The Presbyterian church is old and historic. The Kirk of Scotland is the venerable mother of the Presbyterian Communions in the British Isles, and being the State Church of that country, the Royal Family, when resident at Balmoral, attend the Parish (Crathie) Church. Her ministers are as proud and as certain of their divine commission as any Anglican. Dr. Marshall Lang, Principal of the Aberdeen University, is the Baird Lecture for 1901 (‘The Church and its Social Mission’) asserts the continuity of the present Church of Scotland with the ancient Celtic Church, and affirms that the Scottish Reformation was fundamentally a Catholic movement. And a learned presbyter of the Scottish Establishment has published an important work, in several volumes, in which he has traced the succession of the ministers of each parish back to the Reformation period, when the old orders were transmitted, thus showing the historical continuity of the Church. The Irish Presbyterian Church is the full grown daughter of the Church of Scotland. Until disestablishment she occupied a semi-State position in this country, each of her ministers receiving the Regium Donum. She has an able and scholarly ministry, and an intelligent, generous and attached laity.

The Presbyterian Church of Donaghmore is one of the oldest and most important of the country congregations in connection with the General Assembly. On the North gable of the church there is a moulded date-panel with the inscription: "Donoughmore Presbyterian Church, 1705; enlarged 1762; restored 1895.’ Long before the first date (1705), however, there must have been a considerable presbyterian community in the neighborhood, when it seems they worshipped with the Newry congregation, whose minister was the Rev. George Lang, and whose church was close to the ‘Belfast Road,’ about a mile from the town. In 1705 the Presbyterians in Donaghmore became a separate congregation by the decision of the General Synod of Ulster.

The following extracts from the records of the Synod furnish a full and detailed account of the formation and organisation of the Donaghmore Presbyterian Church, under the Presbytery of Armagh.

It would seem that previous to the 1705 the Presbyterians of Donaghmore formed a portion of the Newry Congregation. At the Synod of Ulster, held at Antrim, June 1, of that year, we find ‘Donaghmore desires to be a distinct congregation.’ The Donaghmore "Case" is thus recorded: "The Meeting of Ardmagh brought by Refer into this Synod a Case depending between Newry and Donaghmore. Donaghmore desires to be a distinct Congregation. That Presbytry having given to us a Deduction of that matter, what they have done is contained in a Paper in retentis. The Synod entering upon the Business, call’d the Partys. Newry by their Commr. Ja: Ballentine, Hohn Hanen, produc’d a Supplication, wherein the crave that the Congregation of Newry continue as it is. Donaghmore by their Commrs. Archibald &c. Supplicate that there be a new erection.’ On the same date, at 4 a Clock a merid.,’ it was ‘overtured’ as follows: ‘The Committee deliberately weighing the Refer from Ardmagh meeting concerning Newry and Donaghmore, do believe there may be two congregations, one at Newry, another at Donaghmore, Donaghmore giving security for 38 pounds & twenty Bolls or Oats yearly to a Minister; & considering the Number of Familys and Bounds of the Congregation, a Prospect of a Competent Maintenance to two ministers, spreading the Gospel, planting the Country, & that neither Congregation be a too heavy charge. All which being fully reason’d, it was overtured to the Synod that there be two Congregations in that Country, the one to continue at Newry, the other to be erected at Doaghmore=that Doaghmore, both as to the Bounds of their Congreation to be perambulate by Ardmagh Presbytry (if need be) & seat of their intended Meeting house be determined by Said Presbytry: which overture being now read in the Synod and all concern’d, having fully spoken, were remov’d. After mature consideration of the overture with the aforesaid Reasons, we came to the Vote, whether there shall be two Congregations in that Country of one? It was carried, by a Plurality of Votes, there shall be two.

…..The ordering of these two Congregations and Seat of the Presbytry of Ardmagh. The partys being called in, this minute was read unto them. They were desired to carry Christianly and affectionately toward each other and reverence Providence in this and all determinations.’

