Belfast Spiritualist Church
Annual Report & Statement of Accounts
For the year to 31[st] December 2024
134 Malone Avenue, Belfast. BT9 6ET
PROMOTING THE RELIGION OF SPIRITUALISM THROUGH THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES
Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 - Page 3 Purpose of Charity - Page 3 Public Benefits – Page 3 Achievements of 2023 – Page 4 Activities & Performance 2023 – Page 5 Structure & Governance – Page 6 Financial Review – Page 7 Financial Performance – Page 7 Detailed Profit and Loss Report – Page 7-12
Belfast Spiritualist Church NIC 107677 134 Malone Avenue, Belfast BT6 9ET
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Trustees' Report for the Year January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024
The Trustees of Belfast Spiritualist Church are pleased to share the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2024. This report has been prepared in line with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice to provide a clear overview of the church’s activities and financial position over the past year.
Purpose and Public Benefit of Our Charity
Purpose
Belfast Spiritualist Church exists to promote the religion and philosophy of Spiritualism. We do this by holding weekly Divine Services every Sunday, along with services on selected other days, welcoming all members of the public to join us in worship.
Beyond our services, the Church is committed to spiritual education. We offer classes and workshops led by experienced tutors, along with access to a well-stocked library to support personal learning and growth. We also provide training for those wishing to enter the Spiritualist Ministry and for our Church Trustees, helping to ensure the continued strength and development of our Spiritualist community.
Public Benefits
Belfast Spiritualist Church offers real and meaningful benefits to the public through the teachings of our spiritual philosophy. We help individuals build a deeper connection with God, which brings a sense of peace, comfort, and reassurance, especially during difficult times. Many find strength in knowing they are not alone and that there is always a spiritual source of support.
Our church also encourages personal spiritual growth and a greater awareness of one’s inner self. At the same time, we nurture a strong sense of community, where everyone feels welcome and valued. The wider impact includes promoting a positive way of living based on spiritual and moral values, helping people become more compassionate, caring, and community minded.
We also provide individual pastoral support, tailored to meet the needs of each person, offering a listening ear and a caring presence whenever it's needed.
Public Use of Services
Church members and members of the wider community benefit from a range of official services we offer, including spiritual healing, guidance, and officiating at important life events such as weddings and funerals. These services play a meaningful role in people’s lives and reflect our commitment to sharing Spiritualism with others.
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The value of this work is seen in the positive feedback we regularly receive from those who attend or use our services. We welcome suggestions and comments through a suggestion box in the church and encourage feedback through our social media channels. In addition, we hold Annual General Meetings where members can share their views and help shape the future of our church.
To support the delivery of these services, we make necessary payments to a member of our religious ministry who leads them. These payments cover the essential costs of providing such services and ensure we can continue this important aspect of our spiritual and community work.
2024 Achievements – A Review of Key Activities Advancing Our Purpose for Public Benefit
Committee Commitment and Community Engagement
The committee at Belfast Spiritualist Church is committed to making our services and spiritual practices open and welcoming to all. We work to ensure that worship is accessible and meaningful for everyone, and we actively encourage both regular attendees and new visitors to become part of our church family.
The committee not only helps manage the public services we provide but also looks for new ways to connect with the wider community and invite more people to get involved in church life. Whether it’s through prayer, shared philosophy, or our regular gatherings, we do our best to live out our beliefs and strengthen the sense of connection and belonging among those we serve.
Planning and Achievements for 2024
As we planned our activities for 2024, our focus was on ensuring that everything we do continues to offer real public benefit and supports the core aims of our charity. Alongside our regular services, we set clear goals to help the church grow and reach more people.
Here are some of the steps we’ve taken:
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Sharing our message more widely – We used social media and printed materials to reach a broader audience, helping more people discover how our spiritual philosophy can bring positive change and support into their lives.
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Improving education and accessibility – We updated and expanded our educational programmes, designing new class materials to suit different experience levels and attract new participants to our workshops and development circles.
