Ballysillan says thank you to ‘a very special person’

Friday March 6th 2020

Mr Jim Patterson (Churchwarden), the Rev Campbell Dixon MBE, Mrs Jacqui Dixon, and Mr Jack Briggs (Churchwarden), at the farewell service in St Mark’s, Ballysillan.

The parishioners of St Mark’s, Ballysillan, recently said a fond farewell to the Rev Campbell Dixon MBE, who has retired as priest-in-charge.

A special service in St Mark’s celebrated the career and retirement of a man described by people’s churchwarden, Jack Briggs, as ‘a very special person.’

The service also acknowledged the parish’s ‘pain at the departure of a very dear fellow worker,’ Mr Briggs said.

The Parish of St Mark, Ballysillan, was formed in 1852 and during its lifetime of 167 years, has been served by 18 incumbents.

“During Campbell’s three years, he compiled numerous special orders of service with appropriate prayers. He was also instrumental in gaining the grant that financed the installation of a new toilet suite in our redecorated hall,” Mr Briggs said.

“Campbell has been active on the board of governors in Ligoniel Primary School where his input was really appreciated.”

Mr Briggs added that in 2016 the parish had acquired not only a minister, but also Campbell’s wife Jacqui who, he said, had been ‘an inspirational, enthusiastic asset.’

“She entered fully in the life of the parish, reading lessons and prayers in our worship also participating on the social side. Their ministry has been performed as unto each one of us. We will miss them both tremendously,” Mr Briggs said.

He added that Campbell was a man of ‘Compassion, Honour, Reliability, Integrity, Sincerity, Trust. A man who preaches/teaches Christ Jesus as Lord!’

Mr Briggs said everyone in St Mark’s had profited for having known Campbell, and wished him and Jacqui every blessing as they entered another chapter.

Mr Briggs’ wife Mamie presented Campbell with a gift, and Ellie Moore, one of St Mark’s youngest parishioners, made a presentation to Jacqui.

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