Institution of new Vicar in Glenavy

Wednesday November 13th 2024

The Rev Stephen McElhinney at his Institution as Vicar of Glenavy with the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison.

The Institution of the Rev Stephen McElhinney as Vicar of the Parish of Glenavy took place on Tuesday November 12 in St Aidan’s, Glenavy.

Parishioners from the two other churches in the parish – St John’s, Crumlin, and St Andrew’s, the Tunny – joined Stephen’s family and friends, clergy from the diocese and other guests at the service held on what was a foggy evening across Northern Ireland.

Prior to his appointment to Glenavy, Stephen had served as Mission Director of SAMS Ireland (South American Mission Society) since 2018. His institution in Glenavy marks a return to the Connor Diocese as Stephen previously served in Derryvolgie Parish from 2011 to 2018.

He was instituted Vicar of Glenavy by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison. The preacher was the Rev Pete Meenagh, Pioneer Minister in South Lisburn Community Church. There was a combined choir from St Aidan’s, St John’s and St Andrew’s.

Born in Manchester, Stephen moved to Lurgan, Co Armagh, in 1973. He graduated in Optometry from Aston University and after two years working in the north of England he returned to Ireland.

He was ordained in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, in June 2005 and 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. He was introduced as Priest-in-Charge of Derryvolgie Parish in 2011 and was later instituted as rector of the parish.

Speaking after his appointment in July, Stephen expressed his enthusiasm about his new role in Glenavy Parish. “I am very much looking forward to getting to know the parishioners and people of Glenavy, Crumlin, and the Tunney. Together, we will prayerfully discover God’s plans for the next chapter of the church’s witness in this area,” he said.

Joining him in this new chapter are his wife, Cathy, and their three children, who are all in various post-secondary school settings.