27 Mar 2026, 10:54IM CommunicationsTralee, Kerry, Ireland
Tralee Congregation Enters a New Chapter as an Official Church
On 31 January 2026, the Tralee congregation in County Kerry, Ireland, was formally organised as a Seventh-day Adventist church during a special Sabbath service held at the John Mitchels GAA building. With a membership of 26, and a regular weekly attendance of around 50 people, the new church represents the result of years of prayer, commitment, and steady growth. Members and guests from across the region gathered to mark the milestone.
The need for an Adventist presence in Tralee had long been recognised. For several years, members living in the area travelled to other churches, as there was no established congregation in County Kerry. In 2017, a small group of around six individuals began meeting together, united by a shared vision to establish a church locally. Through prayer and dedication, the group laid the foundation for what would become the Tralee congregation.
In its early stages, the developing group received support from the Irish Mission, including the assignment of a Bible worker to help nurture the congregation. This support, combined with the commitment of local members, contributed to the steady development of the church.
Reflecting on the journey, Zodwa Lenihan, who was present at the initial meeting in 2017, said:
“It’s mind-blowing. There’s no way we could have imagined this happening. Sometimes we limit God with our own expectations, but all He asks is that we trust Him and move forward in faith.”
The organisation service was officiated by Pastor Adam, President of the Irish Mission, and Pastor Ben, Executive Secretary of the Irish Mission. Welcoming the congregation at the beginning of the service, Pastor Adam said, “Let’s celebrate God’s goodness and the journey that He has led this church and this Mission on.”
The programme brought together members, leaders, and visitors from Cork, Mallow, and Newmarket-on-Fergus. It included Sabbath School under the theme “United in Service, Growing in Christ,” followed by a worship service featuring music, Scripture readings, and presentations.
Highlights of the service included a review of the history of the Adventist message in Ireland and a presentation on the development of the Tralee congregation. The ordination of deacons and deaconesses also formed part of the programme, marking an important step in the church’s organisational structure.
During the service, individuals and families who had supported the congregation from its early days were recognised with tokens of appreciation, acknowledging their contribution and commitment.
The formal organisation of the congregation as a church marked the culmination of the day’s programme and the beginning of a new phase for the Tralee members, as they continue their mission in the community.
The service concluded with a fellowship meal, providing an opportunity for members and guests to connect and celebrate together.
As the newly organised church looks ahead, its journey from a small group meeting in 2017 to an established congregation serves as a testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s leading.
On 31 January 2026, the Tralee congregation in County Kerry, Ireland, was formally organised as a Seventh-day Adventist church during a special Sabbath service held at the John Mitchels GAA building. With a membership of 26, and a regular weekly attendance of around 50 people, the new church represents the result of years of prayer, commitment, and steady growth. Members and guests from across the region gathered to mark the milestone.
The need for an Adventist presence in Tralee had long been recognised. For several years, members living in the area travelled to other churches, as there was no established congregation in County Kerry. In 2017, a small group of around six individuals began meeting together, united by a shared vision to establish a church locally. Through prayer and dedication, the group laid the foundation for what would become the Tralee congregation.
In its early stages, the developing group received support from the Irish Mission, including the assignment of a Bible worker to help nurture the congregation. This support, combined with the commitment of local members, contributed to the steady development of the church.
Reflecting on the journey, Zodwa Lenihan, who was present at the initial meeting in 2017, said:
“It’s mind-blowing. There’s no way we could have imagined this happening. Sometimes we limit God with our own expectations, but all He asks is that we trust Him and move forward in faith.”
The organisation service was officiated by Pastor Adam, President of the Irish Mission, and Pastor Ben, Executive Secretary of the Irish Mission. Welcoming the congregation at the beginning of the service, Pastor Adam said, “Let’s celebrate God’s goodness and the journey that He has led this church and this Mission on.”
The programme brought together members, leaders, and visitors from Cork, Mallow, and Newmarket-on-Fergus. It included Sabbath School under the theme “United in Service, Growing in Christ,” followed by a worship service featuring music, Scripture readings, and presentations.
Highlights of the service included a review of the history of the Adventist message in Ireland and a presentation on the development of the Tralee congregation. The ordination of deacons and deaconesses also formed part of the programme, marking an important step in the church’s organisational structure.
During the service, individuals and families who had supported the congregation from its early days were recognised with tokens of appreciation, acknowledging their contribution and commitment.
The formal organisation of the congregation as a church marked the culmination of the day’s programme and the beginning of a new phase for the Tralee members, as they continue their mission in the community.
The service concluded with a fellowship meal, providing an opportunity for members and guests to connect and celebrate together.
As the newly organised church looks ahead, its journey from a small group meeting in 2017 to an established congregation serves as a testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s leading.
