Milestone as new minister installed in Downpatrick

Milestone as new minister installed in Downpatrick

7 September 2022

ANOTHER memorable milestone in the 300-year history of 1st Presbyterian Non-Subscribing Church, Downpatrick, was reached on Saturday.

The Rev Rosalind Wilma Taggart was Installed by the Presbytery of Antrim as the 22nd minister of the congregation.

Rev Taggart was previously the minister in Dunmurry and Templepatrick. She is now the minister of Downpatrick, Ballee and Clough and all three Installations will take place in over the next few weeks.

Despite the very inclement weather, ministers, elders and other visitors from the Presbyteries of Antrim, Bangor and Munster joined the 

congregation, travelling from Antrim and Down, as well as from Dublin and Cork.

The church organist Laura Patterson accompanied the hymns: ‘Loy to the World’, ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord’, ‘I danced in the morning’ and ‘I, the Lord of sea and sky’.

Leading the service were Rev Dr John Nelson from Raloo and Ballycarry, Rev Paul Reid from Larne and Kilwaughter, and Rev Norman Hutton, from Newry and Banbridge. Rev Roger McKee was also in attendance.

Also present were the Moderators and Clerks of the Presbyteries, 

the Moderator of Synod, Rev Lena Cockroft and Clerk of Synod, Very Rev Robert McKee.

Rev Reid, Acting Moderator of the Antrim Presbytery, in his sermon preached on the martyrdom and sacrifices of Stephen. The whole congregation was reminded of its duties as followers of Christ.

Rev Reid also gave the Old Testament lesson and recited the prayers and the Benediction. Rev Dr John Nelson, Clerk of the Presbytery gave the New Testament reading, gave the Exposition of Presbyterian Church Order and put Questions to the minister elect. After this Rev Taggart gave her Statement of Principles and Objectives which she promised to uphold. 

Rev Reid put the further questions to the minister elect and congregation before conducting the installation.

Rev Norman Hutton further preached on ‘The Charge’ and the responsibility of the members, elders and minister of working in fellowship as a shared responsibility.

The theme running throughout the minister’s delivery was one of Christian fellowship with the minister as the preaching elder, supported in their work by the elected elders and all other members who formed a common bond as the family of Christians. 

The new minister was welcomed by Mr Freddie Straney, church elder, Rev Dr David Steers, retiring minister, Rev Owen Patterson,minister of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church, Canon John Murray, PP, and Rev Ernie Boggs, supporting minister. Also in attendance representing the Church of Ireland was Rev Adrian Dorrian.

Following the greetings, the church members provided the welcomed refreshments.