The second minister of Banagher was the Reverend James A. Johnston ordained in 1811. He married Miss Elizabeth Boyle, daughter of Thomas Boyle of Drumcovitt and lived there because the old Manse was occupied by Mr Law’s widow. He was minister for 10 years and gained a reputation for his appearance. He walked to Church from Drumcovitt through Feeny dressed in knee breeches, silk stockings and shoes with shining buckles and became known as the ‘lovely divine’. Evidently he was expected to be less refined and more rustic.

Mr Johnston left Banagher in 1821 to become minister of Holywood, a congregation of the Presbytery of Antrim which at that time accommodated those who had intellectual difficulties in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrinal dispute led to the formation of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in 1830, so called, because her ministers felt unable to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith which clearly is Trinitarian not Unitarian in questions about the nature of God.

Mr Johnston died of cholera at the age of 48 in 1832 and his obituary described him as ‘polite, high-minded and agreeable in all the relations of life’.

The third minister of Banagher was the Reverend Thomas Ellison who was ordained in March 1822. The service of ordination was held in Cumber because Banagher Meeting House was badly in need of repair and unsuitable for such an auspicious occasion.

In the Archives of the Fishmongers Company, London, there is recorded a report of a deputation which surveyed the Estates of the Company in 1820: “The Presbyterian Meeting Houses of Ballykelly and Ballyhanedin are both in so wretched a state of repair as to be scarce fit for the Celebration of Divine Worship, or safe for the Congregation to assemble in. They are full of hope that their good landlords will assist them to repair, but considering the probable expense and the bad construction of both buildings it will certainly be more admirable to rebuild”.

The decision of the Court very generously favoured erecting two magnificent Church buildings, substantial and in the Classical Greek style. The sandstone dressings were quarried in Dungiven. The cost of Banagher was approved at £2,200 and was built over a period of three summers and completed in 1834. Ballykelly was completed two years later.

Mr Ellison was ordained by the Reverend John Mitchell then minister of 1st Londonderry. Before that Mr Mitchell served the congregation of Scriggan in the district of Camnish outside Dungiven. The Nationalist community of Dungiven are proud of that connection for it was the Reverend John Mitchell’s son John, born in Scriggan Manse who was so active in the Young Ireland movement in the mid-nineteenth century becoming a hero in that tradition. The Reverend John Mitchell was born in the Mitchell house at Killycorr within our Parish boundary.

The Presbytery of Derry’s first visit to Banagher was in 1826. We learn from this visit that public worship in Banagher begins each Sabbath at 12 noon and ends at 5.00 pm. The stipend paid to the minister was £57, there were 250 families connected with the congregation and 300 communicants.

Mr Ellison became known as an energetic farmer endowed with homespun wisdom. A saying of his that was remembered is: ‘A laying hen is better than an idle horse’. He died at the age of 48 in 1847 after falling heavily on his shoulder while tying a load of flax on a cart.

Mr Ellison’s successor was the Reverend Robert L. Rodgers of Carndonagh installed by the Presbytery of Glendermott in 1847. Mr Rodgers’ father suffered the indignity of being erased from the list of the Presbytery of Derry when a Licentiate for the Ministry along with another Licentiate called John Pinkerton and the Reverend Robert Steel of Scriggan because of their alleged involvement in the 1798 uprising of United Irishmen against British rule. The Reverend James Porter, minister of Greyabbey was not so fortunate for he was hanged on a scaffold erected midway between his manse and the meeting House and died on 2nd July 1798 at the age of 45. He had been falsely accused of robbing a postal car. His real crime was his satiristic articles under the nom-de-plume ‘Billy Bluff’ which greatly offended Lord Londonderry, the neighbouring landlord. Mr Porter is the great, great, great grandfather of Mr Alex Miller of Millbrook whose family have been connected with Banagher for generations.

Robert L. Rodgers appears as a student for the ministry of the Presbytery of Derry in 1838. Each student for the ministry has a final piece of trial in the form of a dissertation delivered at Presbytery before he is Licensed to preach. Mr Rodgers piece was entitled, “The Steam Engine”. This novel subject was topical in its day. The first railway in Ireland was the Dublin – Kingstown line in 1834. The Belfast – Lisburn line was completed in 1839. There was strong opposition to the advent of the Steam Engine from both the Church and the landed gentry. It was alleged that the belching smoke would be most harmful to birds and the sparks flying from the furnaces would be a fire hazard. The Presbytery of Belfast said that the Steam Engine would contribute to an increase in vice by Sunday travel. One orator was inspired to exclaim, “Every sound of the Railway whistle is answered by a shout in hell”.

