History

This presentation will briefly outline the highlights of the history of East Belfast Mission.

 

The Hungry 30's and the McIlwrath Hall

During that latter time the affectionate and compassionate ministry of Rev. George A. Mcllwrath helped to sustain the hearts and homes of our suffering people.

Our people's lives were so closely entwined with the variable fortunes of the shipyard and the slumping linen business that the changing economic circumstances of these years brought much hardship. Social work on an extensive scale was carried on for several winters. For a time between five and seven thousand free dinners were provided each month. This good work was largely undertaken by the Women's Auxiliary.  

It was then that the Mcllwrath Hall was built. Our premises were not adequate for the work on hand, and men of the Church voluntarily offered their time and skill to build a hall. This and the other halls were destroyed with the church in the blitz of the Second Great War.