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This is the
story of a race of people who came from Scotland to the Barony of the
Fews, in County Armagh. They came in the early seventeenth century, and
were a hardy, enterprising, industrious, pioneering people. Plantation,
these people were soon to show, could be made to work. They were to be
known as the Ulster-Scots.
These Settlers were encouraged by the
promise of long leases, far better than the unfavourable terms in their
native Scotland, where short leases acted as a disincentive to good
husbandry and improvements.
They settled in Ulster, brought their
Presbyterian faith and their own Presbyterian ministers with them. These
were a hardy, enterprising, industrious, pioneering people.
These people
had a determination to have a lifestyle that would take account of their
dissenting Calvinistic faith and to plant for themselves and future
generations a place in which to dwell with democracy and freedom.
Into the
district of Markethill they brought their Presbyterian faith and so began
400 years of witness.
Then came four
centuries of tears and joy, rebellion, persecution, emigration, wars and
peace, and ethnic cleansing . . . . . . .
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An illustrated history book on Presbyterianism in Mid-Armagh was published
on 30th January 2009, titled The Planters: Roots and Branches.
Author Jim Reaney, the former congregational secretary, has produced an excellent highly
detailed 240 page hardback publication, with a wide range of full colour
and old black and white illustrations.
The book traces the religious movement in Ireland from the early 16th
century Protestant Reformation and the arrival in Ulster of
Presbyterians from lowland Scotland from 1608, with the gradual
establishment of churches across the Province.
In a foreword, former minister the Rev Danny Rankin
says there is much discussion and written material regarding the
Plantation of Ulster.
“This is not just another book arguing for and against the actions of
our ancestors”, says Glasgow-born Mr Rankin.
“This book looks at how with the Plantation came the Church we love
and respect. Here is a book which will warm your hearts as we read about
God’s gracious blessing on a people who were far from perfect, but they
were a people who were willing to receive that blessing.”
Much of the storyline centres on the Plantation of Markethill and the
neighbouring village of Hamiltonsbawn and the strong Presbyterian
witness in this area in congregations that were set up there through the
17th and 18th centuries.
The life and times are recorded in the Presbyterian congregations of
Markethill, Redrock, Mountnorris, Tullyallen, Cladymore, Kingsmill and
Ahorey are recorded.
The well-documented emigration to America by the Ulster-Scots
Presbyterians impacted considerably on the mid-Armagh region, with local
clerics and pew members joining the mass exodus from the Province to
begin a new life across the Atlantic.
The book is dedicated to the Glory of God and the work of the Irish
Mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Billy Kennedy. |
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"The Planters: Roots
and Branches"
Published by First and Second Markethill
Presbyterian Church
ISBN 978 0
9559209 0 5
Price - £20.00 (includes package and postage £5.00)
Buy with secure online shopping
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or
payable by cheque, payable to "Markethill
Presbyterian Church"
from
"The Planters"
15 Pinley Green
Markethill
Armagh
BT60 1RX
Price - £20.00
(includes package and postage £5.00) |
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