E.M.B. Memorial Hall, Hilden (ILC&LM Collection)
The E.M.B. Memorial Hall at Hilden was erected in 1911 by John Milne Barbour (1868-51) in memory of his late wife, Elise Milne Barbour (1873-1910). She was originally from Paterson, New Jersey, USA, and was her husband’s cousin, being the daughter of Robert Barbour (1825-92), a founder of the Barbour business in America.
A memorial tablet on the building had the following inscription:
1911
ELISE MILNE BARBOUR
MEMORIAL HALL
To the memory of one who by
her thoughtfulness, sympathy,
and brightness of disposition,
brought comfort, consolation,
and happiness into the lives
of many
THIS BUILDING
is affectionately dedicated in
the hope that it may be the
means of furthering the culti-
vation of such qualities by
others, so that the benefit of
her example may not fade from
among us.
In 1912, the hall was vested in Railway Street Presbyterian Church, Lisburn, for the spiritual and cultural benefit of the people of Hilden. Among the activities that took place there were Sunday School classes, evangelistic missions, jumble sales, gymnastics displays, and social gatherings. It was also the potential location of a community ‘Reading Room’.
In 1996, Lambeg Parish (Church of Ireland) bought the E.M.B. Memorial Hall. It was later demolished, and the Hilden Community Church (Hilden Centre) was opened on the site in 2001.
Hilden School Refurbishment and Reinvigoration: Delivery Stage 2024-27 is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more about the project, make sure you check for updates on our website here, sign up to our newsletter, and follow us on social media.