Evening of Praise and Thanksgiving

It was with great sadness this past weekend that the congregation and friends of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church said farewell to their much loved minister Reverend Hugh Mullan and his wife Dr Deirdre Mullan.
TAKING PART. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured with Musicians, Speakers and those who helped organise a special night on Saturday night to mark the Minister's retirement. Included are Clerk of Session, John Walker and former Moderator Rev John Dixon.INBM9-15 033SC.TAKING PART. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured with Musicians, Speakers and those who helped organise a special night on Saturday night to mark the Minister's retirement. Included are Clerk of Session, John Walker and former Moderator Rev John Dixon.INBM9-15 033SC.
TAKING PART. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured with Musicians, Speakers and those who helped organise a special night on Saturday night to mark the Minister's retirement. Included are Clerk of Session, John Walker and former Moderator Rev John Dixon.INBM9-15 033SC.

After a long, busy and God glorifying career as a Presbyterian minister, Reverend Hugh Mullan, along with his wife, retired on 28th February from his role as Minister of Drumreagh.

An evening of Praise and Thanksgiving was held to celebrate the ministries of this couple who will be deeply missed.

Rev Mullan was born in 1946 to Samuel and Elizabeth Mullan and when finishing school at the age of 15, worked with his father on the family farm. A committed Christian, he was an active member of his home church Killymurris Presbyterian, as a Committee Member, a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scouts Officer, and leader of the Youth Fellowship.

FROM ALL OF US. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured receiving gifts from Clerk of Session John Walker and Kathleen Walker respectively on Friday night to mark Rev Mullan's retirement.INBM9-15 032SC.FROM ALL OF US. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured receiving gifts from Clerk of Session John Walker and Kathleen Walker respectively on Friday night to mark Rev Mullan's retirement.INBM9-15 032SC.
FROM ALL OF US. Rev Hugh Mullan and his wife Deirdre, pictured receiving gifts from Clerk of Session John Walker and Kathleen Walker respectively on Friday night to mark Rev Mullan's retirement.INBM9-15 032SC.

It was at this stage of his life, in 1973, when he heard the call of God to go into the ministry. As a young man who loved farming and working with the youth, he initially hesitated, however when God spoke to him through His Word in Ezekiel chapter 3, he clearly felt that unless he preached the gospel then blood would be on his hands.

He completed his education and both degrees, and in 1984 was primarily ordained in First Antrim as assistant minister with Reverend John Dixon and later installed in 1985 as Minister of Castledawson and Curran Presbyterian Churches. His career continued as he was installed in Drumbo Presbyterian Church in 1993 where he ministered until he was installed in Drumreagh Presbyterian Church in Feb 2003.

In December 1979, Hugh married Deirdre, a young nurse, and together they had three sons, two of which are Ministers and in 1991 graduated with a PhD in Nursing Studies. Dr Mullan was the first lady in the manse for 50 years and has been described by her congregation as a true Proverbs 31 woman. Deirdre had been involved in different organisations and took part in many speaking engagements all over the province, but the one ministry she will be most missed in is, undoubtedly going to be the PW, where she was President until her retirement.

Among Deirdre’s many qualities and attributes listed by some of the members are; humility, love, graciousness, kindness, and hospitality. This godly lady has had an inspirational impact on, not only the women in the church, but also the youth, among whom she’s had the joy of leading many of them to know Christ as Saviour.

Reverend Hugh Mullan is described by his congregation as a truly godly man whose unfailing acts of love, grace, humility, forgiveness and holiness have led them by example and blessed them continuously. His faithful teaching from God’s word has edified the church, and his devotion to private prayer and prayer meetings has been an inspiration to the leaders and members of the church.

His vision and love for the youth in the church has been an encouragement to the children’s and youth ministries’ in Drumreagh and his leadership ability has enabled the church to grow both physically and spiritually. His obedience to God’s call on his life has undoubtedly resulted in countless of souls being led to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While the attributes and gifts exhibited by Reverend Hugh Mullan have contributed extensively to the growth of the church, it is solely to God that he gives the honour and praise. Reverend Hugh Mullan B.A., B.D. preached his first sermon as Minister of Drumreagh Presbyterian Church on 9th February 2003, and since that day it’s to God’s glory alone that the congregation have seen people transformed by the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ, lives changed, and numbers added.

On Sunday evening, Reverend Mullan preached his last sermon in Drumreagh, and came down from the pulpit among the congregation to give the final benediction in his ministry to God’s glory also.

With the final praise ‘To God be the glory’, it was a fitting end to the Service for this beloved Minister and his dearly loved wife as they retire to embark on a new journey in God’s will. The church of Drumreagh and their numerous friends will remember the couple with love and prayers for many years to come.

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