occur, is most likely to involve the misappropriation of income. Our engagement team collectively had appropriate experience of applicable laws and regulations and competence to recognise non-compliance. We used checklists in evaluating the presentation, structure and content of the financial statements. We consider that our audit has a reasonable chance of detecting material non-compliance with laws and regulations. We remain mindful that fraud, by its very nature, may be difficult to detect. Audit procedures were planned and performed to test controls in place for recording and banking income. We also undertook analytical procedures to identify trends that might indicate misappropriation of income. We consider that our audit has a reasonable chance of detecting a material fraud in this area. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also.. Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that IS sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentation5, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the rea50nableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees. 171 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Hamilton Road Presbyterlan Church a Congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (continued) Year ended 31 December 2023 Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting 3nd, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Muir & Addy Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 427 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 2LT 19 May 2024 181 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY for the year ended 31 December 2023 Notes Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Income from: Oonations and legacies Charitable activities Other sources 475,652 3,947 44,412 242,497 11,554 321 718,149 15,501 44,733 712,716 3,559 46,547 Total 524,011 254.372 778,383 762,822 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 452 452 467 494,579 327,707 822,286 804,535 Total 495,031 327,707 822,738 805,002 Net Income / {expenditurel 28,980 {73,3351 (44.3551 (42.180) Transfers between funds 12 14,042) 4,042 Net movement in funds Reconclllation of funds: 24,938 {69,2931 144.355) (42,180) Total funds brought forward 295,982 1,567,468 1,863,450 1,905,630 Total funds carried forward 320.920 1,498,175 1.819.095 1,863,450 191 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2023 Notes Unrestrlrted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Fixed assets: Tangible assets 18,471 1,422,758 1,441,229 1,466,030 Total fixed assets 18.471 1,422,758 1,441,229 1.466,030 Current assets Debtors and pre-payment5 Cash at bank and in hand 15,793 298,539 3,436 76,346 19,229 374,885 30,556 403,373 10 Total current assets 314.332 79,782 394,114 433,929 Current liabllities: Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 11 11,883 4.365 16.248 36,509 Net current assets or 302,449 75,417 377.866 397,420 Total assets less current 320.920 1,498,175 1,819,095 1,863,450 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Total net assets or Ilabilities 320,920 1,498,175 1,819,095 1,863,450 201 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2023 (cont'd) Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2022 2023 Restricted funds 1,498,175 1,498,175 1,567,468 Unrestricted funds 320,920 320,920 295,982 Total funds 320,920 1,498.175 1,819.09S 1,863,450 Approved by the Kirk Session and signed on its behalf by: Alan McDowell Norman Bennett 19th May 2024 19th May 2024 211 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Statement of cashflows Year ended 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Cash flows from operating actlvities Net income 144,355) (42,180) Adjustments for.. Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 46,525 42,743 Changes in.. Trade and other debtors Trade and other creditors 11,327 {20,2601 119,193 2,516 Cash generated from operations (6,763) 122,272 Net cash used in operating activities 16,763) 122,272 Cash f lows from investlng artivitles Purchases of tangible fixed assets (21,7241 Net cash from investing activities (21,724) Cash flows from flnancing artlvities Proceeds from/lrepayment of) borrowings Net cash from financing activities Net increaselldecrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 128,487) 403,372 122,272 281,100 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 374,885 403,372 221 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland {FRS102} (effective l January 2015). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets, and liabilities for which the congregation is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, northose that are informal gatherings of church members. 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. Restrlcted 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 that 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. 231 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd) INCOMING RESOURCES (i) Recognltion of incoming resources These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when: the congregation becomes entitled to the resources; • the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliably. (li) Incoming resources wlth related expendlture Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA. lill) Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the congregation has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Ilv) Tax reclaims on donatlons and 8lfts Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate. {v) Contractual income and performance related grants This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered. (vi) Gifts in kind Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable. 241 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd) {vii) Donated services and facilities These are only included in incoming resources {with an equivalent amount in resources expended} where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable, and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received. (vlll) Volunteer help The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees, annual report. (Ix) Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable. (x) Investment galns and losses This includes any gain or105s on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluin8 investments to market value at the end of the year. EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES (xl) Llablllty recognitlon Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the congregation to pay out resources. (xii) Governance costs These are shown within charitable activities and include the costs of preparation and examination of accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the costs of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters. (xiii) Grants wlth performance conditions Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output. 