IN PHOTOS: Institution of Rev Emma Gibson as rector in the Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin

Emma comes to Ballycastle from Magheralin Parish in the Diocese of Down and Dromore, where she has been associate minister for the past four years. The preacher at the Service of Institution was the Rev Simon Genoe, rector of Magheralin.

Daughter of Rev Canon James Carson, former rector of St Stephen’s and St Michael’s, Belfast, and his wife Heather, Emma grew up in Lisburn and, before training for ministry, she worked as a primary school teacher.

Emma trained at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and was ordained deacon in 2018 and presbyter in 2019. She served her curacy in Ballymena Parish through the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, before moving to Magheralin.

Emma said: “While it is difficult to leave Magheralin and the people we have come to know and love over the past four years, we are excited about God’s call to this new chapter of life and ministry in the Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin and the Ballycastle community.”

She added that it was “a real privilege” to have been called to serve these parishes.

“As a family, we look forward to getting to know people, building new friendships, and sharing in the life and worship of the parish,” she said.

Married to Paul, she said that their daughter was especially looking forward to living close to the sea and exploring everything the North Coast has to offer, adding that the family dog Dougal would be just as excited about all the new walks!

“My prayer is that together we will grow in our love for Jesus and serve our community with his love and compassion,” Emma said.

The Service of Institution was led by the Bishop of Connor, Rt Rev George Davison.

Following the service, there were speeches by representatives of Magheralin and Dollingstown Parish Churches, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church, Ballycastle, representatives of both the parish of Ramoan and the Parish of Culfeightrin, Bishop George, and Rev Emma herself.