Soldierstown Church (Holy Trinity, Aghalee)

Overview

Soldierstown Church, more commonly known as Holy Trinity, Aghalee, sits on a gentle rise above the Broad Water towpath in County Armagh. The modest stone edifice is a focal point for the village of Aghalee and a waypoint for walkers exploring the historic Lagan Canal. Its simple rectangular plan, white‑washed interior and distinctive 1827 spire give the building a timeless silhouette that can be seen from the canal towpath and from the surrounding countryside.

The church is open to all visitors – entry is free, and a small donation box near the entrance helps fund ongoing maintenance. A modest car park sits beside the church, and the site is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with a level path leading from the parking area to the main door.

History

The origins of Soldierstown Church lie in the turbulent years following the English Civil War. Bishop Jeremy Taylor, a royal chaplain who became Bishop of Down and Connor after the Restoration, encouraged the construction of a series of “Caroline” churches across Antrim and Down between 1660 and 1703. Construction on Soldierstown began in 1667, the year of Taylor’s death, and the building was consecrated on 1 May 1677 by Bishop Essex Digby of Dromore. A 300‑year anniversary was marked in 1977, and a 350‑year celebration is planned for 2027.

Originally a simple barn‑style structure with a thatched roof, the church’s roof was later replaced with oak shingles and finally with slate in 1792. In 1827 the walls were raised, Gothic arches were added to the windows, and the present spire was erected. The spire’s weather‑vane was lost in a storm and later restored by a devoted congregant on St Patrick’s Day 1976.

A notable feature is the 1699 bell cast by Henry Paris. The bell bears the inscription “Henry Paris made me a right good sounding bell to bea./9.9/.” It cracked in later years, was repaired, and still rings for Sunday services – possibly the oldest Paris bell still in regular use in Ireland.

The interior was described in the 1830s Ordnance Survey Memoirs as a one‑storey stone building with three‑foot‑thick walls, two Gothic windows on each side, and a large east‑window behind the communion table. At that time the church seated 362 people across ground‑floor and gallery pews, most of which were oak timber.

A series of restorations have kept the building in good order:

• 1890 – new vestry built.
• 1899 – complete renovation: pitch‑pine roof lining, new oak seating, new pulpit, and a new chancel reputedly built by local contractor Frank Forsythe.
• 1922 – two‑manual Evans & Barr organ installed in the west gallery as a war memorial.
• 1982‑84 – new parish hall erected on a donated site.
• 2007‑08 – flood‑lighting added and car‑park and graveyard extensions opened.
• 2019‑2023 – the Aghalee Parish Heritage Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, restored damp‑damaged fabric, repaired the roof, and completely overhauled the historic organ (restored by Wells Kennedy Ltd). The church was rededicated by Bishop David McClay on 26 March 2023.

What to See & Do

• The Bell – Listen for the deep, slightly wobbly tone of the 1699 Henry Paris bell, one of the few surviving examples of his work.
• Stained‑Glass East Window – Installed in 1891 in memory of Mr. R and Mrs. M.A. Ellis, the window depicts the Good Shepherd, the True Vine and the Bread of Life.
• Restored Organ – The Evans & Barr organ, over a century old, was meticulously restored and now supports a vibrant programme of organ recitals, including a centenary recital scheduled for July 2024.
• Heritage Festival (October) – Each October the church hosts the Aghalee Parish Heritage Festival, featuring floral displays, costume pageants that dramatise the parish’s history, and refreshments. The 2023 festival ran 13‑15 October with free admission.
• Graveyard – The adjoining graveyard holds the burial of Richard Owen, the engineer responsible for the Lisburn‑Lough Neagh section of the Lagan Canal (d. 1830). It offers a quiet place for reflection.
• Walking the Broad Water – The church is a landmark on the 3‑mile Broad Water tow‑path walk. Walkers can pause on the left bank to admire the spire and enjoy views over the water.

Getting There

By Car – From the M1, take Junction 9 onto the A26 northbound; Soldierstown Road is the second left turn, about 0.8 miles from the roundabout. Parking is free in the on‑site car park (limited spaces on festival days).

Public Transport – Translink bus services stop at Aghalee (check the latest timetable). The nearest rail link is Moira Railway Station; from there it is a short walk along the towpath or a brief taxi ride to the church.

Practical Information

Address: 52a Soldierstown Road, Aghalee, Craigavon, Co Armagh, BT67 0ET.

Phone: 028 9209 0989 (Parish office).

Website: Aghalee Parish Church.

Services (regular worship):

Accessibility – The entrance is level, with disabled parking spaces in the on‑site car park. The nave floor is flat, allowing easy movement for wheelchair users.

Facilities – Restrooms are located in the adjoining parish hall. Refreshments are available during the Heritage Festival and on special event days.

Heritage Project – The ongoing Aghalee Parish Heritage Project (2018‑2025) is collecting photographs, digitising parish records, and hosting talks on local history. Volunteers are welcome.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting Soldierstown Church, consider exploring other points of interest in County Armagh:

• Ardress House – An 18th‑century National Trust house with beautiful gardens, a short drive north of Aghalee.
• Craigavon – The modern town centre offers shopping, dining and the Craigavon Viaduct.
• Ballymoyer Woodland – A scenic woodland walk with historic ruins, ideal for a post‑church stroll.
• Lurgan Park – A large public park with lakes, walking trails and a historic mansion.
• Moira Demesne – Accessible via the Broad Water tow‑path, featuring historic canal bridges and riverside scenery.

These sites can be combined into a leisurely day exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the Armagh countryside.