We don’t know which line Robert Rodgers adopted at Presbytery or how persuasive his oratory was but it didn’t prevent the Railway reaching Coleraine in 1855 and Londonderry five years later.

Mr Rodgers married a daughter of Matthew Robinson of Mulderg. In a visitation of Presbytery in 1852 we find that 212 families were connected with Banagher, that 270 were present at the Lord’s Supper, that the Stipend was £40 and that the Sabbath Day collections averaged 2/6d.

The year 1859 has become known as the ‘Year of Grace’ because of the mighty religious revival which changed the face of Church life in Ireland and touching all the denominations. It was reported at the General Assembly of our Church in 1860 that 10,000 new members had joined the Church within the year. Not surprisingly, Banagher experienced the special grace of God which was sweeping the land for plans were made for the erection of a Gallery in the Church to accommodate the increased numbers wishing to attend Public Worship. The Fishmongers Company agreed to donate £163 to cover the cost of the Gallery which was made in 1860 on condition that the £400 already approved for the building of the Manse should be proceeded with. In the Fishmongers records reference is made to the unsuitability of the old Manse that then existed, ‘Although it is good enough for a farm it is not good enough for one who as a minister ranks with gentlemen’. The Congregation responded to the spur and the present Manse was erected about 1865 and the architectural style is described as Tudor-Gothic.

The Reverend Robert L. Rodgers died in 1879 aged 63 and was buried in the Churchyard newly acquired from the Fishmongers Company in 1877. He was succeeded by the Reverend W. J. D. Williamson in 1880. Mr Williamson had been ordained in Staleybridge England in 1870 and removed from there to Irvinestown and again to Buncrana from where he came to Banagher. Mr Williamson received the call to Banagher in the face of stiff opposition when it is realised that two of the rejected candidates on the list later became Moderators of the General Assembly.

Mr Williamson’s ministry in Banagher lasted 24 years and coincided with a drop in numbers from 202 families to 150 families in 1904 due to the unsettled times in rural Ireland at the end of the nineteenth century and the attraction of emigration to North America. Nevertheless, Mr Williamson’s period is associated with ambitious building and renovation schemes. The interior of the Church apart from the Gallery was completely refurnished. The style of pews in the Gallery was once the style throughout the whole building. During the summer of renovations in the early eighties, the Church services were held in the Manse barn. Also during Mr Williamson’s stay, the Fishmongers Company handed over the property of the Church buildings as a gift to the Congregation and also the Manse in 1892. The Congregation at their own expense built the Century Hall in 1900 and Banagher Congregation was equipped with Church buildings that were the envy of many a congregation at that time.

The additional strain of the building works carried out in the service of Mr Williamson must have severely undermined the health of the minister for he had just gone to Portrush for a short holiday in 1904 when he died suddenly at the age of 59. His wife, Annette Graham of Claremont, Londonderry and daughter Eleanor Elizabeth survived him. His daughter married George Craig J.P. of Drumcovitt in 1907 and from that union Mr Williamson’s memory survived to help fashion the Christian traditions that are still very evident with us through our Session Clerk, Mr S. G. M. Craig J.P.

The Reverend James Thompson Heney was ordained in 1906 and succeeded Mr Williamson. His was a long ministry at Banagher though he was offered a call to 1st Coleraine within a year of coming to Banagher but declined to the delight of his people and continued in active service until he retired in 1946.

Bachelor ministers of Banagher have found their hearts strangely warmed towards the locality for three of them married local girls. Mr Heney married Mabel G. Warnock of Straidarran. During Mr Heney’s ministry the property of the Church and Hall were added to by the generosity of a highly respected member, Dr David Thompson of Fincairn. Dr Thompson presented the Church with an excellent two manual pipe organ in 1930 and a hydro electric scheme to provide electric power for its use. In 1933 he further helped the congregation by building an annex to the Century Hall to provide a kitchen and cloakrooms. Mr Heney is remembered with great respect for his faithful service. He retired to Portstewart and died 10 years later in 1956.

The Reverend Norman James Houston was ordained in 1946 as successor to Mr Heney. Mr Houston’s ministry reached beyond the life of the congregation by being Convenor of the Board of Studies and Students’ Committee which concerns itself with candidates for the Ministry. He became well known throughout the Church and was respected for his advocacy and debating skill in the highest courts of our Church. He showed by his courage and determination when suddenly afflicted with paralysis that he had extraordinary powers of strength and faith by continuing to serve the congregation in all its needs when confined to a wheelchair. Mr Houston’s misfortune came suddenly when he was a young man and he persevered against great odds to be active in the life of the Congregation of Banagher and in the wider Church for an extra 16 years till his health was greatly undermined forcing him to retire in 1976 having been minister of this congregation for 30 years. Mr Houston could not have done this had he not had the support of his wife and the encouragement of his family. We salute them and are glad that Mr Houston has the comfort and love of his wife and family and the respect of all who know how difficult it is to be a minister of the Gospel without the added stress of physical disability.

