Our story

Faithful to the call, rooted in Dungannon.

For 38 years, The Burning Bush has been a welcoming Christian bookshop at the heart of Dungannon, serving the local community through change and challenge.

1987

A sign in a window

In the autumn of 1987, during a hard season with our daughter’s health, we noticed a sign in a shop window: a Christian bookshop, opening soon.

1990

Called to stay

In December 1990 we were preparing to move to England to serve God there. But through Jeremiah 42:10, we felt God clearly show us that we were to stay in Dungannon instead.

1991

The door opens

The bookshop, then run by Patricia Moutray, went up for sale in February and was set to close that June. We were challenged, as we felt a Christian witness was leaving the town. Galatians 6:10—‘Let us do good to all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith’—confirmed what God wanted us to do. In August, we took over The Burning Bush.

Billy and Ruth Neill
From our photo archive
The door opens – archive photoThe door opens – archive photo
From our photo archive

1991–2001

A gathering place

We began with two part-time staff in Market Square, then moved to 42 Scotch Street two months later. This was the place God really used to gather people in. Young people came in after school, and we enjoyed great times of ministry and fellowship. Ten years on, the building was set for demolition, and the shop moved to its present home on Lower Scotch Street.

Early 2000s

Building community

Concerts, worship events, and in-house gatherings became part of our mission. We hosted breakfast mornings and in-house children’s meetings, and the shop became a place where faith was lived out, not just discussed.

Building community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photoBuilding community – archive photo
From our photo archive

2012

Twenty-five years

Twenty-five years after the shop first opened its doors, we marked the milestone with a gospel concert at Dungannon Leisure Centre, with Robin Mark leading worship.

Robin Mark leading worship at the 25th anniversary concert
From our photo archive: Robin Mark leading worship at the 25th anniversary concert
Twenty-five years – archive photoTwenty-five years – archive photoTwenty-five years – archive photoTwenty-five years – archive photo
From our photo archive

Today

Still serving

There have been more concerts, breakfast mornings, children’s meetings and in-house events. At the back of the shop, free tracts and Gospels in different languages remain available for anyone reaching out to their community. We continue to support mission—particularly local mission—and thank God, and our customers, for 38 years.

Billy and Ruth Neill standing in The Burning Bush bookshop
Billy and Ruth Neill in the shop, 2026

Visit the shop

A warm welcome is waiting at Scotch Street.

Get directions

Opening hours

Monday10am–5pm
Tuesday10am–5pm
Wednesday10am–5pm
Thursday10am–5pm
Friday10am–5pm
Saturday10am–5pm
SundayClosed