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Building community connections – We’ve made extra efforts to connect with our local area by delivering leaflets and promoting our services online, inviting more people to engage with what we offer.
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Enhancing pastoral and healing support – We’ve continued to grow our spiritual healing work and personalised pastoral care, keeping it focused on
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individual needs and increasing the number of people who benefit from these important services.
Together, these efforts have strengthened our ability to serve the public, support spiritual growth, and share our message with kindness and purpose.
Providing an Open and Welcoming Church
At Belfast Spiritualist Church, we remain committed to being an open and welcoming spiritual home for all. Our doors are open every Sunday for Divine Services, as well as for additional Spiritualist gatherings throughout the week. These services offer a space for prayer, healing, reflection, and connection—welcoming everyone, regardless of background or belief.
We are heartened by the strong attendance at our weekly services, particularly in the evenings, which continue to provide a warm and uplifting atmosphere for worship. Through these gatherings, we actively promote our religion and religious philosophy, helping people find spiritual meaning and inspiration to make positive changes in their lives.
To support this outreach, we have steadily expanded the number of services offered— now available on most days of the week—and enhanced our efforts to reach the wider public through leaflet distribution and a growing online presence. The consistent, positive feedback from attendees reaffirms that our services are valued and spiritually enriching.
Providing Spiritual Healing
Spiritual healing remains a vital and deeply valued aspect of our religious practice at Belfast Spiritualist Church. In recent years, we have witnessed a steady increase in those seeking the comfort and support that healing can provide—particularly in response to the emotional, mental, and physical stresses brought about by rising living costs and other personal challenges.
To meet this growing need, we offer a dedicated healing service every Thursday evening, which continues to serve as a place of peace and renewal for many. In 2024, we further extended our commitment to this work by introducing a Sunday Healing Service, now held every two months, allowing even more individuals to access the benefits of spiritual healing.
These services are led by our experienced and compassionate team of volunteer healers, all of whom are trained and accredited by the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU). This ensures the highest standards of care, professionalism, and spiritual integrity. Through their dedication, we can offer healing that uplifts, restores, and reconnects individuals with the Divine energy within.
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Promoting Pastoral Care
Providing compassionate support to those in need remains a core expression of our religious philosophy at Belfast Spiritualist Church. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, especially those who may be isolated due to illness, age, or other circumstances, feel seen, valued, and spiritually connected.
Our pastoral care team, including trustees and volunteers, continues to make regular visits to members of the church and wider community who are unable to attend services. These visits offer emotional and spiritual comfort, prayer, and companionship, helping recipients feel closely connected to the life and energy of the church. In doing so, we not only provide essential care but also deepen the bonds of fellowship that lie at the heart of our ministry.
Providing a Weekly Spiritual Awareness Class
Our weekly Spiritual Awareness Class offers an inclusive and nurturing environment for all who seek to explore and deepen their spiritual understanding. Open to the public, this class supports our mission to promote the philosophy of Spiritualism while encouraging personal reflection and inner growth.
Spiritual development is central to our faith, and these classes serve as a platform to revisit core values such as compassion, service, gratitude, and personal responsibility. In response to growing interest, we introduced a revised and expanded educational programme to accommodate a range of learning needs and spiritual interests.
The positive response from participants has been encouraging, with increased attendance and heartfelt feedback indicating that many are finding renewed meaning and connection through the sessions. The continued success of the Spiritual Awareness Class reflects our commitment to fostering spiritual wellbeing and lifelong learning within our community.
Promoting Official Services
Belfast Spiritualist Church continues to actively promote the values and philosophy of Spiritualism through the delivery of official services, including weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, and spiritual blessings. These services offer important opportunities to engage with the wider public and provide meaningful support during life’s most significant moments.
By offering these services to both church members and the broader community, we not only fulfil an essential spiritual and pastoral role, but also raise awareness of Spiritualism as a compassionate, inclusive, and values-driven religion. Each ceremony is conducted with reverence and care by trained and approved members of our ministry team, ensuring that every service is deeply personal and spiritually enriching.