Banagher experienced its longest vacancy with the retirement in August 1976 for it wasn’t till December 1977 that a call was issued to the Reverend Norman Hunter to succeed Mr Houston as minister. Mr Hunter and his wife and family had returned from mission service in Malawi and Zambia under the Overseas Board of our Church. The change was very great for Mr Hunter after 11 years in Africa working mainly in Education in Secondary Schools as Chaplain and Teacher.

In a very different situation from what he was used to, he has tried to follow in the footsteps of those who lived and worked to glorify God in the work of Pastor, Preacher and Administrator. The P. W. A. of the Congregation provided the spur to modernize the Kitchen and Cloakroom and the Committee have responded by renovating and redecorating the Hall. The Manse was greatly improved so as to modernize it and provide added comfort. The Congregation have provided additional opportunities for the young people and children of our district to experience the comradeship of organised activities with a Christian influence in the 1st Banagher Company of the Boys’ Brigade and the 308th Company of the Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland.

‘The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, we have a goodly heritage’

• The Reverend Stephen Brizzle of Whitebear. Ordained 1778 in Knowhead.
• The Reverend James Canning of Aughlish. Ordained 1798 in Malinhead.
• The Reverend Thomas Witherow of Aughlish. Ordained 1845 in Maghera. Appointed Professor of Church History in Magee College 1865.
• The Reverend William Ritchie of Straid. Ordained 1852 in Croaghmore.
• The Reverend Samuel Joseph Lyons of Loughermore. Ordained 1893 in Scarva and Pontzpass. Installed in Millisle and Ballycopeland.
• The Reverend John Craig of Knockan Homes. Ordained in County Cavan. He died suddenly after only about 6 weeks of service.
• The Reverend Samuel Reid of Aughlish. Ordained in Carryduff.
• The Reverend John Witherow of Gallony.
• The Reverend James A. H. Irwin of Gallony. Minister of Killead and Lucan.
• The Reverend Jack Eakin of Cool. Minister of Glenhoy and Sixmilecross.
• The Reverend William James Dalrymple Craig of Drumcovitt. Minister of the Church of Ireland.
• The Reverend Robert Cecil Mills Craig of Drumcovitt. Ordained 1945 as Army Chaplain. Installed in Waringstown 1950 and Bellville 1967.
• Mr William James Lyons of Ballyhanedin. A Licentiate of the Church 1935.

The Banagher graveyard surrounds the Church erected in the early 1830s and appears to have been consecrated at the same time. Banagher Presbyterian Church has no Burial Registers but a record is kept on a vellum sheet about 6’ x 3’ 6” which is used from home by one of the Church Elders to record burials and plots in the graveyard. When I first saw this vellum in about 1982 it was complete. However in the last 15 years or so, white out and other office accessories have been used to paint out very old records and to allow the recording of later information in dense areas of activity in the older family plots.

The Banagher Presbyterian graveyard is still in use. It is managed by the Church Elders under the direction of the incumbent Minister and the Session Clerk. The Church grounds and graveyard are regularly mowed and edges trimmed and all graves are beautifully kept and maintained. The shrubs and trees are shaped and pruned. The graveyard is bounded by a stone boundary fence along Ballyhanedin Road and Glenshane Road with a wire fence along the western boundary (church rural property) and the Manse fence on the western boundary.

These were recorded by me in November 1997 and updated and rechecked on 17 October 2001. The earliest record from the gravestones is the death of William Sherrard, on 01 July 1849, his son George Sherrard on 10 April 1851, his mother Rachael Sherrard on 06 October 1856 and other family members are remembered (see No.13). No.106 gravestone records the death of Edward Crooks, Killycor who died 01 May 1851. Five other family members are recorded to 1923. Another early gravestone is No 142, in memory of Hans Witherow, died 03 March 1858. Two grandsons are recorded, Alexander H. Witherow, killed in France 03 July 1916 and John T. Witherow, killed in France 05 August 1917.

Two young men have paid with their lives whilst on duty in Londonderry and Claudy. Inscriptions from gravestones Nos. 24 and 93 are listed below:

024
[Grey granite headstone with galvanised piping surrounds].
HOOD Captain James Hood, U.D.R., Tirglasson, killed on duty 4th January 1973. “Peace, Perfect Peace”. {Ward}
[Granite flower vase inscribed]. Always Remembered, 20th Anniversary.

