FOUNDATION STONE LAID WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE, 1843.

On Wednesday 14th Captain Miller of Moneymore and Rowley John Miller Esq., his son, who are joint agents for the Worshipful the Drapers Company, accompanied by the Rev. Dr.Barnett of Moneymore, arrived at Draperstown, for the purpose of laying the first stone of the new Presbyterian Church at that place. Avery large and respectable assemblage of people being met to witness the proceedings, the Rev. Samuel Smyth the minister of the place, commenced the religious service of the day, by singing a portion of the 102nd Psalm, from the beginning of the 13th to the end of the 18th verses and by reading the 17th chapter of the First Book of Chronicles, from the beginning of the 17th verse to the end of the chapter. Prayer being offered up, Captain Miller laid the first stone of the building, after which the Rev. Dr.Barnett delivered a most excellent and suitable address to the multitude assembled.

The Banner of Ulster July 6, 1843


CHURCH OPENNED SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER, 1843

The new Presbyterian Church in this place, which has been erected at the expense of the Drapers company of London alone, was opened for public worship on the Sabbath last, by the Rev. Samuel Smyth, who preached to a very large and most attentive congregation from the words in the 7th verse of the 116th Psalm Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath been bountifully with thee. The congregation previously met for worship in a large Market-house, which was fitted up for them by the Company who had so munificently paid for this new erection.

The Banner of Ulster December 8, 1843