Mindful of a prevalent need North and South, the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rev Dr Alastair Dunlop, had occasion to comment recently: "With the chronic shortage of accommodation for the elderly in Dublin, I am delighted that the Presbyterian Church has been able to further help this section of the community."
He added: "Too often the needs of older people are forgotten".
He complimented the Presbyterian Residential Trust on its investment in accommodation for the elderly, and the staff for caring and efficient management.
Dr Dunlop was speaking at the opening of a sheltered Housing Project for the elderly at Tritonville Close, Sandymount, Dublin. This new complex provides accommodation for 33 people in 19 single and double units.
Behind the project from the beginning was the late Rev Dr William T. McDowell, a minister of Christ Church Sandymount and for some years the clerk of the Dublin-Munster presbytery. After Mrs Dunlop, the Moderator's wife had cut a ribbon signifying the official opening, Ms Linda Wray, residential services manager of the Presbyterian Residential Trust, expressed her pleasure "that a project seven years in the planning and two more in building had now come to completion. . . and will now become home to those going to live there".
The Presbyterian Residential Trust, established in 1947, runs nine nursing, residential and sheltered dwelling projects throughout Ireland.
These provide a home for some 250 residents of all denominations, addressing their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, while bearing in mind their own wishes and their independence.
The annual service of carols by candlelight will be held in the Howth Presbyterian Church tomorrow at 4.30 p.m. The format of this unique service comes from Rutgers Presbyterian Church, 73rd Street on Broadway, New York, nearly 50 years ago.
It was imported and has been the form in Howth since the early 1960s.
During or after the service £1,500 will be presented to the Saint Francis Hospice, Raheny. This sum is the proceeds from the sale of A Century of Worship and Witness - A history of the congregation of Howth and Malahide, written by the Minister Emeritus, the Rev Dr William O'Neill.
Founded in 1836 with a history of more than 160 years of dedicated service, the charity Protestant Aid has been described as "the leading Protestant response to relieving financial distress within the 26 counties on a non-denominational basis".
In the five weeks to December 7th this year, 361 applications for aid have been received and assessed by the Charity Committee. Some £57,994 has been distributed by clergy and social workers. It is anticipated that up to a further 100 applications might be received before Christmas and assessed at a further £13,000. This aid acts as a vital source of income for many without which Christmas would bring little cheer.
Jubilee Ireland's Advent and Carol Service will be held in St Patrick's Cathedral on Monday, at 8 p.m. This is a celebration for people of all faiths and none.
Music will be led by the Gloria. The service is under the auspices of the Debt and Development Coalition Ireland (01-8571828).
The mission of the coalition is expressed by the logo on their flyer. "By this Light - the Road to Justice" is a lighted candle against a black background and the words "A candle lit is a protest at midnight. It is non-conformist. It says to the darkness, I beg to differ."
The banner of hope made by supporters of the coalition will be on display in the cathedral.