In doing some background reading related to my County Down ancestors, I've been looking through Vol. 12 of the O.S. Memoirs of Ireland, "Parishes of County Down III - 1833-8." I've come across a number of mentions of the "Arian" religion. For example, in describing the churches in Dromore, the author describes the Cathedral Church (Church of Ireland), the Roman Catholic Chapel, the Methodist Meeting House, the Presbyterian Meeting House - and the "Arian Meeting House." The average attendance of each of those churches is 500, except for the Presbyterian Church, which is 700. So the Arian Meeting House seems to have as many congregants as most of the other churches in town. The same hold true for other towns in County Down. .. And.. the Arian minister seems to be VERY well paid- 160 pounds p.a., compared with 32 pounds for the Methodist minister and 50 pounds for the Catholic priest. Can anyone help me figure out what denomination is represented at the Arian Meeting House? I know that "Arianism," which purported that Christ was not divine, was denounced as heresy by the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicea in 325. Is this Ulster congregation, in the 1830s, practicing a form of the ancient Arianism? It seems to be, perhaps, a branch of Presbyterianism. ????? (I've aslo posted this to the scotch-irish group.) Charles O'Neill

Hello, Can someone tell me how to go about ordering a marriage record of my ancestors who were married at Magheralin Parish in Ireland on March 14, 1816. The document stating this was an "actual" filmed church entry not a member submitted entry according to the Latter Day Saints website. Their names were Thomas Moffat and Jane Pickering. I also wondered what information might be on the actual record. Thanks much Christy

Charles, My understanding of Arianism in County Down in the 1830s is that it was a departure from the strict precepts of the Presbyterian church. Alexander Hanna in his little book "These Three Hundred and Forty Years of Witness. An Historical Outline of Dundonald Presbyterian Congregation 1645-1985 says the following referring to Rev. William Graham who had recently taken over as minister from Rev Wm. Finlay who he said "had strong unitarian views": "On returning to Belfast Mr Graham was friendly with Dr. Cooke and his family and it was at this time that he was called to be Minister of Dundonald congregation. Immediately following his ordination on the 18th August 1835, he retreated to a cottage in North Antrim for a fortnight, and there, with his Bible and Greek Testament, he spent these days in prayer and meditation, dedicating himself anew to God for the task that lay before him. On taking up his duties in Dundonald, he found the congregation had lapsed into Arianism and indifference. Matters were in a low and discouraging condition and many had left the Church, while a considerable number of others walked over the hills to (Second) Holywood Presbyterian Church at Shore Street. The young pastor of twenty five years of age was full of faith and zeal. He preached twice on Sundays in the old meeting house and on Sunday evenings preached at meetings on the outskirts of the old parish boundary. One such place may have been Ballysallagh National School. In the summer he preached in the open·air and in the winter in barns and school houses. Mr. Graham was made welcome in the homesteads and cottages of his people, whom he often visited. The result of his first four years of ministry at Dundonald was that the scattered members returned, others from a distance joined the Church until the old Church was filled to overflowing. More important still, spiritual life showed itself in conviction, conversion; prayer, praise and missionary interest. " Hope this helps a bit. Gord On 15-Mar-09, at 1:03 PM, Charles O'Neill wrote: > In doing some background reading related to my County Down ancestors, > I've been looking through Vol. 12 of the O.S. Memoirs of Ireland, > "Parishes of County Down III - 1833-8." I've come across a number of > mentions of the "Arian" religion.