The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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New priest–in–charge at Derryvolgie Parish

Wednesday September 7th 2011

  Photographs by John Kelly

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). Lyn Dobbin, Emma Fleming (former parish reader) and the Rev Don Gamble (interim minister) read the lessons and the Rev Andrew Forster (rector of Drumglass Parish) preached the sermon.

Graham Murphy (keyboard), Jim Hamilton (guitar) and the Derryvolgie Singers led the praise that included the songs, ‘Lord for the years,’ ‘Be Thou my vision’ and ‘To God be the glory.’ The special guests included Lisburn Mayor Councillor Brian Heading.

Stephen, 41, is married to Cathy, and the couple has three children Ruby (10), Patrick (9) and Scott (5).

Born in Manchester, Stephen moved to Lurgan in 1973. 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).

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.  

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