Churches Helping Churches

A Ministry Grant of Derry Church

BACKGROUND: In the late 19th century, Derry Church was down to 12 members and was not able to fund a new church building it desperately needed. Churches from the Presbytery of Carlisle partnered together to raise funds to build Derry’s Chapel (1884-87), and the Presbytery supported Derry’s ministry until it became self-sustaining in the 20th century.

As Derry Church celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2024, the church remembered with gratitude the generosity of our Presbyterian connectional community by continuing the tradition of churches helping churches within our presbytery.

CONCEPT: Derry Church seeks to support churches in the Presbytery of Carlisle who do not have the funds for needed capital repairs, projects, and growth, just as churches of the Presbytery helped Derry over a century ago. Churches may apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to further the mission and ministry of their church.

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. The applying church must be a member in good standing of the Presbytery of Carlisle.
  2. The project must have the approval of the applying church’s Session.
  3. The project must help the church further its mission and ministry.
  4. A completed application must be received by April 1, 2025. Grants will be distributed by May 1, 2025.
  5. A budget of the project must be presented along with the application. Quotes and estimates from contractors/companies are also recommended.
  6. If a grant is awarded, the recipient church is asked to provide a summary of the completed project with pictures for Derry’s records and to share with the congregation and Presbytery.