Beliefs & Council

The Evangelical Protestant Society (EPS) was established in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1946 as a mainstream inter-denominational umbrella organisation designed to unite evangelical Protestants in the promotion and defence of the historic Protestant and Reformed faith in Northern Ireland and beyond. It was founded at a time when liberalism and false ecumenism were making ever increasing inroads into the Protestant churches.

In the years since its formation, the EPS has remained true to its principles. We praise God that, in His strength and wisdom, we have been enabled to stand in the evil day, and still remain standing.

The EPS seeks to reach out to all, irrespective of class or creed, with the Gospel of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone (justification by faith), to promote and defend the tenets of historic Biblical Protestantism, and to fulfil the role of an umbrella organisation uniting Protestants of different churches and backgrounds.

Today, we face new challenges. Knowledge of the Bible and the Reformed faith is at an all-time low. False religions and secularism are rampant, and the spiritual and moral fabric of Ulster is falling apart at the seams. In such an environment, it is easy for the Church of Rome and the ecumenical movement to further their campaigns. Sadly, some within evangelical churches have all but abandoned their opposition to Romanism, and the need for a society such as EPS is greater than ever.

Will you join with us and help us to raise the evangelical Protestant banner in the 21st century?

EPS Council

Rev Dr William J MalcolmsonPRESIDENT

Bill is minister of the Congregational Reformed Church in east Belfast and is also active in the Orange and Black Institution and the Boys Brigade. A nifty soccer player in his day, Bill is an ardent fan of Linfield FC. He is also a devoted father and grandfather.

Mr Vincent ShorttCHAIRMAN

Vincent has been involved with EPS since its inception and is, in many ways, the Society’s historian. He is an elder in West Kirk Presbyterian Church in north Belfast and is an active member of the Orange and Black Institutions and the Apprentice Boys of Derry. He is also a devoted father and grandfather.

Mr Wallace ThompsonSECRETARY

Wallace joined the Council in 1999. Previously a civil servant for 28 years, Wallace was a special adviser to a DUP Minister (2007-2009). He has served as secretary of the EPS and editor of the Ulster Bulwark since 2000. He is Clerk of Session of Knock Evangelical Presbyterian Church and Chairman of the Caleb Foundation. Wallace is married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He is a member of the Independent Orange Institution and the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

Mr Jack GreenaldHON TREASURER

Jack became Council member in November 2008. He is originally from Manchester but now lives in Newtownards, Co Down, and is married with two children. He attends Bethany Baptist Church in Bangor. He is an active member of the Orange Order and the Royal Black Institution and the author of a number of historical booklets and articles.

Mrs Vi DawsonCOUNCIL MEMBER

Mrs Dawson joined the Council in May 2009. Vi is the wife of our late brother, George Dawson, who served on the Council with such commitment from 2001 until his untimely passing in May 2007. Vi lives in Ballymena and has two daughters. She is principal of a Co Antrim primary school and is actively involved in Randalstown Free Presbyterian Church. She is a regular contributor to “Thought for the Day” on BBC Radio Ulster, and has also presented Gospel programmes and edited a Christian magazine.

Mr Iain AdamsCOUNCIL MEMBER

Mr Adams joined the Council in November 2015. Iain is a native of east Belfast but now lives at Cloughey on the Ards peninsula. For some time, he lived and worked in England where he was actively involved with Bristol Free Presbyterian Church. Iain is married, and is also a father and a grandfather. His specialised field is in communications and he has worked for several major national and international companies. Iain now worships in Trinity Free Presbyterian Church, Portavogie, where he is a deacon. He is a member of the loyal orders.

Mr Paul ClydesdaleCOUNCIL MEMBER

Mr Clydesdale joined the Council in May 2016. Paul lives in Scarva and is married to Ruth. They have two young sons, Noah and Seth. He worships in First Portadown Presbyterian Church, and is a member of the Orange, Royal Arch Purple and Royal Black institutions and has held office in all three. Paul also formed the Loughbrickland Black Evangelical Fellowship. With the heart of an evangelist, he is the driving force behind the “Gospel Goals” football outreach and is committed to the defence and promotion of historic Biblical Protestantism. Paul’s involvement in the EPS further strengthens the effectiveness of the witness.