Minister installed

Commission of Presbytery ictured at the installation of Rev Philip McCullough in Third Presbyterian Church, Portglenone, on Friday evening were (Front row from left: J Lamont (Deputy Clerk), Rev D Knowles (Convener), Rev Philip McCullough (new minister), Rev Dr D Murphy (Acting Moderator), Rev D McGaughey, (Back row from left) Derek Patterson, and Robin Dickey (Clerk of Session).

Originally from Kells, Philip previously occupied the pulpits at Ballyroney and Drumlea, near Banbridge, for six-and-a-half years.

He is married to Amanda and the couple have two grown-up children, Connor and Craig and are proud grandparents to Eva-Lily.

Revealing a little of his personal testimony to The Ballymena Times, Philip said: “I was converted as a teenager under the ministry of Rev. Leslie Casement at Kells Presbyterian Church.

“I was blessed with good preaching from Leslie Casement, Stafford Carson and Brian Boyd,” he added.

Philip was a member of the Kirk Session in Kells and served in many organisations and committees.

Enrolling at Union Theological College in 2004, Philip worked as a sales representative for a local oil company.

Looking ahead to his new ‘charge’ following his installation on Friday evening, Philip said: “We are excited to be here and trusting God for the future.

Outside Church, Philip enjoys vintage tractors and spending time with his family.