Ordination of OLM in Agherton Parish

Monday June 23rd 2025

From left, Bishop Patrick Rooke, preacher; the Rev Malcolm Ferry, rector of Agherton; the Rev Brian Shaw, ordained as OLM; and Bishop George Davison at the Service of Ordination in Agherton Parish.

Agherton Parish Church was packed on the evening of Monday June 9 when the Rev Brian Shaw was ordained as a priest serving in the Ordained Local Ministry (OLM).

Brian was ordained by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison. The preacher at the service was Bishop Patrick Rooke, a former rector of Agherton.

It was an evening of celebration as the rector of Agherton, the Rev Malcolm Ferry, Rural Dean, was also marking the 29^th anniversary of his ordination – he served his curacy in Agherton when Patrick was rector.

Brian, a native of Greyabbey, Co Down, is married to Naomi. They have two young children and live in Portstewart. Brian works full-time as an employment officer with Triangle Progression to Employment, based in Ballymoney.

He was ordained a deacon in Portstewart in September 2023, having been a Parish Reader and later a Diocesan Lay Reader.

“I returned to church in my early 30s and from the moment I stepped back into church I felt the call the ministry. Ordained Local Ministry felt the best fit for me. It has been a great journey,” Brian said.

The Service of Ordination was followed by a barbecue, with food and fellowship enjoyed by all.