EBENEZA

A photograph of Ebeneza

(The original is in sepia however, it wasn't very clear so I stripped out the colour.)
 

Religion was very important to the Johnstone family.  While most of the family members associated with Ebeneza seem to be on the James "Longfield" Johnstone line, Thomas "Whinfield" and "Glenfield" Johnstone named Ebeneza.  The following is a passage from the booklet "Ebeneza" 1860 to 1910: A Historical Sketch" published in 1910 by the Committe of "Ebeneza", Belfast, page 8.

Another passage taken from page 6 mentions David McCalmont (see Tree) and John "Longfield" Johnstone.
 

I am not sure if the Johnstone family wrote the booklet but they certainly got their names in it.  Page 10 gives a summary of collectors and the amount each raised.  Of the four listed three are Johnstones  (Robert Anderson is listed with Charles Johnstone).  The other two are Mr. Frank Johnstone and Mr. William Johnstone.  Mr Francis Johnstone was Treasurer and he was responsible for getting the funds together to have the building errected.  He was succeded by Mr. Thomas "Strandview" Johnstone who was treasurer for the next 40 years.  It also states that Mr. John "Longfield" Johnstone took the "Thankoffering" at each of the services to be held on Sunday evening for "nigh forty years without a break".  There is a photograph of Charles Johnstone and his wife (see Tree) on page 11 and on page 14 it states that he and his wife were given "a beautifully illuminated address and silver tea and coffee service in 1881".  This was to commemorate 20 years of "loving" service.  On page 16 it says in December 1883 a Sale of Work was held to help build a little schoolhouse at the rear and to equip a library.  Miss Johnstone, Newbath in partenership with  Mrs Porter (Elizabeth Jane Johnstone) raised over 75% of the total sum.

ST NICHOLAS'S CHURCH YARD

Robert Johnstone and *Margaret Kernaghan

*On page 218 of "Old Families of Carrickfergus and Ballynure from Gravestone Inscriptions and Biographical Notes", compiled by George Rutherford and edited by Richard Clarke it states that John Carnaghan of Carrickfergus died intestate and that administration was granted to his eldest son Samuel Kernaghan 27 April 1819.  Given that this couple had a child which they named Samuel there may be a connection.
 

Robert Johnstone and Elizabeth Irwin and son Charles

This gravestone is standing against the church wall at the back (near where Thomas Johnstone and Eleanor Glenfield's gravestone was lying facedown in 1986).  The compost heap (grass clippings) were piled up infront of it.  (I had to dig them out to get the photograph.)  Given it was protected from the weather where it was and there wasn't anyone around to help I left it was it was.
 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Window dedicated to Robert Johnstone Porter

NORTH ROAD CEMETERY

*This gravestone contains the details of James Johnstone born in 1815

* The inscription was not included in "Old Families of Carrickfergus and Ballynure from Gravestone Inscriptions and Biographical Notes", compiled by George Rutherford and edited by Richard Clarke