First Broughshane Presbyterian Church
Four local churches are among almost 5,000 churches in the UK to receive a share of the Government's £42 million conservation fund.
The Government announced the latest round of funding ahead of this year's Christmas celebrations during which many people across the country attended Carol Services, Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services in their local church.
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme supports the protection of religious buildings representing all faiths and denominations, benefiting local communities across the United Kingdom.
Four churches in the Ballymena area were among almost 100 places of worship in Northern Ireland to benefit from the fund.
First Ballymena Presbyterian Church was awarded £5,719.06; St Patrick's Church, Ballymena received £15,281.29; Portglenone Church of Ireland received £1,200, while the largest allocation was made to First Broughshane Presbyterian Church which was awarded £117,325.94.
Above: CGI of completed church hall
Above: The progress of construction work at First Broughshane's church hall
First Broughshane embarked on an ambitious building project at the beginning of 2023 which is now nearing completion. The work involved the part-demolition of the existing church hall and the construction of a larger facility providing increased space for church and community activities.
Since 2010, the Places of Worship Fund has invested £346 million in listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. The fund provides grants towards the VAT incurred on eligible costs, such as works to the roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings.
More details about the eligibility for the scheme, and details of how to apply, can be found at www.listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk