Publisher's Synopsis
The Reverend David Edward Ferguson Ordained in 2004 Rector of Ramoan and Culfeightrin in 2011, Rural Dean of Ballymena I warmly welcome this invaluable reprint of Hugh Alexander Boyd's book. Even as a youthful scholar his careful and detailed record still stands the test of time and will cast light on many things relating to the Church of Ireland, not only in the Ballycastle area but in many other parts of Ireland. One fascinating example is to be found on page 153 which solves the problem of why the Royal Coat of Arms appears in Ramoan Parish Church. I warmly commend the reprint of this most valuable book to all who love the history of Ballycastle. The Very Reverend Dr Godfrey Brown Moderator of the General Assembly, 1988-89 Ordained in 1960 Minister of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church 1964. One of the first people I met when I came to Ballycastle was Huge Alexander Boyd. We shared many interests and became close friends. I often consulted this book in the local library but was never able to obtain a copy of my own. I was delighted to learn that Seán O'Halloran of Clachan Publishing was keen to organise a reprint and also delighted that the Boyd family readily agreed to make this possible. In addition to its careful and detailed attention to the history of the Church of Ireland, the book also notes the terrible events of 1641, and how the ancient Church of St Eraclasius became the earliest Presbyterian place of worship in the area, and the erstwhile Vicar Daniel McNeile (also spelt McNeale) became minister of what was later to become Ramoan Presbyterian Church. H.A. Boyd believes he was a 'trimmer', adapting his views to make it possible for him to continue to exercise his ministry, and to be paid a salary. On 12th September 1661 McNeile was once again admitted as Vicar of Ramoan and several other parishes.
