Downpatrick Methodist Church (1778)
Meanwhile, the Rev. E. Smyth having no further inducement to remain in Ballyculter, removed with his family to Downpatrick. Here he began at once to hold services in the open air; his extraordinary zeal, eventful history, superior talents, and gentlemanly appearance, all contributed to give success to his meetings. He did not, however, confine his labours to the town; but travelled through the country, preaching, holding love-feasts, and administering the Sacraments. Thus numerous Societies were formed. Mrs Smyth writes concerning him—" The success that attends his words is really amazing; there is scarce any place that he has preached that he has not had seals to his ministry, and these not a few. Many witness at the love-feasts, that he is their father in Christ."
'History of Methodism in Ireland' by Crookshank p310-11 and p315.
Additional Information
First Methodist Church in the area built by Rev E Smyth in 1777 on this site- see Ballyculter.