Cullybackey and District Historical Society

28/05/2026

Cullybackey & District Historical Society is pleased to share details of a forthcoming series of talks being delivered by our President, Dr William Roulston, as part of Cullybackey Community Partnership’s USA250 project.

The three talks will take place on 1st, 8th and 22nd June at 7.05pm on the top floor of the Maine Business Centre. The venue will open from 6.45pm for anyone wishing to view the accompanying exhibition, and a booklet produced for the project will also be available.

This series explores the stories of people from our area who left these shores in the 1700s and went on to play a part in the events leading to American Independence. All are welcome to attend.

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

Members of Cullybackey & District Historical Sociey were pleased to attend a special event today at Arthur Cottage, the ancestral home of U.S. President Chester Alan Arthur, to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

A commemorative tree was planted by Paul Roelle, representing the U.S. Consulate, together with Mayor Alderman Jackson Minford and pupils from Buick Memorial Primary School. It was a lovely occasion highlighting the longstanding connection between this district and the United States.

27/05/2026

Last Thursday marked the final meeting of our 2023–24 season, and we couldn’t have asked for a lovelier way to finish than with an evening of music, song and stories from our guest, Colin Urwin. Here’s a short clip from the night.

As we head into our summer break, we want to thank everyone who came along to our meetings throughout the year — and for your patience and understanding when we had to cancel a few early in the season. Your continued support means a great deal to us.

We’ll be back in the autumn, and our new season’s programme will be available soon. It’s going to be a special one as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, with possibly a few extra events planned to mark the occasion. Stay tuned.

21/05/2026

Join us tonight for the final meeting of the season

14/05/2026

Join us next week for the final meeting of the season.

16/04/2026

19/03/2026

Join us tonight for our March meeting

12/03/2026

12/03/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. William Hook. The Rev. Hook faithfully served as minister of Cuningham Memorial from 1968 to 1997 and was loved and respected by the whole Cullybackey community.

The Rev. Hook began his ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland when he was ordained as minister of Cootehill, Drum and Kilmount in 1958, before being installed as minister of Lislooney and Knappagh in 1962.

During his 29 years in Cuningham Memorial he faithfully displayed his love for the Lord and his care for all people.

He was a true gentleman whose kindness, humility and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Our congregation and the wider Cullybackey community hold many fond memories of both the Rev. Hook and his late wife, Anna. Their lives and service to the Lord were a blessing to many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rev. Hook’s entire family circle and all who mourn his loss.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23