Aghalee Holy Trinity Church, Soldierstown

The historic church of Holy Trinity, Soldierstown (1667) has recently been restored as part of Aghalee Parish Heritage Project. This traditional barn-style church with square tower, was built in the C17th Caroline style; and later enhanced in the early C19th, by the addition of a chancel and spire.

Built on the Hertford Estate, on land granted by Lord Conway, it replaced four ancient churches which fell into disrepair between the dissolution of the monasteries (~1536) and the Ulster Rebellion (1641). The church contains many historic elements including several excellent examples of gothic-style stained-glass windows (1890s); and a silver chalice believed to have been donated by the Williamite army en-route to the Boyne; and the recent restoration aimed to retain the traditional style and authentic feel of the church. The west-gallery of the church holds a 100-year old 2-manual Evans & Barr pipe-organ; which was dedicated in 1922 to the parish members who gave their lives, and those who served, during the Great War.

To mark its centenary the organ has recently been completely restored; visitors with musical ability are welcome to play it by agreement.

The bell in the bell tower (unfortunately not accessible to the public) was cast by Henry Paris in 1699 and it bears the inscription 'Henry Paris made me a right good sounding bell to bea'. It is one of the few examples from this bell-maker still remaining in Ireland.

The church maintains strong links to the hamlet of Soldierstown (which name derives from a C17th military garrison) and the Lagan Navigation.

The church sits in a beautiful location, over-looking the Broadwater section of the Navigation.

Richard Owen, the engineer who oversaw the construction of the Navigation is buried in the graveyard.