Current Ballywatt Presbyterian Church

In 1751 Mr John Tennett, from the Edinburgh Presbytery was ordained to the pastoral oversight of the Secession Synod congregation in the parish of Ballyrashane. The first church building for this congregation was erected at Carnaboy on the Coleraine/Bushmills road: only a few stones of this building now remain. At that time the congregation was known as Carnaboy.

The congregation later moved to the present site at Ballywatt and became known locally as ‘Ballywatt’ although this was not its official name until 1900.

The first building on the present site was constructed for the total cost of £590. This building was 54 feet long and 34 feet wide with the pulpit in the centre of the wall opposite the entrance doors: it had a gallery round three sides, supported by cast metal pillars and could seat 600. It continued in use until the early 1890s when, after considerable debate, the congregation decided to demolish it and replace it with a new building on the same site. The new church building was erected by R. Young of Ballymoney, to the design of the architect, Vincent Craig. It was built of local black basalt with the vivid red Scotch sandstone which Craig liked, and the roof tiled with red Ruabon Terra Cotta tiles.

We think that our Peacocks attended the Presbyterian Church at Ballywatt.  The above church was built in the 1890s replacing the one they would have attended. 

Presbyerian Church at Kirkistown, Ballyrashane

Our ancestors would have been living at Ballyrashane when this church was built, but we don't know for sure that they attended this church.  They may have attended church at Ballywatt, Antrim

A Brief History (from the Church's website)
Ballyrashane was formed in 1657 and the first minister was a scotsman, Rev. Robert Hogsyard (1657 - 73). A 'sod church' was build after 1661 at Knockinkerragh and replaced in the early 18th century when a new church was built behind Brookhall. A third church was built at Ballyrashane crossroads in 1824 but this was replaced by the current building in 1846. A memorial tower was added after the First World War.
Rev. Thomas Mullin (1948 - 78) was the author of many books on local and church history. Membership stands today at about 170 families.
(source: Prebyterians in Ireland by Rev. Laurence Kirkpatrick published by Booklink)