Balligan History

St Andrews Church History

Over 300 Years of Faithful Presence

St Andrew’s Church at Balligan is a cherished reminder of the deep Christian roots in the Ards Peninsula. Originally built in 1704 to unite three parishes, it survived dissolution thanks to local support and has stood ever since as a quiet, enduring house of prayer.Though smaller in size, its historic charm, sacred simplicity, and continued use make it one of the area’s spiritual treasures.

Timeline

Cool facts about St Andrews

Timeline

St Andrew's Church Balligan

1704

Church built on land near Innishargie

1844

Parish union dissolved; church preserved due to local attachment

1899

Organ transferred from Kircubbin

1966

First restoration reveals oak timbers and original architecture

2004

Major restoration supported by heritage and public funds

Today

Monthly evening services and plans to grow as a retreat space

Cool facts about St Andrews

Timbers with a Tale

The church’s roof may have come from the earlier Ballyhalbert church – it’s 50 years older than the building itself!

Saved by a Primate

Archbishop Beresford personally intervened in 1844 to save the church from demolition

A Travelling Organ

Built in the 1700s, the church organ came from England and made stops in Kircubbin before finding its home here

Tithe Box

In the porch, you’ll find a historic tithe box – a kind of ancient food bank

Hidden Graves

Only eight visible gravestones, but the grounds hold centuries of quiet history