David
I came to Moira as Pastor of the Baptist Church in 1995 but had lived nearby since 1991. For years I was in Moira regularly and always admired the village. I recall often passing through as a pillion passenger on my Dad’s motorcycle as we travelled from Dungannon, my home town in Tyrone.
Soon after arriving in Moira, a resident gave me a copy of Moira – a Historical Handbook by Rev. Canon C.R.J. Rudd. I was hooked and have spent many hours over the years researching, writing and speaking about our fascinating history. I hope this web site is just another means of making you aware of the wonderful heritage we have in Moira, County Down.
But I cannot isolate the writing of history without clearly stating that I believe God is the God of History. Scripture tells us:
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. … He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man[f] he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist.” Acts 17:24-28
Taking note of my past ministry in Moira and seeing the others ministry sites I have, you will not be surprised that my writings on local history will include the history of and references to spiritual life in Moira.
I thank you sincerely for using this site. God bless you.
David McFarland