Stephen in new role

A Service of Introduction of the Rev Stephen McElhinney, former curate of Drumglass Parish, Dungannon, was held in St Columba’s, Derryvolgie, on Tuesday September 6. During the service Stephen was commissioned as priest-in-charge by the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy (Bishop of Connor).

Stephen, 41, is married to Cathy, and the couple have three children Ruby (10), Patrick (9) and Scott (5). Born in Manchester, Stephen moved to Lurgan in 1973 and attended King’s Park Primary School before progressing to Lurgan Junior High (1981-1984) and Lurgan College (1984-1988). He graduated in Optometry from Aston University and after two years working in the north of England he returned to Ireland. Stephen was ordained in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin in June 2005 - this was the first time a son was ordained in the Church or Ireland whose mother was also an ordained Church of Ireland minister - the Rev Liz McElhinney was ordained in 1997 and was curate at Magheralin Parish (1997–2001) and rector of Calry Parish, Sligo (2001–2007); she was also a former Secondary School Teacher at Portadown Technical College. Following his ordination Stephen served as a member of the staff team of Kill O’ the Grange Parish Church, Dublin, before moving in May 2008 to Drumglass Parish, Dungannon.

Stephen’s hobbies include cycling, windsurfing, sailing, paddling and hiking.