Crossroads Presbyterian Church Chronology

1781-83

For a period this congregation was known as Taughboyne (Taboyn). The minister of Monreagh, the Rev Patrick Davidson, freely expressed New-Light sentiments which offended a considerable portion of his flock who withdrew from his ministrations. They made application to the Anti-burgher Seceding Synod of Scotland for a minister, and at the same time a number of families in Derry, about four miles from Taughboyne, joined with them. A Mr Allen was sent and it is said that he delivered his first sermon at a kiln in Taughboyne in May 1781. The preaching of the Word was regularly supplied, to them and the small party in Derry, by the Anti-burgher Synod until the meeting house was built at Crossroads in 1783.

1783

Mr William Galbraith was then ordained as minister of the joint charge of Crossroads and Derry with the understanding that his labours would be wholly given to whichever of the two congregations would first provide him with a sufficient maintenance. In this respect Derry succeeded and in July 1783 Mr Galbraith resigned Crossroads.

1800-03

Afterwards a Mr William Todd (lic. Markethill A.B.), a native of Newry, preached at Crossroads and received a call. He was installed in March 1800, suspended and disjoined from Crossroads on 5 Sept 1803 and returned to his Presbytery as a minister without charge.

1805-54

Mr Samuel Craig (lic Markethill A.B.1804) was the next minister. He had been born near Loughgilly, Fifeshire and was ordained here on 18 June 1805. He was Moderator of the Anti-burgher Synod in 1809-10 and of the reunited Synod in 1838-39. After almost 50 years ministry in Crossroads he died on 1st June 1854.

1854-57

Mr John Wilson (lic. Coleraine 1850) succeeded Mr Craig on 22 December 1854 but, after a short illness, died on 22 Mar. 1857.

1857-73

Mr Samuel McClure, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Route, followed Mr Wilson and was ordained by the Presbytery of Derry on 27 Dec 1857. During his ministry the Crossroads manse was built and the Glebe acquired. He remained in Crossroads until his death on 16 June 1873.

1874-85

Mr Hugh Irwin (lic. Ballybay) was the sixth minister called. He was ordained on 30 June 1874. After a ministry of eleven years he resigned and immigrated to New Zealand where he undertook work on behalf of the Colonial Mission.

1885-1901

Mr David Gamble Millar (lic. Coleraine 1885) was ordained in Crossroads on 22 DEC 1885. He resigned on 23 July 1901 on accepting a call to Park Avenue, Londonderry to be the first minister of a charge which became Clairmont Congregation.

1901-46

Mr John McClean (lic. Raphoe) succeeded Mr Miller and was ordained by the Presbytery of Derry on 12 DEC 1901. He was third minister to spend his entire ministry in Crossroads until his death on 23 Mar 1946.

1944-56

Rev. George Francis McQuitty, formerly minister of 1st Newtonards, was installed on 12 DEC 1946, and ministered in Crossroads until his sudden death on 14 Jan 1956. At this time Crossroads was transferred to the (old) Presbytery of Raphoe and became a joint charge with Newtowncunningham congregation.

1957-61

Mr Eric George McAuley (lic. Belfast 1955) was ordained minister of the united charge on 18 April 1957. He demitted the charge on 1st Mar 1961 when he received a call to Bannside congregation, Banbridge.

1961-74

Rev Patrick Alexander Logue, formerly minister of Second Newtownhamilton and Creggan, succeeded him to the joint charge and was installed on 6 July 1961. He retired on 30 June 1974.

1974-97

Rev Richard C Graham, minister of Carlisle Road congregation Londonderry became stated supply to Crossroads on the retirement of Rev Logue. In 1989 Crossroads transferred to the Presbytery of Derry and Strabane and became a joint charge with Carlisle Road. Rev Graham retired, due to ill heath in 1997 and the joint charge was declared vacant.

1998-2000

In May 1998 Rev Craig Teeney was ordained and installed to the joint charge. Unfortunately, due to ill health , he had to resign in July 2000.

2002-..........

Rev Robert Buick was installed on 4th July 2002 having been unanimously called by the congregation from the three-point charge of Albany, Brigh and 1st Stewartstown in Co Tyrone, where he had served for a period of 11 years. Prior to entering into training for the Ministry in 1986, Dr. Buick was engaged in engineering research and development in both the academic and commercial fields. He is also Convener of the University Education Committee. Married to Heather, he has two children, Alison and Aaron.