Through these engagements, individuals often form a deeper connection with our church and philosophy. Feedback from attendees continues to be overwhelmingly
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positive, with many expressing gratitude for the unique spiritual insight and comfort provided during these key life events. In this way, our official services serve as a powerful outreach tool and a vital expression of our commitment to public benefit.
Increasing Awareness Through social media and Leaflets
At Belfast Spiritualist Church, we continue to put considerable effort into promoting our services and fostering a welcoming community spirit. Our ongoing outreach through social media platforms, our church website, and printed leaflets has significantly contributed to raising awareness about our Divine Services, spiritual healing sessions, and educational programs.
These promotional activities have helped us connect with both existing members and new visitors, encouraging more people to engage with our church and experience a supportive and reflective environment. Many attendees have shared that reconnecting with the church has positively impacted their mental and emotional well-being, reinforcing the importance of our work within the community.
Throughout 2024, our increased visibility has been reflected in the growing attendance at our Sunday Divine Services and other events. Despite the many social challenges faced today, our commitment to providing spiritual comfort, guidance, and reassurance remains steadfast. We are proud of the welcoming space we offer and the positive difference it continues to make in people’s lives.
Structure, Governance, and Management – Appointment of Trustees
Belfast Spiritualist Church is governed according to the rules outlined in our governing document, "Rules for Churches."
Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on the third Wednesday of February each year. During the AGM, committee members, officers, and the church warden are democratically elected by the members of our charity. Each trustee is nominated and seconded by members, with the final selection determined by a vote at the meeting.
The church committee is responsible for making decisions on all matters of general importance, including the allocation of funds. The committee meets monthly to address various issues. Due to the committee's broad responsibilities, smaller sub-committees focus on specific areas such as spiritual healing, outreach, pastoral care, and teaching spiritualist philosophy. These sub-committees report regularly to the main church committee. All church business is discussed during these monthly meetings, and minutes are recorded.
The following individuals served as Trustees (Church Committee Members) from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024:
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Bertha Patricia James
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Minister Eamonn Andrews
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Colette Diamond
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Charlotte Henderson
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Margaret Roe
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Nicola Smith
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Vivienne Reynolds
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Colleen Scott
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Curtis Lemon
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Noel Adams
Volunteers
All our trustees and those involved in the daily operations of our church are dedicated volunteers who generously give their time for the benefit of our members and visitors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who works diligently to create and sustain the vibrant and supportive community that defines our church.
Financial Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the year
The accounts for the year 2024 are fully compliant and include a statement of Financial Activities and a balance sheet.
The charity’s accountants/independent examiners are - Cleaver Black Chartered Accountants Suite 5 Ormeau House 91-97 Ormeau Road, Belfast Co. Antrim BT7 1SH
The charity banking account is with Danske Bank.
Finance Report for the year 2024
Total income for the year 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024 was £33,625 while total expenditure was £23,224
Income was generated through donations collected during Divine Services, educational workshops and classes, sales of educational materials, membership fees, spiritualist readings, and other contributions, including fees for officiating at official services.
The accounts showed a good profit of £10,329 for 2024. Our annual accounts continue to be prepared each year by experienced accountants Cleaver Black. The balance sheet continues to remain strong.
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Income 2024
There was an overall increase in income of £2,783. A smaller number of weddings £6,370 and training/education workshops £4245 in 2024.
Expenses
The expenditure for the year was reduced to (£23,224) compared to last year when our building had repairs. Other costs include expenses for workshops, weddings and expenses incurred by an increase in visiting mediums.
Balance Sheet
In 2024, I am pleased to report that the church remains financially secure and maintains a healthy financial position, thanks to careful financial management. (Please refer to the detailed financial accounts below.)
