Methodists say farewell to a past president

Carrickfergus Methodist Church hall was at capacity on Saturday for a farewell evening to Rev Ferguson and his wife Joan.

Rev Ferguson has been minister at Albert Road for the past 11 years, during which time the old church was knocked down and replaced with the new building. Because of this project and also that Rev Ferguson spent a year as President, the Methodist Conference granted a three year extension to the normal eight year maximum period of ministry.

A large number of the congregation together with family members and friends attended the event which took the form of a concert with musical items by the organist, Donald Blair, the church praise group, flautist John Hinchey and other light-hearted poems and sketches by church members, ably compered by Chris Wallace.

This was followed by short speeches from Rev. Gary Millar, Whitehead Methodist, the Society Steward, Robert Craig and Circuit Steward, Derek Scoffield, expressing appreciation of all Aian’s faithful ministry, pastoral care and friendship over the past 11 years and also of Joan’s supporting role during this time.

Gifts were presented to Aian and Joan on behalf of the congregation.

In response, Rev Ferguson stressed how much they had enjoyed their time in Carrick and that they would miss the many friends they had made. The congregation showed their appreciation by a spontaneous standing ovation.

Rev Ferguson’s final service in Carrick will take place on Sunday at 11.00am and all are welcome.

Mr Scoffield stated: “We wish Aian very blessing as he moves to take up the post of minister in Edenderry Methodist, Portadown and we look forward to welcoming our new minister, Rev Dr David Clements and family as they come from Edenderry at the start of July.”