History
1697 Congregation founded 
1719 The church roof at Ballyclander collapsed 
1720 The site at Ballee was found at the cost of 4 shillings
1721 The new church was built. No outside help was sought in the building of the church. Memel pine from the Baltic was used in the construction of the roof 
1736 First renovation of the church including
       1) the height of the walls increased and
       2) the thatched roof removed and replaced with a new slate roof 
1783 

Members of Ballycruttle R.C. church granted the use of Ballee Church while their church was being built. The Ballee congregation was presented with copper collection boxes in gratitude. They are still used to this day

Collection Boxes

1830 Minister and people withdrew from the synod of Ulster 
1837 Library opened for members and residents of the locality of Ballee 
1839 The day school was established 
1878 Re-opening of school building following extensive alterations and repairs 
1887 The Congregation decided to build a manse 
1890 Substantial renovations were made to the church 
1912 

Re opening of church following more extensive work including:
       1) the rough hewn flagged floor replaced with one of patterned maple.
       2) new tinted glass windows which were set in Castlewellan granite
       3) the purchase of the manual pipe organ with a solid oak surround

Organ 1Organ 2

1914 The Rev Bibby generously bought out the claim that the Irish Land Commissioners had on the 5 acres 1 rood and 15 perches of land. Thus the land is self contained and rent free forever 
1920 Tennis and mixed hockey clubs inaugurated 
1921 Club opened to non members 
1922 Club pavilion opened 
1923 Fund started to enable alterations and repairs to be undertaken to the National school 
1936 Gas lighting system in the church dedicated 
1944 1) School transferred to Regional Committee and
2) Register of burials compiled and graveyard mapped 
1949 Joint ministry with Clough established 
1954 Following repair works a re dedication of the church organ took place 
1965 Electric installed in the church 
1966 School closed 
1971 250th Anniversary Service (church building) 
1972 The organ fitted with an electric blower 
1981 Joint ministry with Clough and Downpatrick established 
1994 Elders ordained for the first time 
1996 Extensive repairs to the church roof 
1997 300th Anniversary Service (congregation) 
2000 Re-dedication Service held following major repairs and alternations to the church hall including:
       1) new roof over kitchen and Sunday School room
       2) new ceiling in main section of hall
       3) Kitchen re fitted and
       4) New toilets provided 
2004 

September 2004
A special anniversary was marked on Sunday 25th July in Ballee.

It was the 25th anniversary of the appointment of John Strain our organist. Since Sunday 25th July 1979 John has been playing the organ almost each and every Sunday. The anniversary service was a favourite hymn service with the hymns chosen by the congregation members. Rev Steers introduced each hymn with a few words about the hymn.

A presentation of a silver pocket watch was made to John by Rev Steers as an appreciation of his 25 years service 

* The above information has been kindly provided by Miss Jayne Cavan.