The following article reporting on the opening of the new church building in Newtownards was printed in the December 1984 edition of the Revivalist.

Historic Occasion in Life of Newtownards Free Presbyterian Church

Grace Free Presbyterian Church at Beverley Park, Newtownards was officially opened on Saturday by the Moderator, Rev. Dr. I. R. K. Paisley. The Newtownards Free Presbyterian Church first began holding services in November 1971 in the Orange Hall in Mary Street, and in 1977 the congregation moved to temporary premises at Beverley Park, while the permanent building was in progress. The new church was filled to capacity for this historic occasion in the life of the Free Presbyterian Church in Newtownards.

At the opening ceremony, the minister of Grace Free Presbyterian Church asked Rev. David Gordon from Larne to open the proceedings with a prayer, after which Mr. Dunlop then asked the builder, Mr. John Dickson of Ballyward, Banbridge to hand the key over to Mr. Paisley.

Before opening the church, Mr. Paisley said, "I might say it gives me very great pleasure that we have come to this very historic day when this new building is opened for the defence of the Faith". Dr. Paisley then declared the building officially open, "for the preaching of the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus".

The service began with the singing of Psalm 126 following which Rev. W. Whiteside opened in prayer and Rev. T. Baxter brought greetings from the Presbytery. Soloists were Mrs. Craig and Mr. Joe Peden. Rev. J. Hartin read the scriptures.

Rev. T. A. Dunlop, Minister of the church, brought greetings to the congregation, which numbered approximately 750, and the minister told those in attendance that it was indeed an occasion for praise and thanksgiving to God, who had made it all possible. Mr. Dunlop also made mention of his call to the ministry which could be summed up in the words of the text written on the foundation stone in the front hall: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (Corinthians 9:16). Mr. Dunlop stated that first and foremost, Grace Free Presbyterian Church was built for the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dunlop thanked all those friends and members of the congregation who donated various furnishings for the church. He affirmed that money for the building had been, and will be, raised solely by free-will offerings from the people.

Presentations were then made by the committee to Rev. and Mrs. Paisley, Mr. J. D. Dickson (builder), Mr. M. Morrison (architect) and Rev. T. A. Dunlop. A presentation was also made to members of committee and to the organist by Mr. Dunlop as a token of his gratitude for their labour of love.

The sermon was brought by the Church Moderator, Rev. Dr. I. K. Paisley who spoke on 1 Chronicles chapter 12, challenging the people by the words of Amasai in verse 18: "Thine are we, David, and on thy side," to put their trust in a Greater than David.

Rev. W. McDermott closed in prayer. Tea was served by ladies of the congregation. Offerings on the day amounted to f2,600.