Double 50th celebrations

RECENTLY 50 members representing the Route Presbytery and their wives enjoyed a sumptuous lunch in the Causeway Hotel, Bushmills in honour of two of their esteemed colleagues the Rev HB Wallace and the Very Rev Dr AWG Brown, both of whom are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their ordination as ministers of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

The Moderator of Presbytery, the Rev HW Mullan and the Rev Dr RFS Poots brought greetings and expressed good wishes to the two reverend gentlemen involved on reaching this important milestone in their lives.

A vote of thanks to the organisers Rev N and Mrs McClean was proposed by the Rev DIJ McNie.

The Rev HB Wallace grew up in Drumbo Manse near Lisburn where his late father was minister of the congregation. After studying for the ministry and serving an assistantship in Belfast he was ordained in 1960 in the joint charge of Drumhillery and Middletown in the Presbytery of Armagh where he continued effectively until his call and subsequent installation 10 years later in 1970 as minister of Bushmills in the Route Presbytery.

During his time there he served the wider church in many and varied ways and locally he is remembered for his quiet and efficient service as Clerk of the Route Presbytery - an office he graced with distinction from 1986 until 2007.

The Rev Dr AWG Brown grew up in the congregation of Newcastle and after his studies and assistantship in Belfast was ordained in 1960 in the seaside congregation of Ballycastle where he spent his entire active ministry.

Dr Brown served numerous Committees and Boards of the General Assembly as well as leader of CSSM and children’s mission teams.

He honoured when called by the General Assembly to be Moderator in 1988 and gave a great lead of encouragement during that year as he represented the church at home and abroad.

All those present who attended the lunch were delighted to share in the celebration of this important milestone in the lives of Dr Brown and Mr Wallace and wish them health and happiness in years to come.