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News
New rector instituted to Parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck
The Bishop of Clogher with the preacher Revd Lynne Gibson and new Rector the Revd William Jeffrey.
Revd William Jeffrey has been instituted as Rector of the Parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck at a special service in Lisbellaw Parish Church on Thursday, 27th January led by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis.
Revd William Jeffrey.
Revd Jeffrey had previously served as Curate Assistant in St. Mark’s Church, Ballymacash, Lisburn, in the Diocese of Connor.
Also officiating in the service was Dean Kenneth Hall, Archdeacon Brian Harper, the Registrar, Revd John McClenaghan and the preacher was the Revd Lynne Gibson, Rector of Ballymacash.
The readings were by Miss Isobel Stewart, Parish Reader and Mr Charles Barr.
The hymns were “Be thou my vision,” “Psalm 23,” “Dear Lord and Father of mankind” and “Great is thy faithfulness.” The organist was Mrs Lynda Lindsay.
Following the service, a number of speeches were introduced by the Acting Rural Dean, Dean Kenneth Hall. These included Mr Hilary Morrison from Ballymacash, who in his farewell to Revd Jeffrey, spoke of the minister’s care and attention to detail in relation to services in the Anglican tradition, his wonderful voice, his transparent friendship and his great communication with people. He told the congregation of Lisbellaw that the move was Ballymacash’s sorrow and Lisbellaw’s joy.
Mr Gary Black, speaking on behalf of the Lisbellaw congregation, welcomed Revd Jeffrey and his wife, Alison not only to the parish but to the local community.
Revd Jeffrey, speaking to the congregation both in church and on Facebook Live, referred to his family roots in the wider Lisbellaw area and said he looked forward to meeting people from the parish.
Bishop Ian Ellis thanked everyone involved in arranging the service and particularly thanked Revd Colin Brownsmith for looking after services during the vacancy.
Revd Lynne Gibson Rector of Ballymacash who preached.
Revd Jeffrey’s home parish is St George’s, High Street, Belfast, in the Diocese of Connor and prior to his current position in Ballymacash, he served his Deacon Internship year in St Andrew’s Church, Killaney and St Ignatius’ Church, Carryduff in the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
Prior to his ordination, he was a Civil Servant in a 32-year career within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
His interests includes how music plays in worship and encouraging optimum use of the Book of Common Prayer in services and in the daily personal devotions of parishioners.
He and his wife, Alison have three grown up sons, Paul who is married to Amy, Matthew and Callum.