On the principle that the stronger should help the weaker the Newry congregation had promised financial support to that of Donaghmore, but for some reason or other the contract was not fulfilled. In the circumstances, and receiving no ‘Redress’ from the Presbytery, the congregation appealed to the General Synod of Ulster, which met at Antrim June 1, 1708, thus: ‘Donaghmoe new Congregation, neighbouring Newry-John Todd, &c., Commrs. Supplicated that tho’ according to the Contract with Newry Congregation, the weaker congregation should be assisted for the support of the Gospel, Application was made to the Presbytry of Ardmagh, what was promist not being perform’d; and getting no Redress from the Presby. They were necessitate to appeal to this Synod. The Appealants’ Commission was read: also defendts.’ Reasons by their Commr. James Ballentine were heard. The Appealants held forth that in Equity Newry should perform thir Contract, Donoghmore Circumstances much requiring it.’ The Commissioners having been heard and also the Presbytery of Armagh, it was then ‘voted whether annex Drumbanagher & Glen to Donoghmore for its Assistance from Lammans next. It was carryed, from Lammans next annex Drumbanogher & the Glen to Donaghmore, Drumbanagher and the Glen paying what Stipend they owe to Newry before Lammas. Then they are to get their Testimonial.’

It seems that the Presbyterians of Drumbanagher and Glen were strongly opposed to this union, for at the next General Synod (September 8, 1708) William Andrew and William Waterson ‘produc’d a Supplication holding forth their Grievances from the Annexation of them to that Congregation (Donaghmore), and desir’d Relief from this Synod.’ The ‘whole Affair’ was referred to the Synod of Monaghan (of which there is no record).

At the General Synod (1709) ‘Complaint was made that Drumbanagher and Glen have not obey’d the Appointment’ of their annexation to Donaghmore. Their Commissioner (William Waterson) appeared before the Synod, ‘Supplicationg that this may please to reverse the former Act annexing them to Donaghmore, for the following reasons, Viz:-their great Dislike to the Congregation of Donaghmore, and that they had no Choice of the Minrs. (ministers). There was also a ‘Supplication’ presented that they may be permitted to be a new ‘Erection’

The Synod appointed a representative committee of ministers and ruling elders to consider the "Affair and overture thereupon.’ The Committee arrived at the following Resoultion: ‘That the said Places of Drumbanogher and Glen continue annext to Donnoghmore, as they were order’d by the (said) Act of the Genl. Synod, till they can sufficiently satisfy their own Presb that there can be a regular Erection there without rendering any other Congregation incapable of maintaining the Gospel; the Presb of Ardmagh be appointed to receive and consider such Application they may make unto them for an Erection, and encourage them as they shall find Cause, provided still that they may not be erected till they pay up all Arrears they may be due to the Congregation of Donnoghmore: that Ardmagh Presb do not meddle with them, unless they annex to Donnoghmore, after which they are in an ORDERLY WAY to apply to that meeting, who will take due Care of them; which overture being read again and again, was voted and approved by this Synod. Drumbanagher was admonisht for some unsuitable expression in their papers.’

At the General Synod (Belfast, June 19) of 1711, the Presbyterians of Drumbanagher and Glen appear by their Commisioners, William Waterson, William Andrew, John Auterson, and James Conolly, ‘humbly petitioning that they may be reanext to the Congregation of Newry.’ John Tod and Archibald Comond, Commissioners from the Session and congregation of Donaghmore, appeared before the same Synod ‘complaining that the people of Drumbanogher and Glen have not ovey’d the Acts of this Synod annexing them to the said Congregation, whereby their Congregation is likely to sink, and praying for remedy of their Grievances, and the annexation of some other Town Lands now belonging to the Congregation of Newry. Partys being remov’d, a motion was made that the former Acts of this Synod for annexing Drumbanagher & Glen be so far repeal’d as to give full power to the Presbty. Of Ardmagh with Correspondents to consider the whole affair as if noe such Acts had been ever made.’ The motion was ‘Carry’d in the affirmative nem. Contradic.’

