One of Belfast’s most respected funeral directors, Houston & Williamson, has celebrated 125 years of service to the local community with a special thanksgiving event held at the company’s premises.
The event brought together current and former team members, along with representatives from local schools, community organisations, and church clergy, to honour the firm’s proud heritage and enduring commitment to compassionate service.
The service was led by the Rev. Jack Lambe, with music from the Malvern School Choir, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to share memories, reconnect and celebrate the funeral directors’ remarkable journey spanning more than a century.
Paul Williamson, great-grandson of founder David Williamson and special guest at the ceremony, said:
“It’s an incredible honour to represent my family at such a remarkable milestone. Houston & Williamson has been part of our community for 125 years, serving families through generations with care, dignity and respect.
“My great-grandfather, David Williamson, alongside the Houston brothers, founded this business on values of compassion and service. Seeing those same principles still at the heart of Houston & Williamson today is deeply moving. The company’s legacy isn’t just in the years it has traded, but in the trust and relationships built across generations. It’s wonderful to see that tradition continuing.”
Funeral Arranger June McCandless, a team member with 35 years’ service, added: “It is a privilege to be part of a business with such deep roots in the local community. Every family we serve becomes part of the Houston & Williamson story.
“Over the years, we have seen many changes – new facilities, new faces, and new ways of working – but our commitment to compassion and professionalism has never changed. Marking 125 years is a proud moment for everyone here. We are honouring the past while looking forward to serving future generations with the same care and respect.”
The current team at Houston & Williamson also includes Funeral Arranger Gemma Wilkie and Funeral Director Stephen Love.
Founded around 1900 as Houston Brothers and Williamson, the company’s roots stretch back to when David Williamson and the Houston brothers – Archie, Samuel and James – first established a hackney car service. David also ran a small milk delivery business before expanding into funeral services, which soon became the company’s main focus.
Over the decades, four generations of the Williamson family have guided the firm through times of change and growth. After the end of the Second World War, ownership passed to David Jnr. Williamson and John Williamson, who steered the firm through some challenging years. Under the leadership of the founder’s grandson, Davey Williamson, and his son Archie (both now deceased), Houston & Williamson became one of Northern Ireland’s most respected funeral directors.
The business, which settled at its current premises on Crumlin Road in 1975, is now part of Funeral Partners Northern Ireland, continuing to uphold its founding principles while serving the Belfast community with professionalism and compassion.