Hi Listers, I am sure many of you saw the news that the University of Ulster's Institute of Ulster Scots Studies is in the process of creating a new Centre celebrating the links between Presbyterianism in Donegal and America. Their press release states, "The achievements of two of Donegal's most famous sons, Francis Makemie and William Gregg as towering figures in the growth of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and Canada, will be centre-stage in an educational and interpretive centre to be built in the cradle of Irish Presbyterianism - the Laggan district in the north-east of the county." It continues, "The old manse at Monreagh near St Johnston is just five miles from the Donegal-Derry border will be converted into the new centre, containing 17th and 18th century artefacts and displays that tell the story of how Presbyterian communities fled Ulster seeking freedom of religion and a new life in the New World." The full press release can be found at the link below: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/releases/2005/1948.html The church at Monreagh is of particular interest to me because a possible ancestor of mine, the Reverend William Boyd, was minister there from 1725 until his death in 1772. He came from Macosquin Parish near Coleraine in County Derry, which is where my Boyds originated. He is also a very important but neglected character in the history of Presbyterianism and the Scotch Irish. In 1718, he carried the petition to Governor Suitte in Boston which resulted in the first mass emigration of Presbyterians to America later that year. I wrote to the University asking if he was to be included in their new Centre. This is their reply: "Many thanks for your interesting mail concerning the Reverend William Boyd. We will, of course, be using the opportunity provided by the new Centre to present the history and heritage of Presbyterianism as fully as we possibly can. The press release only highlighted the most well known. We have already researched the 1718 migration for the Ulster Scots Agency and they will be launching a website dedicated to these important events in the near future. We would welcome any further information or comments and hope to see you at the Centre when work starts there this year." I am sure you will all be pleased to see that work is underway to celebrate this link between Coleraine, East Donegal and America which has provided so many of us with endless hours of enjoyment researching our common ancestors. Best wishes, Boyd Apologies in advance - I am sending this to all three lists/sites where I think it will be of interest. Boyd Gray 17 St Judes Court Lifford Co Donegal