This protracted dispute was again brought before the General Synod-June 17, 1712-and it would seem for the last time. The matter came before the Synod by way of appeal from the "Sentence’ of the Armagh Presbytery (which that body had refused to reverse), viz. That the "Inhabitants of Drumbanagher and Glen (The Appellants) be members of the Congregation of Donohmore.’ After much discussion by the Synod the following question being put accordingly, ‘it was carry’d in the affirm. By a great majority.’

Drumbanaghrer and Glen were dissatisfied with this decision; for at the same Synod we find that certain ‘Brethren’ who were appointed to confer with ‘that people’ for making them ‘Easy in complying with our conclusion that they continue annext to Donohmore,’ ‘report that they conferred with ‘em, but had not the desirable success.’

A ‘Complaint’ was made (at this Synod) that Mr. Johnson of Donaghmore had refused the presbyterians of Drumbanagher and Glen ‘Sealing Ordinances.’ Mr. Johnson ‘reply’d that he sent one to those bounds to tell that people that he would go to the place and baptize the children of such who would be orderly.’ Drumbanagher considered that by their promising to be ‘orderly’ meant an obligation to continue with Donaghmore. ‘After long reasoning’ the Synod passed the following resolution: ‘That the people of Drumbanoher and Glen shall be admitted to Sealing Ordinances, except they be guilty of such things as would ev’n deprive other members of Donohmore.’

Eventually, after a considerable time, Drumbangher became a separate congregation, and, at a still later date, a second was formed. At present, however, they are united under the joint pastorate of Rev. A. F. Hamilton, B.A. (who has retired from the active duties of the Ministry), and the Rev. James Mulligan, B.A., who officiates alternately in the two churches, which are situate in the village of Jerretspass, Co. Armagh. A few of the Glen Presbyterians who reside in the vicinity are members of the Drumbanagher congregation, while others still adhere to that of Donaghmore and are amongst its most loyal supporters.

The present bounds of the Donaghmore congregation are still very extensive, including most of the parish, a section of Aghaderg, and the south-eastern portion of Newry parish. The following are the Presbyterian churches which at present more immediately surround the Donaghmore congregation: viz. Newry (two churches), Ryans, Glasker, Loughbrickland, Four-towns, Poyntzpass, and Drumbanagher.

1707, June 28.-James Johnston was ordained by the Presbytery of Armagh as the first minister of the congregation. This Presbytery reported to the General Synod of 1705 that they had Licens’d Mr. James Johson (Johnston) to preach the Gospel. James Johnston built Traymont (Tremont) House, and gave the site for the original church edifice. He purchased the townland of Lisserboy, in the parish of Newry, bordering that of Donaghmore, where he (and his son James) gave the site for the present church in 1702, which was erected during his pastorate. The lease, renewable for ever, was made to twelve trustees (see infra), and reserved the family pew for the Johnstons and their heirs.

James Johnston was evidently a man of much influence in the community, a devoted Presbyterian, and faithful minister of the Gospel. The Presbyterians of Donaghmore will do well to revere the memory of the good man who did so much for their church in this place. He appears to have been a constant attendant at the General Synod, until by age and infirmity he was precluded from taking part in the supreme court of his church. He appeared at Synod for the first time in June 1708, and the last record of his presence was in 1736.

‘James Johnson’s’ name appears in ‘a list of the Presbyterian ministers to whom her Majestie’s Royal Bounty is to be paid for Xmass quarter 1712.’ He was fifty-nine years minister of the Donaghmore congregation. He died October 21, 1765, aged eighty-seven years, and was buried in the parish church-yard, where his tomb remains; but the stone is so broken and defaced that it is impossible to decipher the inscription. We are indebted to Colonel Johnston (of Kilmore, Co. Armagh), a descendant, for the following particulars of the family:

James Johnston, Presbyterian Minister of Donaghmore, of Tremont, Co. Down, and Carrickbreda, Co. Armagh, was son of James Johnston of Knappagh, Carrickbreda and Dress, Co. Armagh, by Sarah Dobbs, his wife. He was born about 1678, married (before 1772) Elizabeth, sister of Francis Wilson of Tully, Co. Longford. He left two children: James, of Tremont, and Joseph, M.D., who was grandfather of Captain Robert Dudgeon Johnston, 66t^h, 7^th, and 68^th Regiments, who served in the Peninsular War.

