Half a century after its birth in a Co Down village mission hall, the Free Presbyterian Church gathered 10,000-strong in Belfast yesterday to celebrate its golden jubilee.
The Rev Ian Paisley, who founded the Church in Crossgar on St Patrick's Day, 1951, and remains its moderator, conducted a commemorative service in the new Odyssey Arena.
He recalled how the breakaway evangelical denomination, which opposes ecumenism, was "the target of every poisoned pen in the country".
Yet it has since grown to encompass more than 100 congregations around the world. Most are in Northern Ireland, but three can be found in the Republic and others are located in north America, Britain, Spain, India and Jamaica.
Dr Paisley (74), who was praised for his "unflinching and steadfast zeal" by many in the congregation, said he deserved no thanks for the Church's success. "The Lord saved me and when he saved me I gave him everything," he said.
The DUP leader paid special tribute to his wife, Eileen, whom he called on to the stage to thank for her support. "She never discouraged me. She sent me out when I should have been as well at home doing parental duties," he said.
The Church's strict observance of the Sabbath was enforced at the Odyssey complex, which usually plays host to ice hockey fixtures and pop concerts.
The venue had been asked to close all canteen facilities and switch off vending machines as the church prohibits members from spending money on Sundays.