Our History
The original church was founded on Oxford Island (approx 5 miles from present site) in 1411. With the arrival of John Brownlow into the area in 1609, the nucleus of the town of Lurgan was established and a new church was built in 1609 on a new site (approx 1 mile from present site).
The building became too small and permission was granted by the Irish Parliament to build a church on the present site, known as the green of Lurgan. Shankill Parish Church was completed and consecrated in 1725. The "Big Church" as Shankill is known locally, is believed to be the largest parish church in Ireland, serving some 1400 families.
The building became too small and permission was granted by the Irish Parliament to build a church on the present site, known as the green of Lurgan. Shankill Parish Church was completed and consecrated in 1725. The "Big Church" as Shankill is known locally, is believed to be the largest parish church in Ireland, serving some 1400 families.