James Johnston of Tremont (son of Rev. James Johnston) married his cousin, Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Wilson of Tully, Co. Longford, and had three children, James (his heir), the Rev. Francis Johnston, Vicar of Donaghmoe (see List of Vicars), and Eleanor (married, 1768, William Hawkshaw of Divernagh, Co. Armagh, and had a son, Lieut.-Colonel Hawkshaw, 81^st Regt., whose son, the Rev. Edward Burdett Hawkshaw, Prebendary of Hereford, married, 1845, Catherine Mary Jane, daughter of Sir Hungerford Hoskyns, 7^th Bart., and was father of Major Edward Crichton Hawkshaw, R.A.). The elder son of James Johnston of Tremont (above mentioned) was James Johnston of Tremont and Carrickbreda, who married Anne Pyne, and had issue, viz. James, Arthur, John, Joseph and two daughters.

1768, June 27.-George Richey, A.M., was ordained as assistant and successor to the Rev. James Johnston. The following extract bearing on his generosity is taken from the records of the Synod of Ulster, 1764:

‘Mr. Richey, in the Presbytery of Dromore, tho’ ordain’d before the General Synod in June, 1768, generously allowed the whole of his ordry. R: D: for that year instead of fourty shills.’ George Richey was a man of much learning and piety, and was greatly beloved by his congregation during the nine years of his successful pastorate. He appeared at Synod for the first time in 1763. He died at an early age, and was buried in the parish churchyard. His tomb bears the following inscription: ‘Here lyeth the body of the Reverend George Ritchey A.M. Presbyterian Minister of this Parish who died the 8^th day of December 1771, age 38 years. Justissimus Servantissimus oequi (?) His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Barber, A.M., of Rathfriland, and was published at the request of the congregation. The following are a few extracts: ‘I see you all greatly affected, and sensible of the loss of so faithful an instructor and guide to heaven.…..I well remember he was marked out at the University as a most promising youth; his acquaintance was even then sought after, and himself highly esteemed by all ranks for his piety and learning, which gave pleasing hopes of his filling with dignity that station in which by Divine Providence he was afterwards placed. And to qualify himself for which was the constant business of his life…..Ye have in a few years been deprived of two worthy ministers (James Johnston and George Richey) whose praise is in all the churches. Take heed, then, to your ways: show your gratitude to their memory by a diligent observation of God’s great and eternal truths which they inculcated on you; be a seal to their ministry.’

He married a daughter of the Rev. Alexander M’Comb, of Creggan, Co. Armagh, by whom he had two children, viz. Mary, who married Connell O’Donnell, brother of Sir Neil O’Donnell, and a son who was drowned in Newry, leaving two children, James and Alexander, the former of whom became a clergyman of the English Church, and the latter an Irish barrister.

It may be noted that it was immediately after George Richey’s ordination that the congregation severed its connection with the Presbytery of Armagh, and joined that of Dromore. At the General Synod held at Lurgan, June 28, 1763, ‘a supplication was presented from the Congregation of Donaghmore by John Martin and Thos. Caddell, Commrs. Wherein they intreat (with the concurrance of the Revd. Pby. Of Dromore. This granted. And the Synod enjoined the Pby. Of Dromore to take care that the Congn. Of Donaghmore pay the fees due the Pby. Of Armagh’s Clk. & the fund due Vinecash & Narrowater.’ (‘Records.’)

We are quite certain ‘the fund due Vinecash & Narrowater’ did not suffer by the transfer, and that ‘the fees due to the Pby. Of Armagh’s Clk.’ Were duly paid!

1773, March 9-Joseph Hay was ordained by the Presbytery of Dromore as the pastor. He was a zealous minister, and a great loyalist. He was present at Synod for the first time in 1773. He die May 17, 1808, having been for 31 years minister of the congregation.

