Local churches welcome new Minister

The congregations had been without a regular minister since the Rev. Dr. Cecil Grant accepted a call to Carrickfergus. There was a real air of anticipation as a Commission of the Route Presbytery and a large congregation of members of the two churches and friends of the new minister gathered for the ordination and installation of the Rev. William Harkness.

The Moderator of the Route Presbytery, Rev. John Gilkinson conducted the service, with Rev. Noel McClean, Clerk of the Presbytery, reminding minister and people of the Law and Standards of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

As is traditional on such occasions, a sermon is preached on the subject of ‘The Church’ – this was undertaken by Rev. Warwick Smart of 1st Ballymoney. Following an Anthem by the church choir, and again following tradition, a ‘charge’ to minister and people was delivered, on this occasion, by Rev. Denis Bannerman of Toberkeigh, who was in charge of the congregation during the period of vacancy.

Following the service all present were entertained to supper, provided by the members of both congregations, and a number of speeches of welcome and thanks were delivered. From Newtownards Co. Down, Rev. Harkness, is a late entrant to the Presbyterian ministry, having worked for a number of years in the Civil Service.

More recently, he served as Assistant Minister in Ballyhome and latterly Granshaw, both in Co.Down. Rev. Harkness comes to his new Charge with considerable experience of society and church life; skills and experience which will be of real benefit to the community as he takes up his duties in north Antrim. Married to Wilma, they have two daughters, Grace and Jennifer.