251 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES {conVd) Ixiv) Grants payable without performance conditions These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity. (xv) Support costs Support costs include central functions and, where appropriate, have been allocated to activity Cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g., allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage. ASSETS {xvi) Tangible Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £2,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value on receipt. Depreciation is recorded on all tangible fixed assets other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows: Buildings: Solar Panels: Fixtures, fittings, furniture and equipment Computers, software and technical equipment over 50 years over 10 years over S years over 5 years (xvll) Investments Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year- end. Other investment assets are included at trustees, best estimate of market value. 261 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Restrirted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Recorded giving Gift Aid Loose collections Donation5 and gifts Legacies and bequests 370,897 77,890 3,162 12,703 11,000 95,196 466,093 452,878 36,373 114,263 121,039 3,162 2,814 110,928 123,631 106,271 11,000 29,714 475,652 242,497 718,149 712,716 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Charitable activities {previously reported as Income from Other Sources for Restricted Funds) Grants 3,947 11,554 15,501 3,559 3,947 11,554 15,501 3,559 271 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Solar panel income Other income (including income from room hire, church events and bank account interest) 13,177 31,235 13,177 31,556 10,225 36,322 321 44.412 321 44,733 46,547 EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 FWO envelopes 452 452 467 452 452 467 281 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The PresbyterSan Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Other expenditure for restricted purposes Donations to missions and charities Governance/Office costs Depreciation 20,049 1,353 291,463 145,504 20,049 20,049 1,353 1,204 291,463 245,454 145,504 113,855 55,376 104,854 55,376 8,000 23,319 4,891 230,696 238,696 262,141 23,319 14,235 46,526 42,743 41,635 494,579 327,707 822,286 804,535 EXPENDITURE ON EMPLOYMENT COSTS Total Funds 2023 Total Fund5 2022 Salaries, wages and ministerial allowances National Insurance contributions Pension contributions 254,526 15,044 17,692 205,802 18,758 16,769 287,262 241,329 291 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 Salaries, wages and ministerial allowances excludes travel, subsistence, training and minister's expenses as well as the Apprenticeship Levy charge. Employer's National Insurance contributions are shown as net costs after the Nl employment allowance of £5,000 is taken into account. The Senior Minister's pension contributions are reported here as Employment Costs for disclosure purposes but are otherwise included in General Assembly Assessments under Expenditure on Charitable Activities {note 61. Number of Employees The average number of employees, including ministerial staff, during the year was 11 (10 in 2022). There was one employee in receipt of employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2022: none}. Pension Costs The Senior Minister of the congregation is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme120091. This is a scheme operated by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a separate registered charity. The congregation pays an assessment to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland equivalent to the employerfs pension contribution for the Scheme and based on the stipend paid to the minister. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland Pension Scheme120091 is a funded Scheme of the defined benefit type, providing defined benefits based on career average revalued salary. The Scheme has assets held in a separately administered fund managed by a board of trustees. The Presbyterian Church and the Scheme Trustees have agreed a funding plan to ensure the Scheme is sufficiently funded to meet current and future obligations. A formal schedule of contributions was drawn up on 25 November 2015 whereby the Presbyterian Church agreed to pay from 31 December 2015 contributions of 24% of pensionable salaries to cover the accrual of benefits for future service, expenses, the cost of insuring death in service benefits and funding the scheme deficit. 