by Paul Meneely

This Sunday marks the centenary of the catastrophic sinking of the world’s most famous ship, the Titanic. Such is the lure of the Titanic that events have been organised the world over to commemorate it. However, the connection to the Titanic is most poignantly felt in Northern Ireland where the ship was designed and built. It is here that Portrush Presbyterian Church is holding a special week of events, dubbed Titanic Ship of Dreams, to communicate with their town the hope of Christ through the tragedy of the Titanic.

John Kirkpatrick, the minister of Portrush Presbyterian, alongside local artist Ross Wilson, have collaborated to develop a series of events to mark the centenary. This includes an art exhibition this week (9-13 April) which more than 1,000 people have attended already since Monday, a film night on Saturday, 14 April, and on Sunday night a very special retelling of the story of the Titanic by New Irish Arts under the direction of Jonathan Rea.

The Titanic held the attention of the world at its launch, and its story continues to grip us today. John Kirkpatrick is one of those fascinated by the story. John developed this passion during his ministry in Mersey Street Presbyterian, a stones throw away from Harland and Wolff where the Titanic was built. John has a passion to connect with people, building relationships and communicating the gospel through these. The ship of dreams exhibition is the most recent of these outreaches. It gives John the opportunity to tell the gospel stories of the Titanic such as that of John Harper, a Baptist pastor who died in the freezing water of the Atlantic Ocean as he swam from passenger to passenger telling them about Jesus.

Following the success of this week’s Titanic Ship of Dreams John is already planning a repeat performance during Portrush’s busy summer as tourists from all over the world flock to Northern Ireland for the Irish Open golf tournament. However, if you can’t wait till then may we encourage you to take in the exhibition now.

Portrush Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BT

Titanic Art Exhibition: 9-15 April 10.30am - 4pm & 7pm – 9pm

Titanic Ship of Dreams evening presentation w/ New Irish Arts 15 April 8pm