The Weekend Conference took place in Armagh City Hotel, from 13th to 15th March, 2026. Our speaker was Rev. Stephen Steele, minister of Stranraer R.P. Church, Scotland. Stephen’s theme was ‘The Cause for Which the Martyrs Suffered.’ On the Friday night Stephen was ‘under the spotlight’, as he was interviewed by Mr Andrew Herron. Stephen ably covered his subject with three talks:
1. First Reformation Martyrs
2. Second Reformation Martyrs
3. The Killing Times
It was inspirational for some of us to be reminded (or for others to hear for the first time) the stories of the Covenanter struggles. Two in particular are always very touching: the Two Margarets of Wigtown and John Brown of Priesthill. It struck me, as I listened to these talks, that there must be a number of people within our congregations, both young and older, who have never heard about our Covenanter ancestors, many of whom bravely gave up their lives for the cause of Christ. If this is the case, it should, perhaps, be addressed. It was lovely that Stephen was accompanied by Carla and their four children. We were much indebted to Stephen for his talks, which must have involved considerable preparation.
After enjoying some free time for walking, watching rugby or exploring Armagh, on Saturday evening we were entertained by the Mid Armagh Community Choir. The choir has a few Covenanters in it, including a minister! We also had the ‘skirl of the bagpipes’ played and enjoyed a very talented, light-footed display of Scottish dancing by Emily, suitably attired in her Scottish dance dress.
Sabbath morning consisted of Prayer Groups, followed by the worship service. Stephen preached on Psalm 25, ‘Margaret Wilson’s Dying Psalm.’ Our time together concluded following lunch.
It was a wonderful weekend with good worship and fellowship, great company, and an opportunity for catching up with friends and making new ones. We enjoyed superb accommodation and excellent food.
Thanks are due to the Conference Committee, especially Mr Callum and Mrs Jean Morrison, for booking the hotel, taking payments and Callum putting the psalms on screen and recording the talks. Thanks also to our Chair, Rev. Edward McCollum.
Please do think about coming next year 2027; you won’t regret it! It would be great to have more people attend from all our congregations.
George Wright
This article first appeared in the Covenanter Witness, and it is reprinted here by permission.
