Waterside Minister elected Moderator

Dr Jones welcomed his namesake and commended him to the prayers of members: “The demands of a Cathedral City bring extra commitments as Moderators and Bishops are Trustees of a number of bodies. The Year of Culture will bring many opportunities,” he said.

Dr. Jones also thanked Mr. Jack Smyth for providing music for worship, the various Conveners who look after the work of the Presbytery and the Clerk, Rev. Dr. Robert Buick for his conscientious attention to detail.

Re. Knox Jones thanked Dr Jones for his leadership and said he would be leaning on the Clerk, Rev Dr Robert Buick for support.

In connection with the Meeting of the General Assembly in the Millennium Forum an evening has been arranged in Magee Campus on Tuesday, June 4 with Rev. Bert Tosh, former Minister of Claremont Congregation to speak on Presbyterians in the City, Mrs Belinda Mehaffey on Presbyterians in Donegal and Mr Billy Kennedy, a Journalist on Presbyterians in the USA.

The second event is a concert the New Irish Arts on Saturday, April 20 in the Millennium Forum. The third is a ‘Songs of Praise’ also in the Millennium Forum on Sunday 17th November. The Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, Minister of Lucan Presbyterian Church and former Moderator of the General Assembly has agreed to be the inspirational speaker.

The General Assembly is also to hold its Annual Meeting in the first week in June in the Millennium Forum. Tickets will be available later for the Opening Night on Monday, June 3 and the Moderator’s Rally on Wednesday, June 5. This will be the first time since 1991 that the Assembly has met outside Belfast.

Calls

The Presbytery had the unusual duty of receiving Calls from other Presbyteries to two of its Ministers. They were for Rev Jonathan Cowan, a native of Donegal and Rev Brian Smyth who had been working in the County. It was noted the it was nearly half a century since someone from Donegal entered the Ministry.

Rev John Hanson tabled the Call to Mr Cowan form Mountjoy and Drumlegagh Congregations. Mr John Colhoun, Clerk of Session in Mountjoy said he was glad Mr Cowan showed interest in the Churches and he received a resounding vote of confidence. Mr. Maurice Surphlis, Clerk of Session in Drumlegagh apologised for taking Jonathan away from the Presbytery, but he was sure of God’s Blessing on his ministry.

Accepting the Call, Mr Cowan acknowledged the partnership he had with many people in the Ministry: “I wish to express my gratitude to my home congregation of Stranorlar. I appreciate the willingness of Ministers to allow me to preach in different Churches and the partnership with Rev Dr Rob Craig with whom I have worked in Kilfennan. We as a family look forward to our ministry in the Presbytery of Omagh.”

Rev William Moody, Convener of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill tabled a Call to Rev Brian Smyth. “I believe Mr Smyth is the man of God’s choice. He received an overwhelming majority vote and has big shoes to fill – those of Rev Dr Harry Uprichard, previous minister.”

The Minister of Glendermott, Rev John Hanna with whom Mr Smyth worked for over two years said, “I congratulate Brian on his Call. He proved himself humble and brought his experience as a City Missionary.”

Mr Smyth remarked it was a record that two men from Donegal should receive Calls on the same night. “I thank Trinity Church, Letterkenny for their support. I had placement with Rev Brian Brown and served as Assistant to Rev John Hanna and I learned a lot from them. I count it a privilege to serve a God of grace and am thankful the He has opened to door for new service.”

Both Minsters are to be installed in their new charges in early April.