Minister appointed to lead both Killyleagh churches

Minister appointed to lead both Killyleagh churches

19 September 2012

HISTORY has been made after a new Presbyterian minister was installed to serve in Killyleagh.

The Rev. Hiram Higgins is the first minister of the linked congregations of 1st and 2nd Killyleagh Presbyterian Church.

Although the town can boast a history of Presbyterianism stretching back to the first days of the Plantation at the start of the 17th century, it is the first time for more than 170 years that one minister has been appointed to lead the town’s Presbyterians.

The two congregations that have operated separately since 1840 have now been linked.

Mr. Higgins arrives in Killyleagh with his wife Sandra from Cumber in the Foyle Presbytery after receiving a joint call from the two linked congregations. Originally from north Belfast, he had previously ministered in South Africa where he established a foundation to help orphans and Aids victims.

Mr. Higgins said he was looking forward to the opportunity to serve the Killyleagh community. He is committed to “bringing Christ’s Gospel to those who have not yet committed their lives to Jesus.’’

“My hope is to see the Presbyterian family of Killyleagh come closer as brothers and sisters in Christ.’’

He was installed at a service in 1st Killyleagh on Friday night and preached his first sermon at morning worship in 2nd Killyleagh on Sunday morning.

Rev. David Hyndman, Acting Moderator of the Presbytery of Down, presided at the installation service. The sermon and charge to the new minister was given by Rev. David Stanfield, who had been convenor of the vacancy.

After the service, tea and a light supper was served by the members of St. John’s Church of Ireland, before a reception was held for Mr. Higgins and his family.

Mr. Sam Cunningham, the clerk of Kirk Session of 1st Killyleagh, extended a “warm welcome’’ to Mr. Higgins and his wife.

He expressed the hope that he would have a “long and fruitful ministry’’ in Killyleagh.

Mr. Robert McMurray, the clerk of Kirk Session of 2nd Killyleagh, said the appointment of Mr Higgins was a “significant milestone’’ in the history of Presbyterianism in Killyleagh.

He believed that Hiram and his wife were the “right couple at the right time and in the right place’’ to advance God’s kingdom in the town.

The other speakers included Rev. Jerome Munyangaju, rector of St. John’s, Killyleagh, Mr. Eric Christie and Mr. Alan Lindsay from Cumber Churches, Rev. Bill Campbell and Rev. David Montgomery.

Presentations to Mr. Stanfield and Mr. Higgins were made by Mr. Cunningham and Mr. McMurray, while Miss Zena McAllister and Mrs. Alice Gilmore made presentations to Mrs. Stanfield and Mrs. Higgins.

The offering was taken up in aid of Presbyterian Students’ Bursary Fund and raised £900.