First Church Belfast

Welcome

A very warm welcome to First Church, Belfast. Our congregation was established in 1644. Its current church building, which opened in June 1783, is the city’s oldest surviving place of worship. We are proud of our church’s heritage and the liberal tradition to which it belongs – including its historic links with Unitarianism. 

First Church is part of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland and is based within its Synod (or Presbytery) of Munster – which includes our sister congregation in Belfast, All Souls’ on Elmwood Avenue, and the NSCPCI’s churches in Dublin and Cork.

First Church is a place that values diversity, intellectual curiosity and open-minded engagement with the world. We are a community that understands the benefits of tradition, but also the ways in which it must be constantly reimagined and renewed.

First Church has played an important and varied role within civic and cultural life in Belfast (and beyond) throughout its long existence. And it has been a microcosm of change and diversity within the wider community. Our story of service and commitment is still in the making… and a warm welcome awaits everyone in our historic Meeting House.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund NI

We are delighted to announce that First Church has been awarded £150,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund NI to develop a Sustainable Heritage Master Plan for our Church.

Founded in 1644, our congregation is the oldest continuously meeting faith community in Belfast. Our distinctive oval Meeting House, completed in 1783, has been a home for the city's radical, dissenting and liberal traditions, and was at the heart of the non-subscription controversy that shaped Irish Presbyterianism and gave rise to the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church. Today our Grade A listed building is one of Belfast's most significant historic places.

Over the next fifteen months, this project will help us plan for its long-term care and conservation, improve accessibility, and listen to our neighbours, partners, and visitors who share in its story, so this building's heritage is preserved and can continue to serve the life of the city for generations to come.

Thank you to National Lottery players, whose support makes this possible, and to everyone who has supported this work.

We are now inviting tenders for a Project Manager to lead the development of the Master Plan. For full details and how to apply, please click below.

Rewilding Faith

First Church been invited to collaborate with Harbour Faith Community on a year-long journey called Rewilding Faith.

This series offers a thoughtful exploration of the big questions at the heart of Christian life and belief, shaped by curiosity, honesty, and care.

Each month focuses on one theme, explored through three practices. Spark includes sermons from both communities, available online to engage at your own pace. Campfire gatherings, held on the first Wednesday of each month, offer relaxed, conversational spaces to ask questions and learn together. Wild Practice invites embodied experiences- ritual, contemplation, or walking- that emphasise presence over discussion.

There are no hidden agendas- just a low-stakes invitation to explore together. All are welcome, and participation is entirely flexible. All are welcome, and participation is entirely flexible.

To find out more, please visit the Harbour Faith Community website by clicking here.

Our Sunday Services

Sunday worship takes place at 10.30am. Our Sunday School operates for much of the year, with a short break in the summer months. It begins at a mid-point during the Sunday service and concludes at c11.30am. Tea, coffee and refreshments are served in Central Hall (which is adjacent to the main church building) after Morning Worship.

Car parking spaces are available nearby and outside the church building itself on Rosemary Street. A limited number of spaces are also available at the rear of the church.