093
[Black granite headstone with granite edgings around the double grave filled with white granite chippings. A red crown and harp engraved over the inscription].
HAMER Erected by Emily S. Hamer in memory of her only son Victor, R. Constable R.U.C. Killed by terrorists 12th February 1976, aged 30 years. Also her father William J. EAKIN died 27th November 1968, and her mother Annie Eakin died 20th May 1920.
[Black granite flower vase inscribed] In Loving Memory of Victor.
[White granite flower cairn inscribed]. In Loving Memory from Aunt Meg and Jean.

086
[Thirty one years a Minister at Banagher].
[Grey granite headstone and steel surrounds in granite posts].
ROGERS Erected by his wife. In Memory of the Rev. Robert L. Rogers, Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Banagher, died October 1879, aged 63 years. In 1844 he succeeded his father as Minister at Carndonagh and in 1848 he was called to Banagher. Also of his daughter Sarah, died in 1870 aged 18 and buried at Carndonagh. Also in memory of Margaret, wife of the Revd. R. L. Rogers who died 25th January 1890 at Mount Hybla, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, aged 60 years. “To depart and be with Christ is far better” Phil. 1.23.

080
[Twenty four years a Minister at Banagher].
[Dark grey granite headstone and gold lettering with steel surrounds anchored in concrete posts].
WILLIAMSON To the dear memory of Rev. William J. Dalrymple Williamson, M.A., Minister of the Banagher Presbyterian Church. Installed 3rd Sept. 1880, Died 16TH Oct. 1904. Formerly Minister of Irvinestown, and of Buncrana, also in Stalybridge, England, where he was ordained 7th June 1870. Also his wife, Annette G. Williamson, died 28 August 1928. And their grandson, Rev. Wm. James D. W. CRAIG, M.A., died 10th March 1970, aged 57 years, Rector of Killodernan, Co. Tipperary. Also his wife, Roma Alice HEMMING, died 5th April 1986. “He was a boire that spoke, and has now become silent”. “In the rich dawn of an Ampler day”. “Before the throne”.

081
[White granite joined on to the previous Williamson headstone].
WILLIAMSON In Loving Memory of a dear child Annette Williamson born 6 Feb. 1883. Died 18 June 1894. "And Jesus called a little child” Zech. 8:5 . “Christ’s own look through the darkness suddenly increased to the grey secret lingering in the East” Rev. 7:17 .

059
[Forty years a Minister at Banagher].
[Grey granite headstone with granite coping around grave filled with chippings].
HENEY In Loving Memory of James Thompson Heney, B.A. who was ordained Minister of this Congregation 3rd October 1905 and continued in faithful service until his retirement 1st June 1946. Died 17th April 1956, aged 78 years. Also his wife Mabel GILMORE, died 12th September 1974, aged 83 years. “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. {Restored by Haslett 1995, Ballymoney}.

Dr David Thompson presented a pipe organ in 1930 and a hydro-electric scheme to provide electric power for its use. He was the medical doctor for the community. His family inscription follows:

071
[Red speckled granite vault with ‘burning bush’ on the end “Ardens sed virens”].
THOMPSON In memory of Martha Thompson, Fincairn, Feeny, died 2nd July 1938, aged 92 years. She was a generous supporter of the Church and a Loyal Friend. In Memory of Dr. David Thompson, B.A., L.R.C.S., J.P., Fincairn, Feeny. Died 9th February 1936, aged 87 years. He was a lifelong generous supporter of Banagher Presbyterian Church, and by his will left the endowments which perpetuate his memory. “The Memory of the Just is Blessed”.

James Horner Eakin was a great historian and researched and published studies of the tenure and history of the Fishmongers Company in County Londonderry. He was regular correspondent in the local newspaper. He penned articles on local birds for the ‘Bird Lovers’ Guild in Belfast and they published an obituary after his death in 1917.

050
[White granite (stained)].
EAKIN Florence D. Eakin, Aughlish, 1876-1900. Also her mother Dorothea M. Eakin, Drumcovitt, 1850-1877. James Horner Eakin, Drumcovitt, 1847-1917. Also his sister Maria WITHEROW, (nee Eakin), Aughlish, died at Cloughmills, Co. Antrim on 9th February 1918.
{J. Haslett, Derry}.

There are memorials to the locals who were killed in conflicts such as World War I and World War II. I do not have copies of these brass plaques.

There is one vault but no mausoleum in the Banagher graveyard. The vault is Monumental Inscription No.71, Martha Thompson and Dr David Thompson, the Church benefactor. Only one headstone (No. 8), the Rosborough family has toppled and now lies flat, separated from its base which is still in situ. The monumental inscriptions have all been copied in full up to 17 October 2001. A few sandstone headstones are weathered and it is difficult to read the inscriptions except on a clear day.