About The Heritage Project

Aghalee Parish Heritage Project was launched in 2018, although preparations for it had begun several years previously. 

Initial proposals for the project were approved by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a grant of £14,400 was awarded to allow the further development of the project plans.  After a further application process, the project was approved in April 2020 and a grant of £185,400 was awarded by the Heritage Fund; the full project was estimated to cost £275,000.

To a passer-by, noticing the scaffolding erected around the church, the most obvious aspect of the project would appear to be the restoration of Holy Trinity Church, Soldierstown – but that was only one part of a much larger project.

The project’s aims were:

• to repair damage caused to Holy Trinity Church by long term extensive dampness and to conserve church building for future generations;
• to research and record the heritage of the parish, including our connection with the Lagan Navigation and the historic hamlet of Soldierstown; and
• to promote, inform and share our heritage amongst others, locally, regionally and internationally.

The restoration of the church building was carried out between February 2021 and March 2023.  The main contractor was J.S. Dunlop Ltd (Ballymoney) and the architect over-seeing the project was Stephen Leighton (Leighton-Johnston Associates, Moira). 

Repairs included:

• removing internal and external wall render and replacing it with a lime mortar;
• installing a French Drain around the church;
• remedial stitching to cracks in the chancel walls;
• replacement of the floor
• partial re-wiring. 

The church was then re-opened, and re-dedicated by Bishop David McClay, on Passion Sunday, 26^th March 2023. 

Other aspects of the project included:

• creating a digital heritage archive, including pictures, stories and parish records; and a website to share our heritage online.
• hosting open days, exhibitions and talks by visiting speakers on various heritage topics.
• publishing a series of information leaflets as well as this booklet, and erecting new signage to inform visitors about our heritage
• holding a Festival Weekend during which our heritage was shared through floral, photographic and other cultural displays including a costume pageant.

In addition to the work planned under this project, the church organ was also restored by Wells Kennedy Ltd (thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor), a new audio-visual system was installed (contractor, David Lamont) and the heating system was completely renewed (paid for by extra fund-raising).