History in the making at Lisburn Cathedral

The Cathedral is currently undergoing a massive refurbishment, designed to restore the landmark building for many years to come.

When the refurbishment began, remnants of an old time capsule were discovered in the spire.

Unfortunately it transpired that the contents had long since been removed. This discovery encouraged the church to put together their own time capsule which will give a flavour of life in Lisburn in 2010.

Each of the church groups made suggestions as to what should go into the new capsule and the people of Lisburn were invited to do so also, the result is a comprehensive insight into the city as it stands today.

The Rector, Canon Sam Wright, said: "I am excited to be part of this moment in history as we reach out to the future people of the church and the rest of Lisburn, we hope that our time capsule will provide joy and intrigue to our future generations and that it will allow them the thrill of discovering something about life in the Cathedral and the City of Lisburn today. Another little bit of history making right in the centre of Lisburn Historic Quarter."

The time capsule includes; A letter from Canon Wright, literature from Fusion, the UK's Largest 'Live' Youth Group which is based in the Cathedral, as well as from the Scouts, the Guides and the Mothers' and Toddlers' group, Lisburn's masterplan from Lisburn City Centre Management, photographs of the congregation and the organisations in the church, a commemorative coin which was minted in 2010 to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy at which time Charles II was made King, who granted the charter for Lisburn Cathedral in 1662 and a special supplement, which was put together by the Ulster Star to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Lisburn.

In the letter to the future congregation of the Cathedral, Canon Wright said: "If you are reading this letter you have now discovered our time capsule - we hope you enjoy this and that it gives you an insight into life in Lisburn Cathedral in 2010. "We are currently undergoing a massive refurbishment of the Cathedral and during the renovation of the spire we discovered an old time capsule which had been left to us by our predecessors - sadly the contents were missing, but the discovery inspired us to do the same for our future generations - you! "This time capsule includes a selection of items from some of the groups involved in the church and also the local community.

"We hope you enjoy your find and wish you well for the future."

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Paul Dougan Glebe Warden Lisburn Cathedral Vestry, Paul and Matthew Stacey of Lisburn Cathedral Scout Group and Des Cairns of Grieves, Kelly,Cairns Chartered Architect filling the time capsule which will go on the spire at Lisburn Cathedral. US4510-101AO Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly