Assemblys college, belfast, opens for the training of presbyterian clergy

Union Theological College is the theological college for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and is situated in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The college was founded in 1853 as the Assembly’s College.

It is governed by the Council for Training in Ministry. It has been responsible for training people for ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and also runs courses open to the wider public, including distance learning courses offered through BibleMesh.

Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon

The Renaissance Revival style building with its grand Doric porch and Baroque attic was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, the architect of the main building at Queen’s and built with Scrabo stone at a cost of £5,000.

Opening Ceremony December 05, 1853

Merle d’Aubigné of Geneva participated in the opening ceremony on 5 December 1853 alongside Henry Cooke, President of the Faculty (the five other professors in the new college were John Edgar, Robert Wilson, William Killen, James G. Murphy and William Gibson).

Location

Union Theological College is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Denomination

It is associated with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a Reformed Christian denomination.

Founding

The college was founded in 1853 as a training institution for ministers of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Purpose

Union Theological College serves as a seminary, providing theological education and training for individuals preparing for ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Programs

The college offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in theology and related fields.

Affiliation

Affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast, students at Union Theological College may pursue academic programs in conjunction with the university.

Historical Significance

The college has historical significance within the context of Irish Presbyterianism and has played a role in the training of ministers and leaders within the denomination.