This Trustee Report has been approved by the Church Committee of Belfast Spiritualist Church on 21[st] May 2025 and signed on their behalf by the Church President, Minister Eamonn Andrews.
Yours sincerely,
Eamonn Andrews (Minister)
President Belfast Spiritualist Church 21[st] May 2025
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Detailed Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 31[st] December 2024
| Income | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday Collection | 5,899 | 5,394 |
| Weddings | 6,370 | 8,960 |
| Development Circles (Education) |
1,679 | 1,688 |
| Papers/Magazines | 405 | 418 |
| Membership | 1,351 | 1,033 |
| Readings | 2,070 | 2,470 |
| Awareness Group (Education) |
3,941 | 3,753 |
| Books | 53 | 80 |
| Donations | 52 | 234 |
| Fri/Sat Events | 1,334 | 1,227 |
| Workshop Events | 4,245 | 4,020 |
| Naming Ceremonies | - | - |
| Funerals | 60 | 70 |
| Fundraising | 4,616 | 580 |
| Mediumship | 825 | 276 |
| Other Income Government Grants |
- | 250 |
| Other Income Deposit account interest |
725 | 389 |
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Total
33,625 30,842
| Expenditure | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | - | 16 |
| Rates and Water | 510 | 450 |
| Insurance | 796 | 722 |
| Light and Heat | 4,282 | 1,946 |
| Telephone | 731 | 707 |
| Post and Stationery | 133 | 298 |
| Computer Costs | 306 | 558 |
| Repairs and Renewals | 990 | 12,346 |
| Household and Cleaning | 1,796 | 1,741 |
| Mediums Expenses | 5,714 | 6,714 |
| TV Licence | 159 | 158 |
| Magazines/Books | 386 | 341 |
| Teaching Expenses | - | - |
| Sundry Expenses | 1726 | 790 |
| Wedding Expenses | 2,792 | 4,132 |
| Accountancy | 516 | 516 |
| SNU Fees and Healing Fees |
1,726 | 1,748 |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets, Fixtures and fittings (a) Computer Equipment (b) |
(a) 499 (b) 188 |
(c) 527 188 |
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| Finance costs/Bank charges |
72 | 71 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 23,224 | 33,898 |
| NET PROFIT | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,329 | 3,127 |
Balance Sheet for 31[st] December 2022
| Fixed Assets | Notes | 2023 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible Assets | 1 | 88,404 | 89,091 |
| Current Assets | |||
| SNU Investment Account |
29,514 | 28,794 | |
| SNU Deposit Account |
316 | 311 | |
| Danske (Northern) Bank a/c |
52,952 | 42,503 | |
| Cash in hand | - | 69 | |
| 82,694 | 71,677 | ||
| Current Liabilities | |||
| Trade creditors | 88 | 1 | |
| 82,694 | 71,677 | ||
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| Net Assets | 171,098 | 160,769 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financed By Capital Account |
2 | 171,098 | 160,769 |
Note 1 Tangible Fixed Assets
| Long Leasehold |
Plant and Machinery |
Fixture and Fittings |
Computer Equipment |
Totals £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost 31stDec 2024 |
86,269 | 7,357 | 33,413 | 990 | 128,029 |
| Depreciation On 1 January 2023 |
- | 7,357 | 30,973 | 608 | 38,938 |
| Charge for year |
- | - | 499 | 188 | 687 |
| Net Book Vaue |
Long Leasehold |
Long Leasehold |
Plant and Machinery |
Fixture and Fittings |
Fixture and Fittings |
Computer Equipment |
Totals £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 31/12/2023 |
86,269 | - | 1,941 | 194 | 88,404 | ||
| At 31/12/2024 |
86,269 | - | 2,440 | 382 | 89,091 |
Note 2 Capital Account
| Note 2 Capital Account | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capital Account | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
| Brought forward | 160,769 | 163,896 |
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| Add net profit | 10.329 | |
|---|---|---|
| Less net loss | - | (3,127) |
| 171,098 | 160,769 |
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