Gwen to be named president of Irish Christian Endeavour

Gwen Carson was nominated to succeed Gillian Thompson, who has completed a successful two years in the office.

Gwen is the wife of Reverend Stephen Carson, Minister Emeritus of Dunluce Presbyterian Church, Bushmills, recently retired.

She was brought up in County Tyrone and attended Clonaneese Presbyterian Church, where she first became involved in Christian Endeavour in the 1960s.

Gwen became a Christian 43 years ago through the preaching and influence of the late Rev. Tom Cuming.

Over the years she has held many posts at local and Irish CE levels, including, president of Lurgan and District and Ballymena and Coleraine CE Unions.

A post which she particularly enjoyed, and held for eight years, was the National Junior Convener of Irish Union when she was known as “Auntie Gwen” to Juniors all over Ireland.

CE is an international and interdenominational organisation and Gwen said she thinks every church could benefit from having one.

Gwen is looking forward to meeting and encouraging Endeavourers throughout Ireland during her year as Irish president.

Stephen and Gwen, who live in Ballyclare, have three grown-up children, Vivienne, Diane and James.

The 98th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention will be held in Second Broughshane Presbyterian Church, near Ballymena on Friday, September 21.

The main Speaker will be the Rev. Gary Glasgow from Gardenmore Presbyterian Church, Larne and the theme, to coincide with the Olympics and Paralympics will be ‘Train, Run, Win’.

Delegates representing all the CE societies and unions, as well as personal members, from throughout Ireland have been invited to attend. Visitors will warmly welcomed at all the public events.

There will be something for every age group with special events for juniors, young adults and seniors/comrades.