Our History

A shining light then and now.



Our history dates all the way back to the early days of the ‘new city’ of Craigavon in the late 1960s. Since then, life has been anything but boring for the faithful at St. Saviour’s. Through all our ups, downs and in-betweens, we’ve continued to minister faithfully to the wonderfully diverse and caring community that we live in.

Key dates in St. Saviour’s history:

  • 1969: Services for the Methodist, Presbyterian and Church of Ireland people in the newly formed Craigavon are held in the Moylinn Centre.

  • 1971: Joint services move to Tullygally Community Hall.

  • 1972: Organist and Choir Mistress Laura Bushe is appointed in March for a period of six weeks. Laura (now Barnett) continues in her role to this day! 

  • 1972: On 2 April (Easter Sunday) the first service is held in a new purpose-built building at Tullygally. Rev. Derek Swann, Curate in Charge, baptises seven babies.

  • 1972: The new church starts a weekly Sunday School, a Girls’ Brigade, a Church Lads’ Brigade, a Youth Club and a Bowling Club.

  • 1972: The formal opening and dedication of the building is conducted by Bishop George Quinn in June.

  • 1973: The first Mission is conducted by Rev. Desmond McCreery.

  • 1975: An extension is opened to accommodate growing numbers.

  • 1986: Under the leadership of Rev. Maurice Harvey,the church moves to its current premises on Drumgor West Road.

  • 1987: Rev. Donard Collins is appointed rector.

  • 1988: The building is damaged by fire. This happened a further three times, in 1992, 2005 and 2020.

  • 1992: Between April and November services are held in Craigavon Civic Centre due to fire damage at the church.

  • 1997: The Parish of St. Saviour’s celebrates its 25th birthday.

  • 2000s: Myrtle Morrison from Church Army becomes Evangelist in Charge of St. Saviour’s on 1st December 2000. We hold a variety of missions and special events with Church Army. We welcome volunteers from the South American Mission Society who greatly enriched our church fellowship.

  • 2010s: In September 2010, the parish becomes a Church Army Centre of Mission with Captain Brian Wisener and Trainee Matthew Rowley working alongside Myrtle. In November 2010, Laura Barnett is licensed as a Diocesan Lay Reader. At Easter 2012, the Parish of St. Saviour’s celebrates a big birthday in style, with a whole host of ‘Life begins at 40’ events. In November 2014, we hold our first residential parish weekend at the Kilbroney Centre in Rostrevor. The worship, messages, games and fellowship are such a success that we return to Kilbroney in 2015, 2017 and 2019. In September 2018, Myrtle is ordained Rev. Myrtle Morrison by then Bishop Harold.

  • 2020s: In response to the global Covid pandemic, St. Saviour’s starts a weekly online service via Facebook in March. Zoom Sunday School launches in September.

Over the last five decades, St. Saviour’s has remained faithful to God’s call and committed to the people of Craigavon. Our activities are an opportunity for people to connect with each other and with God.

St. Saviour’s continues to shine as a bright light in the local community.