Former minister of Carland and Newmills Presbyterian Churches Rev Hugh Ross to launch autobiography at Cookstown Library

Rev Hugh Ross, who was minister of the churches from 1984 until his retirement in 2007, says the book will be of particular interest to readers where he was born and raised, worked, held missions and served as a minister over the years.

Entitled 'Wee Hughie – A Lifetime of Stories', the launch event will be held in Cookstown Library on Saturday, November 7, between 2pm and 3pm.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Rev Ross said: “Born and raised in Scarva village, I have spent a lifetime working and serving in communities throughout Northern Ireland.

“My autobiography brings together memories and experiences from my early working days, my years in evangelistic work and my subsequent ministry in the Presbyterian Church.”

More than 60 years ago he started working at Down Shoe Factory in the 1960s before becoming involved with the Irish Evangelistic Band and the Faith Mission.

During 1960s and 1970s, he held missions in Newmills, Moy and Charlemont in County Tyrone, as well as Ballymena, Ballyclare, Doagh, Castlegore, Moorefields and Glenwherry in County Antrim.

“My late wife, Evelyn, originally from Glenwherry, and I were married in 1974 and we had four daughters,” he continued.

“Our life together, along with the many people I have met and the communities in which I have lived and served, has been an important part of my life's journey.”

‘Wee Hughie – A Lifetime of Stories’ is a personal account of a life shaped by faith, family, friendship, work and Christian service.