The inscription on his tomb in the parish churchyard is as follow: ‘This is the Burying place of the late Rev. Joseph Hay, who departed this life 15^th May 1803. Aged 56 years.

He was a man of strong convictions and of great independence of character, who knew his duty and did it, allowing no dictation. He married the daughter of Rev. Joseph Kinkead.

1804, September 4.-Moses Finlay was ordained minister of the congregation. He was an earnest man, a popular preacher, and very zealous in establishing Sunday Schools within the bounds of the congregation. He was ‘a father to his people, whose counsel and guidance they largely sought in their multifarious concerns.’ He was Moderator of the Synod of Ulster in 1833. In that year Donaghmore was a ‘1^st class Congregation’ in respect of the Royal Bounty, with 2894 souls.

He first appears at Synod in 1805. During his pastorate (about 1832) the spacious lecture-room and the commodious stables were built at a cost of 200 pounds. He resigned in April, 1837, and was subsequently called to the pastorate of Newmills, Co. Tyrone.

He died May 5, 1854, and was buried in Donaghmoe parish churchyard, where a handsome tomb has been erected in his memory and that of Mrs. Finlay (nee Thompson), which bears the following inscription: ‘Erected in memory of the Rev. M. Finlay, for 33 years Presbyterian Minister of Donaghmoe, who died 5^th May 1854, aged 74 years, and of his wife Jane who died 5^th January 1846, aged 67 years. "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God."’

The names of Charles and William Laird Finlay (his sons) have had a conspicuous place, and are of fragrant memory still in the history of Belfast, and indeed, of Ulster Presbyterianism generally.

1840, October 27,-Verner W. White was ordained to the pastoral oversight of the congregation. He was a minister of great eloquence and fervour, and it seems immense congregations flocked to hear him. He resigned July 5, 1844, having been called to Islington Presbyterian Church, Liverpool. While there, it is said, his popularity as a preacher was so great that the aisles and pulpit stairs were constantly occupied with eager listeners. From Liverpool he was called to a still more important congregation in London, where his reputation as an eloquent preacher became widely known.

He became a Doctor of Laws, and well earned the distinction.

1845, October 28.-The Rev. Samuel James Moore was installed as minister of the congregation. He was considered a faithful pastor and an able preacher. A local authority speaks of his discourses as closely reasoned and delivered with the impassioned eloquence, and that, moreover, he possessed the rare gift of so impressing his congregation that it was usual to hear of many who regarded the sermon as wholly directed to (or at) them! There were about 400 communicates October 14, 1849, a very good test of his ministry.

On August 6, 1850, the congregation presented him (at his residence, Buskhill) with an address, which was read by James Harshaw.

To the great regret of the Donaghmore people Mr. Moore resigned the pastorate of the congregation, August 20, 1850, having been called to Third Ballymena. This "call’ was presented to him at a Visitation of Presbytery held at Second Drumbanagher, August 17, 1850, when James Martin opposed his translation on the ground of his usefulness and the high estimation in which he was held by the Donaghmore congregation. Mr. Moore said ‘he saw the finger of God directing him to Ballymena, and he considered it his duty to accept the call.’

The congregation, notwithstanding Mr. Moore’s decision, entered a strong ‘Protest’ against the decision of the Newry Presbytery in accepting his resignation, and appointed commissioners (James Martin, Robert Jeffery, Robert Craig, and Robert M’Gaw) to present the same, with a Memorial (by way of appeal) to the Synod of Dublin, to meet May 2, 1851. There were eleven ‘Reasons of Protest.’

The congregation protested ‘ 1 Because the congregation of Donaghmore contains as many families as that of Ballymena, and some of these in a state of grossest ignorance. ‘2 Because the injury to the congregation is certain to be great with a Vacancy on the one side and a popular minister of the Established Church on the other. ‘3 Because more money has been collected for Church purposes in our congregation during Mr. Moore’s ministry of five years than for the previous thirty years. ‘ Because the influential members of the congregation will subscribe liberally towards erection of a manse if Mr. Moore be continued, but not other wise. ‘5 Because that error prevails extensively within the bounds of this congregation and we consider Mr. Moore pre-eminently qualified to combat it,’ etc.

