Our History

Our History

Donacloney is situated in the extreme west of County Down on the edge of County Armagh. The name Donacloney, or the alternative spelling Donaghcloney, comes from Dommach‑Cluana, meaning “the Church in the meadow”. Once known for its linen factory, the village continues to grow through new housing and easy travel to Belfast, Lisburn, Craigavon and Banbridge.

A timeline of Donacloney Presbyterian Church

  • 1750 — First Church Built Donacloney Presbyterian Church began as a secession from Tullylish. The first church building at Moygannon Road opened in 1750, built with mud walls and a thatched roof.
  • 1798 — New Meeting House A new building opened in 1798 with a slated roof and stone‑and‑lime walls, whitewashed inside and out. It was oblong in shape, with the pulpit on a long wall and entrance doors at each end of a wide aisle.
  • 1888 — Manse Constructed The building of the manse in 1888 marked a significant development in the congregation’s life.
  • 1899 — Decision to Rebuild Dry rot was discovered soon after, and on 18th September 1899 the congregation resolved to construct a new church building.
  • 26 October 1900 — Foundation Stone Laid The foundation stone for the new church building was laid with hope and anticipation.
  • 15 September 1901 — Present Church Building Opened The new church building was opened with joy and thanksgiving. Built with black stone and yellow brick edging, it included two aisles, middle and side pews, two transepts, a gallery, and seating for approximately seven hundred people.
The 1798 Meeting House
Our present church building