Rathcoole.

The Rathcoole Hall was erected on a site at Innis Walk and subsequently declared open 14th November 1970.

Mr Robert (Roy) Graham was appointed as Missionary to take charge of this new work having previously served for two years in the Shore Road district.

Rathcoole was a vast estate (at that time the largest in the United Kingdom and later in Europe), Mr Graham worked with great commitment throughout the years, introducing innovative ideas and fresh vision and as a result experienced great blessing and growth in the work.

This was evident among the vast youth population within the area with the introduction of the organisations of Boys Brigade (16th Newtownabbey) and Girls Brigade (281st N.I.) companies.

Due to the extent of the work the hall was extended in 1980 with a car park supplied.

Another extension (The ‘Link-Up’) was completed in 1992 and a major one in 2006 with the provision of an activity hall.

Mr Graham retired in 2010 after 42 years of faithful service.

Mr Paul Hamill who had assisted Mr Graham since 2003 took over the role as Missionary.

Mr Hamill left the Mission in 2014 which meant Mr Gary Bingham who had joined the Mission in 2010 and had assisted Mr Hamill took over in the role.

Mr David Bell transferred to Rathcoole from Ballysillan in March 2015 to assist the work.

After Mr Bingham and Mr Bell moved to other roles within the Mission, Mr Jordan Neill commenced in the role in April 2017 after a spell of service in the Shore Road district.

Mr David Kennoway was appointed as Missionary in Rathcoole hall in June 2023.

The aim and purpose of the Belfast City Mission Rathcoole remains the same as it was back in 1970; to be a Mission in the heart of the community, to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel in both spiritual and practical ways, to be the Mission at the heart of the estate with the estate at its heart.

Other Missionaries who also assisted with the work during the past 52 years:

Mr Johnston Lambe, Mr Arthur McClelland, Mr Tom Gamble, Mr George Speers, Mr Jackie Spence, Mr Paul Clarke, Mr Alan Martin, Mr Walter Simms.