The Memorial "Read in our Meeting house August 25, 1850, was signed by Wm. M’Allister, Minister, and James Harshaw, Session Clerk’ (Harshaw Diary).

Mr. Moore was son of Rev. David Moore, who in 1808, was ordained minister of the Secession Congregation of Markethill.

1851, March 11.=The Rev. Patrick White was installed as minister. As a preacher he seems to have been quite as eloquent as his brother Verner. He very heartily joined in the Revival movement of 1859, when many new members were added to the congregation. On Sunday, October 9, 1859, the number of communicants was almost 400. The congregation presented him at his residence, Buskhill, with an address and purse of sovereigns, October 11, 1859. The deputation consisted of James Harshaw, Thos. Greer, James Martin, John M’Allister, Jas. Smith, and Ralph Thompson.

During his ministry ‘New Scotch Tokens (were) distributed for the first time, 25^th October 1856,’ and on ‘February 19, 1860, Mr. White preached in the first Gown that had ever been in Donaghmore Congregation.’ (Harshaw Diary)

This Scotch token was of lead, and oval in shape. That now in use is composed of the same material, but square, the size being half-inch square. It is a rule of the Presbyterian Church that every person entitled to come to the Communion must present a token of admission of the ordinance.

Mr. White resigned the pastorate of the congregation February 11, 1862, having been elected to succeed his father at First Bailieborough.

Patrick and Verner White were ‘sons of the manse’; their father being the Rev. Patrick White of Bailieborough-A Master of Arts of Glasgow University.

He was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1785, and on the same day the agent of the property, Patrick Smith, visited the house and claimed the name "Patrick,’ which he received at baptism, while one of his sons and four grandsons were called after him. ‘He was the first person ever licensed to preach the Gospel in connection with the Synod of Ulster in the County of Cavan.’

1862, December 29-The Rev. John Elliott was installed minister of the congregation, when the Rev. W. Todd Martin (Newry) preached the sermon, and the Rev. John Dodd (Newry) gave the ‘charge’; while the Clerk of the Presbytery (Mr. Lindsay) explained Presbyteriansm.

It seems Mr. Elliot had not been a candidate for the appointment, but nevertheless was chosen, and under remarkable circumstances. He was appointed by the Presbytery to preside at a meeting of the people and take their minds between two candidates, neither of whom, it was found, had a Synodical majority, when it was unanimously decided to choose the chairman, and hence his election and promotion from Clarekesbridge, where he was pastor at the time.

He was an able preacher, a dilligent pastor, a judicious organiser, and possessed to a very large extent the confidence of his people. Amongst his attached friends were Mrs. And Miss Johnston of Tremont, who attended his ministry, occupying the ‘Johnston Seat.’ During his pastorate a handsome manse and offices (in the townland of Loughorne) were erected (1866-7) at a cost of 860 pounds. He was fond of antiquarian research, and was well versed in the history of his church, having written an article on the subject for the Evangelical Witness, to which the writer is much indebted for information.

He resigned in 1875, having received a call from Third Armagh, where he remained till his death, August 17, 1898. He preached his farewell sermon in Donaghmore June 27, 1875. He commuted in the interest of the Church in 1878.

He was a son of the Rev. John Elliott, Presbyterian minister of Smithborough, Co. Monaghan, wo married Alice Henrietta, daughter of Nathaniel Foster (of Athboy, Co. Meath and Newbiss, Co. Monaghan), a cousin of John Foster who was the last Speaker of the Irish House of Commons at the time of the Union, He married (September 18, 1856) Jane Stewart, daughter of John Trimble, M. D. of Castlebellingham (related to the Crawleys, Hudsons and Breretons of Louth), by whom he had issue, viz. John Trimble, M.D., of Edron, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan; William Foster (deceased); Hester Ismay; Brereton George; James Joseph (deceased); Alice Henrietta, who married W.M. Killen, M.D.; Doctor of the Ulster Eye and Ear Hospital, Belfast, and great-nephew of Professor Killen, the Presbyterian historian; James Stewart Trimble; Robert Benjamin; and Charles Johnston.

