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First Presbyterian Church Saintfield
(Tonaghneave)
Roll of Ministers
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 Rev Alexander Hutcheson MA: 1658-1708
Mr Hutcheson originally preached in the disused Tonaghneave Parish Church, which had lain for some 20 years without maintenance or a vicar. In 1661 he was deposed by Bishop Jeremy Taylor for non-conformity but continued his ministry in a barn-like structure with earthen floor and gravelled aisle; a meeting house that local knowledge states was situated in the Fair Green. Rev Mr Hutcheson was grandfather of Francis Hutcheson MA Professor of Moral Philosophy.
Rev Archibald Dickson: 1709 - 1739
Born in the Ards in 1682, he was educated in Glasgow and licensed in 1705. He was installed on 19 April 1709. His congregation was sparse and his yearly remuneration was equally meagre; eighteen pounds money, 16 barrels of meal and 4 of oats, supplemented by the commissioners with a grant of a quantity of turf and the rent of a farm for a year.
Although hotly contested by Mr Dickson, the townland of Kilmore was withdrawn to form a new congregation, but he was recompensed by the townlands of Monlough and Tullygirvin being joined to Tonaghneave.
Mr Dickson died in March 1739.
Rev James Rainey: 1743 -1745
At the time of the vacancy in 1739 there was controversy regarding "Subscription and Non-subscription" and this, linked with a dubious law of the General Synod, created contention in the congregation which was not resolved until 1743 when Mr Rainey was called and installed on 8 March 1743. His life was brief as he died in January 1745.
Rev Richard Walker MA: 1747 - 1774
The rancour of the previous appointment remained but good sense finally prevailed and Mr Walker was installed in Saintfield on 28 July 1747. His Ministry was a happy one as it is recorded that "As a pious and faithful minister of the Gospel he was prudently zealous in maintaining the important truths and promoting the precepts of true religion".
Rev Thomas Ledlie Birch MA: 1776 - 1798
Thomas Birch, aged twenty-one, was installed on 21 May 1776 and immediately planned the erection of a large church building. The following year the interior furnishings were completed.
It would appear that Mr Birch was something of a firebrand as his preaching and politics led a section of his congregation, along with a group from Boardmills, to secede and form a new church (now the second Presbyterian church Saintfield) in 1796. Being an active and vocal United Irishman involved in the rebellion of 1798, Birch was arrested and charged with treason. He escaped being hanged by agreeing to leave for America. He became a minister near Washington Pennsylania, where he died on 12 April 1828.
Rev Henry Simpson: 1799 - 1843
Rev Henry Simpson was installed on 10 December 1799 and quickly became regarded as an earnest evangelical preacher. He was recognised as one of the best preachers in the General Synod. He stated that the guiding principle in his long 44-year ministry was that " other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ". He resigned in 1843.
Rev James Wallace: 1843 -1846
Aged 21 when installed on 23 May 1843, Rev James Wallace ministered with great fidelity for three years. He exhibited a strong missionary zeal and consequently he resigned his charge in 1846 to serve as a missionary in India. He was a co-founder of the Irish Presbyterian Mission in Gujarat and Kathiawar. He was joint editor of a large-type edition of the New Testament and translated several of the Epistles and the Book of Proverbs. His fellow workers were impressed by his piety and strong faith which, linked with his gracious and gentle disposition, had a great influence on the progress of the Mission. He retired in 1870 and died 3 years later.
Rev Robert McEwen: 1846 - 1854
Robert McEwen was installed on 16 December 1846 and deposed for intemperance on 4 April 1854. He emigrated to Australia.
Rev Samuel Hamilton: 1854 - 1886
Installed on 21 February 1854, Rev Samuel Hamilton was quickly recognised by his congregation as a devout and gifted servant of his Master. His preaching exhibited great insight into his scriptural knowledge and interpretation. His teaching allied with his constant devotion to his congregation made him greatly revered by his flock. He retired in 1886 and died in 1892.
Rev Stewart Dickson: 1887 - 1943
Mr Dickson was installed on 15 February 1887. He faithfully served his congregation for some 56 years during which time many structural changes were effected. These included new pews, pulpit, a church hall (the Guildhall) a number of memorial windows, communion plate and church organ. Mr. Dickson was an eloquent and sincere speaker and under his influence the congregation flourished spiritually as well as materially. He resigned on 24 May 1943 and died on 1 June 1949, aged 90 years.
Rev Alexander Clements BA: 1943 - 1957
Rev Clements was ordained on 23 November 1943. To follow a minister of Mr Dickson's stature was no easy task. Mr Clements succeeded in doing so with grace and dignity, drawing the congregation to himself with the sincerity of his preaching. It was due to the efforts of Mr and Mrs Clements that a Company of the Boys' Brigade and a Company of the Girls' Brigade were formed. During his ministry a Vestibule and kitchen were added to the Guildhall. Mr Clements resigned on 17 February 1957 having accepted a call to Knox Church, Palmerston, Ontario.
Rev W J Albert Bell MA: 1957-1970
Mr Bell was installed on 12 September 1957. Having served as assistant minister on two occasions, followed by seven years in Greyabbey, Mr Bell brought a wealth of talent and knowledge to Saintfield. A gifted communicator, he was quickly accepted into worshippers' hearts due to his kindness and wise teaching of the truths of the Gospel. He received a call to Knock Presbyterian Church, which he accepted and resigned on 11 May 1970.
Rev Dr Robert J Magee O.B.E, MA, BTh, BREd: 1970 - 1975
Rev Magee was installed on 29 October 1970. His pastoral care, warm faith and belief in Christ's saving love enriched all in his congregation. He has a natural gift for friendship and sincerity, a gift that helped him be accepted as a mediator by "loyalist" activists. He resigned on 20 March 1975 on receiving a call to Dundonald Church, where his untiring work for peace was recognised by the award of the O.B.E. as well as the M.B.E.
Rev David McKee BD: 1976 - 1978
Rev. McKee was installed on 6 May 1976. He is remembered everywhere for his friendliness, sense of humour, sincerity and care for people of all ages. He was a faithful preacher and devoted pastor. He resigned on 5 September 1978.
Rev Robert G Johnston BD, MTh: 1979 - 2000
Rev Johnston was installed on 31July 1979. He brought total commitment as a preacher and as a pastor. As a preacher he was always well prepared, thoughtful and effective. As a pastor he showed unceasing care for people. His desire was for them to know the mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ. His ministry was marked by deep pastoral concern for people of all ages. He retired on 29 February 2000.
Rev R James Hyndman BSc, BD: 2001
Rev James Hyndman was installed on 19 January 2001. He has the task of guiding the congregation through an uncertain and rapidly changing world. He has brought a fresh emphasis on the unchanging love and grace of God as shown in Christ Jesus. A gifted exponent of God's Word, his sermons are both thought provoking and challenging. He has brought a new outstretched vision of mission, reaching from Brazil in the New World to the Philippines in the Far East and including Malawi, Jamaica and, nearer home, the Island Street Mission.
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