Presbyterian minister among latest Covid-19 fatalities in NI

Rev Ivan McKnight, who had served a number of congregations including Maghera, Ballygomartin, Banbridge, Dromore, Co Down and Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal.

He became seriously ill in recent days and died of the coronavirus infection at Belfast City Hospital on Monday – just days short of his 72nd birthday.

By Wednesday, April 8, the recorded NI death toll had risen to 78 in total.

Rev McKnight had close links with Ballyalbany Presbyterian in Co Monaghan where his father, Rev Charles McKnight had been a minister.

Current minister Rev Stephen McNie said the “McKnight family is fondly remembered” by the congregation.

He said: “Ivan experienced complicated health over many years and was taken into hospital last Thursday with Covid-19 symptoms. Those concerns were confirmed and sadly declined over the weekend,” he said.

“We extend our prayers to Ivan’s wife Yvonne, his two sons Stephen and Charles, and his brother Desmond and his family during this difficult time.

“Tragically Ivan was a victim of this virus, however we are comforted that he was in Christ, having a living faith in Him and is now gone to be with Him,” Rev McNie added in a Facebook message.

DUP MLA William Humphrey had known Rev McKnight for many years and said he was very sad to hear the new of his death.

“For a time Ivan was minister at Ballygomartin Presbyterian Church. I extend sympathy and condolences to his wife Yvonne and the McKnight family circle at this very sad time,” he said.

In response to Mr Humphrey’s post on Facebook, one comment said: “I remember Ivan when he came to Ballysillan as an assistant minister. A passionate man for study – willing to share deep thought – kind.”

Another comment described Rev McKnight as a “lovely man who would visit my family after my dad died.”

Others praised him as a “great support and educator,” and as a “very caring gentleman who will be badly missed”.

Rev McKnight began his ministry in 1984 at Ballysillan Presbyterian before followed by Aghalone and Garvaghy Presbyterian in Banbridge from 1987-89.

His next four years were spent at Newtowncunningham in Donegal, and at Ray and Second Ray Presbyterian Churches before returning to his native Belfast.

A former Methodist College pupil, Rev McKnight went on to serve as minister at Ballygomartin and more recently in Dromore, Co Down.

A message from Maghera Presbyterian said: “Well done good and faithful servant you will be missed and your testimony of saving faith will be spoken long in service of your Saviour.”

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