Introduction of new priest-in-charge in Rathcoole and Whitehouse
At the Service of Introduction of the Rev Colin Welsh as priest-in-charge of Whitehouse and Rathcoole on March 19 are, front row from left: The Rev Tommy Allen, preacher; the Rev Brian Lacey, Rural Dean; the Rev Colin Welsh; the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor; and the Rev Anne Locke. Back row from left: The Ven Barry Forde, Archdeacon of Belfast; the Rev Canon William Taggart, Registrar; and Robert Long, parish reader.
The Rev Colin Welsh, formerly rector of Christ Church, Castledawson, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and a Canon of St Columb’s Cathedral, was introduced as priest-in-charge of Rathcoole and Whitehouse at a service in St John’s, Whitehouse, on Wednesday March 19.
This is a new partnership in ministry for these two parishes, which comprise St John’s and St Comgall’s, Rathcoole.
Colin is married to Anne. They have a daughter Jaimie, son Stephen, and three grandchildren.
The new priest-in-charge was commissioned by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison. Preacher at the service was the Rev Tommy Allen.
Colin began his ministry in Connor Diocese, having been ordained deacon in June 2009 to serve his curacy in St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, where he remained following his ordination as a priest in 2010.
He moved to Castledawson as rector 12 years ago. He was Rural Dean of Maghera and Kilrea for around eight years and was appointed a Canon of St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry, in March 2021.
Colin’s move to Rathcoole and Whitehouse sees him coming back to his roots in many ways. He was brought up in St Comgall’s Parish Church and attended youth club in St John’s, Whitehouse. He and Anne married in St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, where he later spent his curacy.
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