New minister for Garvagh church

January 31 proved to be an eventful day in the life of the congregation in Garvagh Free Presbyterian church.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2014, 14:51 BST
Back Row fro left: Rev I Kenny, Rev P Millen, Dr Ian Brown, Rev W Graham, Rev Dr S Pollock Seated L to R: Rev J Greer (Moderator of Presbytery), Rev Graham Lucas, Rev L Curran (Interim Moderator).INBM08-14 108FBack Row fro left: Rev I Kenny, Rev P Millen, Dr Ian Brown, Rev W Graham, Rev Dr S Pollock Seated L to R: Rev J Greer (Moderator of Presbytery), Rev Graham Lucas, Rev L Curran (Interim Moderator).INBM08-14 108F
Back Row fro left: Rev I Kenny, Rev P Millen, Dr Ian Brown, Rev W Graham, Rev Dr S Pollock Seated L to R: Rev J Greer (Moderator of Presbytery), Rev Graham Lucas, Rev L Curran (Interim Moderator).INBM08-14 108F

For the last two and a half years they had been without a permanent minister but now as they gathered, it was for the purpose of ordaining and installing Mr. Graham Lucas to the gospel ministry.

A congregation was lead in worship by the Rev Leslie Curran, who had been Minister in charge during the vacancy. The Rev Philip Millen (Randalstown) lead in the opening prayer after which the Rev Ian Kenny (Dromore) read from God’s Word.

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It was the duty of the Rev Dr Stephen Pollock (Ballymagerny) to preach the installation sermon, taking for his text Mark 16:15, emphasising the compassion of God going after sinners. The prescribed questions were put to the minister elect by the Rev Dr Ian Brown (Martyrs Memorial and Clerk of Presbytery) after which Mr Lucas signed the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Back Row L to R: Ben, Caleb, Grace. Front Row L to R: Joshua, Anna, Rev Graham Lucas, Luke, Mrs Janet Lucas.INBM08-14 109FBack Row L to R: Ben, Caleb, Grace. Front Row L to R: Joshua, Anna, Rev Graham Lucas, Luke, Mrs Janet Lucas.INBM08-14 109F
Back Row L to R: Ben, Caleb, Grace. Front Row L to R: Joshua, Anna, Rev Graham Lucas, Luke, Mrs Janet Lucas.INBM08-14 109F

The Ordination and installation Prayer was conducted by the Moderator of Presbytery the Rev John Greer (Ballymena). Rev Graham Lucas then gave a word of personal testimony, speaking of the goodness of God and how God had saved him as a young child.