Ordination and Installation of new Elders at Harmony Hill

Those ordained and installed were Mrs Heather Best, Mr Raymond Gillespie, Miss Judith Payne, Mr Alexander Redpath and Mr Alan Stewart.

The proceedings, under the auspices of the Presbytery of Dromore, were led by the Acting Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. John Brackenridge from First Lisburn Presbyterian Church. The service was well attended by friends of the new elders, visitors and members of the congregation.

The Scriptural Warrant was given by the Rev. Dr. Bert Tosh who traced the evolution of the office of ruling elder from the New Testament, through the Reformation to the present Presbyterian Church. The Rule of Faith was read by the Acting Clerk of Presbytery, Rev. David Knox and the Moderator put the required questions to the elders elect. They responded positively and subscribed to the Westminster Confession of Faith. The ‘charge’ given to the new elders and the congregation by Rev. Rodney Cameron, Prison Chaplain was both stimulating and demanding. He stressed the spiritual leadership which all ruling elders should give as members of a Kirk Session. The offering at the service went towards the Students’ Bursary Fund which supports the next generation of ministers.

A brief reception was held following the service. The Clerk of Session, Mr Derek Alexander, congratulated the new elders and welcomed them on behalf of the Kirk Session and the congregation. He wished them God’s blessing as they assumed their new responsibilities. Mr Raymond Gillespie responded on behalf of the newly installed elders.