Ministerial vacancy now filled at church
AFTER a vacancy of more than four years, the Gardenstown Free Presbyterian Church will induct a new minister tonight (Wednesday) evening.
Reverend Craig Dennison, of Northern Ireland, will take up the post during the service at 7pm, in the church based on the outskirts of the fishing village.
He said he was looking forward to his new charge and getting to know the congregation and community.
He added: "It is a tremendous honour for me to be called to minister in this beautiful part of the country.
"I have a great affection for the local community and it is my desire that in the days that lie ahead, I will be not just a friendly face, but a familiar face to many.
"As our Lord Jesus Christ sought to reach out to the multitudes with the compassion of the gospel, my earnest desire is that I will follow the pattern of my Saviour as I serve him in Gardenstown, and the wider area.
"As a congregation, we invite all to worship with us on the Lord’s Day at 11.30am and 6pm, and we assure you of a warm welcome."
Born and raised in Northern Ireland, he declared himself an atheist in his teenage years.
At the age of 18 he left Northern Ireland to study politics at university in Nottingham.
It was during his studies that he became a Christian after attending a gospel service for the first time in Banbridge Free Presbyterian Church.After finishing university and while working in the financial industry in England, he felt the call of God to the Christian ministry.
He completed his theological studies at the Whitefield College of the Bible in Gilford, Northern Ireland, in September.
He will be moving to Gardenstown with his family from Donaghcloney, Craigavon, County Armagh.
