Hospital Presbyterian Chaplain retires after 28 years of service

The Rev Dr Jack Richardson MBE has retired as a Presbyterian Chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn after 28 years of service.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Feb 2016, 10:18 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 07:09 BST
Rev Dr Jack Richardson and his wife Sally (centre) who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital, pictured with, from left, Rev George Moffitt, Fr Dermot McCaughan, Rev Elizabeth Henderson, Rev Winston Good, Rev Don Gamble, Rev Leslie Patterson, Sister Kathleen McCartan, Rev Robert Henderson, Rev John Brackenridge and Fr Paul Byrne. US1606-502cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonRev Dr Jack Richardson and his wife Sally (centre) who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital, pictured with, from left, Rev George Moffitt, Fr Dermot McCaughan, Rev Elizabeth Henderson, Rev Winston Good, Rev Don Gamble, Rev Leslie Patterson, Sister Kathleen McCartan, Rev Robert Henderson, Rev John Brackenridge and Fr Paul Byrne. US1606-502cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Rev Dr Jack Richardson and his wife Sally (centre) who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital, pictured with, from left, Rev George Moffitt, Fr Dermot McCaughan, Rev Elizabeth Henderson, Rev Winston Good, Rev Don Gamble, Rev Leslie Patterson, Sister Kathleen McCartan, Rev Robert Henderson, Rev John Brackenridge and Fr Paul Byrne. US1606-502cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

A ceremony was held earlier this week, at the Lagan Valley Hospital organised by the South Eastern Trust.

Many expression of thanks and good wishes were expressed on behalf of the Trust, fellow chaplains, and Dromore Presbytery.

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Dr Richardson spoke of how he became interested in ministry to the sick and their families.

Rev John Davey, Florence Patton and Rev Donald Patton pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-503cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonRev John Davey, Florence Patton and Rev Donald Patton pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-503cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Rev John Davey, Florence Patton and Rev Donald Patton pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-503cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

This was through his only sibling - his sister - who was one and half years older than himself - who had received a brain injury at birth and as a result was physically and mentally disabled.

Visiting her in the many hospitals where she had been a patient, he realised the value of supporting both patients and their families.

While training for the ministry, he took advantage of a residential hospital chaplaincy course at King Edward Hospital in London and this proved invaluable to him throughout his ministry and as chaplain at Lagan Valley.

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He spoke of how warmly, he had been received both patients and staff.

Gael Johnson, Ruth McClatchey and June Cairns pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-504cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonGael Johnson, Ruth McClatchey and June Cairns pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-504cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Gael Johnson, Ruth McClatchey and June Cairns pictured a party for Rev Dr Jack Richardson who is retiring as the Presbyterian chaplain at Lagan Valley Hospital. US1606-504cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Never once during his 28 years had he encountered discourtesy, but always the warmest acceptance and co-operation. He expressed his deep appreciation of all medical, nursing, administrative, catering, portering, and cleaning staff without whose help his ministry at times would have proved challenging.

He referred to the lasting friendships he had had with fellow chaplains and how enriching those friendships had been.

Whilst he will miss his contact with the hospital he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and developing interests of hill walking, piano and organ playing as well as reading.

He said he would leave Lagan Valley Hospital with many great memories.

Referring to the hospital, Dr Richardson said, “I have received a lot more than I have ever given.”

Related topics:LisburnLondon