Mrs. Elliot survives her husband, and resides at Armagh.

1876, January 18.-Henry McDowell, B.A., a Licentiate of the Presbytery of Ballymena, was ordained minister of the congregation, having been called on the first of the previous November, He was a man of amiable disposition, an earnest preacher, and a good pastor. He married Elizabeth, daughter of James M’Neilly of Glassdrummond House, Annalong, Co. Down.

He was not robust in health, and died while still young in years-December 25, 1882.

1881, December 21.-The Rev. Lawson Burnett, B.A., was installed as minister, having been previously pastor of Kilkinamurry, Katesbridge. He is a man of much force of character with decidedly strong convictions, and is, moreover, an ‘uncompromising Presbyterian, yet he lives on the most friendly terms with those who may differ from him religiously and otherwise.’

He is an earnest minister of the Gospel, an able preacher, and very zealous in the discharge of his pastoral duties. He is amongst the distinguished ministers whose sermons occasionally appear in the Belfast Witness. ‘The Sabbath Observance Society’ (Edinburgh), some years since, offered a prize for the best sermon on the ‘The Sabbath’. There was very keen competition for the prize on the part of many of the ablest ministers in Great Britain and Ireland. Mr. Burnett’s prize sermon won the trophy. The sermon, published in 1892, is entitled ‘A Blessing and a Curse,’ and is based on the text ‘Behold, I set before you this day a bless and a curse: a blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day’ (Deut. Xi. 26-27). On November 14, 1911, the congregation presented Mr. Burnett with an address and handsome pulpit robes, and Mrs. Burnett with a hall lamp and choice tea service.

The Rev. Lawson Burnett married (January 12, 1884) Jane Grieve, daughter of John M’Dowell, of Warrington, Lancashire, by whom he has issue: Harry, of the Provincial Bank, Coleraine; Jeannie a graduate of the University; Ella, a hospital nurse; Dora, and Mildred.

Mr. Burnett has unquestionably done more towards church renovation than any of his predecessors in Donaghmore, especially considering his great enterprize of 1895-6, when the sacred edifice was literally transformed. In the laudable undertaking he was zealously and liberally supported by members of his congregation, while friends in the district in Newry and elsewhere, contributed substantially towards the work. The renovation of that date, with the subsequent installation of the hot water heating apparatus, cost almost 900 pounds. The entire work was carried out according to the plans of the well-known architect Mr. Henry Hobart, of Lagan Lodge, Dromore, Co. Down.

The church edifice was not only renovated, but remodeled on the occasion. New windows were opened, encumbering galleries taken away, seats of pitch pine, arranged after the most approved modern design, and a handsome platform erected. The new front with its elegant entablature, resting on two fine granite pillars, was artistically designed and carried out, and forms a striking example of the transformation which can be wrought upon a bald barn-like gable. The new vestibule (on either side of which are session and cloak-rooms) gives easy and commodious access to the staircase and to the body of the house, which is entered by two glass-paneled swing doors. The platform, of the octagon design, is a fine piece of workmanship, with a rich front of beautifully grained panels and mouldings relieved by elegant pilasters of black walnut with nicely carved basings and cappings, while behind, in the centre of the alabaster arch, is placed an embossed wood-work panel which adds immensely to the background effect. The church is lighted by windows of a pleasing combination character, having cathedral-tinted glass leadlight margins, with semi-circular heads and ground-glass centre. There is a very comfortable minister’s room at the back of the church, and a boiler-house underneath for the new heating apparatus.

The church was reopened for divine service on the Sundays of May 17 and 24, 1906, the preachers on the occasions being the Rev. Samuel Prenter, M.A. (now D.D.), of Dublin, and the Rev. William Park, D.D. (Belfast), while the collections amounted to about 100 pounds.

From Rev. J. Davison Cowan book titled "Donaghmore, An Ancient Irish Parish, Past & Present" published in 1914.