History of Ballylinney

On 1st April, 1834 after a meeting of the Vault Committee in the old Ballylinney graveyard a further meeting took place to initiate proposals to establish the first Presbyterian Meeting house in the Parish of Ballylinney. It was agreed to "petition" Thomas Greg of Ballymenoch for half an acre of ground then in the possession of William Ross. Mr Greg granted the land free of rent or charge of any kind with £10 subscription.

The foundation stone was laid on 6th May, 1835 by James Owens of Holestone. Inside the foundation stone was placed a bottle containing coins of the realm, a copy of the Belfast Almanack Newsletter, Minutes of the Synod of Ulster 1834 and a paper with the names of the Congregational Committee. The Meeting House was opened on 11th September 1836 by the Rev Dr Henry Cooke of May Street, Belfast. Seating was installed the following year.