301 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregatlon of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 The pension contributions of £17,692 made by the congregation during the year were broken down as follows: Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Pension contributions for Senior Minister Pension contributions for other employees 12,987 4,705 11,288 5,481 The congregation operates a defined pension contribution policy for its non-ministerial employees. The scheme and its assets are held by an independent scheme manager. The pension charge represents the employer's contributions due from the congregation during the year. 311 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Land and Fixtures, Freehold Flttings, Property Furniture & Equipment Solar Panels Sound and Media Total Cost or valuation At start of year Additions 2,378,403 55,957 19,104 50,980 42,938 2,528,278 2,620 21,724 At end of year 2,378,403 75,061 50.980 45,558 2,550,002 Depreclatlon At start of year Provision for year 946,364 25,968 38,574 9,615 40,784 36,526 1,062,248 5,098 5,844 46,525 At end of year 972,332 48,189 4S,882 42,370 1,108,773 Net Book Value At start of year 1,432,039 17,383 10,196 6,412 1,466,030 At end of year 1,406,071 26.872 5,098 3,188 1,441,229 Land and Freehold Property contains three classes of assets: land, church property and residential property. Residential property is that made available to employees of the church. The only residential property is the manse used by the Senior Minister and the revalued cost of £330,000 is included in the Land and Freehold Property figures. No depreciation has been applied to the value of the property because it is subject to regular maintenance in order to maintain its value. No depreciation is applied to land. Church property includes the main church building and halls as well as the Welcome Centre extension to the main church building. All church property is used mainly to carry out the activities of the church. 321 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 The church property, including the land, is under the control of the congregation's trustees (the Kirk Session), but has been held in trust for the congregation by Presbytery (the holding trustees) so long as the congregation continues to acknowledge the authority of, and remain in connection with, the General Assembly {per paragraph 55 of The Code). In line with a directive from PCI, however, it was agreed by the congregation's trustees and ratified by a meeting of the congregation in October 2023 that the church property, including the land, should be vested in the PCI Holding Trustee Company. This transfer is currently in the process of legal completion. The Welcome Centre extension is included at cost in the balance sheet and depreciated in line with the relevant accounting policy. The Kirk Session undertook to carry out a valuation in 2019 of the main church building and halls, as well as the land, in order to report the value of those elements of church property that are currently in use by the congregation but had not previously been included in the balance sheet. The value was reflected as an addition to the opening cost/valuation of land and freehold property in the balance sheet for 2019 and, in line with the agreed depreciated historical cost treatment, the value was fully depreciated by means of an in-year depreciation adjustment. DEBTORS AND PRE-PAYMENTS 2023 2022 Gift Aid recoverable Other receivables Pre-paid insurance costs 14,992 23,918 90 2,935 4,147 3,703 19,229 30,556 331 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church In Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 10. CASH AT BANKAND IN HAND 2023 2022 General/Business Investment Accounts Stripe Account (non-missionsl Stripe Account (Missions) Mission Support Account Property Support Account Boys, Brigade Account Girls, Brigade Account Cash in hand 330,758 15,646 998 10,588 326,040 32,147 29,535 4,833 10,818 5,171 11,703 21 374,885 403,373 11. CREDITORS: amount falling due within one year 2023 2022 Electricity and electrical repairs bills Audit fee Water rates Gas bill Other charity disbursements PCI United Appeal disbursement PAYE and NI/Pension contributions Stipend adjustment Other creditors 4,401 2,520 1,668 1,796 6,586 2,400 7,000 7,000 1,473 10,701 3,976 1,887 16.248 36,509 341 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PR£SBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES AND RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Balance at start Income Expendlture Net Income Transfers Balance at end Unrestrlcted Funds Freewill Offering Bequest Income 211,519 84,463 523.011 1,000 {491,8101 13,2211 31,201 12,2211 958 {5,0001 243.678 77,242 295.982 524,011 1495,031} 28,980 14.042) 320,920 Restrlcted Funds Fixed Assets Propertv Mission Support Other Missions United Appeal World Development Appeal Moderator's Appeal Presbyterian Children's Society Tearfund Christians Against Poverty BB G8 Other Congregational Funds and Orgs 1,495,169 1397) 883 137,649 25,714 35,238 2,818 141,6351 {34,4601 1140,8451 124,5171 (36,0351 12,6191 142,0321 133,5771 13,1961 1,197 17971 199 129,535) 33,577 11,000) 1,423,602 33,387 4,696 797 181 29,191 5,893 380 32 24 24 56 266 2,535 12,2171 318 584 824 432 19,588 814 119,887} 11,1601 {299) 13461 525 86 7,517 14,227 9,939 10,903 11,198 7,406 18,455) 18,333} 17,544) 2,448 2,865 11381 9,965 17,092 10,801 1,000 1,567,468 254.372 {327,707} 173,3341 4,042 1,498,175 Total Funds 1.863,450 778,383 1822,738) 144,3551 1.819,095 351 Page
HAMILTON ROAD PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH A congregation of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2023 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The only trustee who directly received any remuneration from the congregation was the Senior Minister, Rev. Christoph Ebbinghaus, who received total expenses payments of £359 during the year. The Senior Minister's stipend £54,61212022: £47,035), car allowance and ministerial allowances £6701 12022: £6,382) is included in note 7 {Expenditure on Employment costs). During the year, the congregation contributed the following amounts to funds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (a separate charity): £20,049 for congregational assessments £37,155 towards the United Appeal (accrued and adjusted figure) £3,125 towards the World Development Appeal (adjusted fi8ure) £31 towards the Moderator's Appeal (adjusted figure) The congregation also contributed £1,353 towards Presbytery Assessments during the year. There were no other related party transactions. 361 Page