Project Description

We were very saddened to learn of the passing of Rev Martin Smyth, former Presbyterian minister, Orangeman and Unionist politician. He was aged 94.

Mr Smyth served as minister of Raffrey Presbyterian Church in Co Down from 1957-63 and Alexandra Presbyterian Church in north Belfast from 1963 -82. He was Grand Master of the Orange Oder for 26 years and was Unionist MP for South Belfast from 1982, following the murder of his friend Rev Robert Bradford, until 2005. He was a key player within Unionism during some very challenging times.

Above all, however, Mr Smyth was a committed evangelical Christian who faithfully proclaimed the Gospel, and he was supportive of the work of the Evangelical Protestant Society over many years. His booklet, “The Message of the Banners”, first published in the 1960s was re-designed and reprinted by EPS in 2005.

Mr Smyth is now with his Lord and Saviour, but our sympathy and prayers are with his family and friends who are grieving at this time.