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Rev Emma Gibson instituted rector in Ramoan and Culfeightrin

Monday September 7th 2026

Pictured at the Institution Service in Holy Trinity, Ballycastle, on Friday September 4, are from left: The Ven Paul Dundas, Archdeacon of Dalriada; the Rev Canon James Carson; Bishop George Davison; the Rev Simon Genoe, rector of Magheralin Parish who preached; the Rev Emma Gibson, newly-instituted rector of Ramoan and Culfeightrin, Ballycastle; the Rev Dr Alan McCann, Assistant Registrar; and the Rev Shona Bell, curate. Photo: McAuley Multimedia Ltd

Holy Trinity Parish Church, Ballycastle, was packed for a Service of Institution of the Rev Emma Gibson as incumbent of the Grouped Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin on Friday evening, September 4.

Emma comes to Ballycastle from Magheralin Parish in the Diocese of Down and Dromore, where she has been associate minister for the past four years. The preacher at the Service of Institution was the Rev Simon Genoe, rector of Magheralin.

Emma is married to Paul, and they have a young child. Daughter of the Rev Canon James Carson, former rector of St Stephen’s and St Michael’s, Belfast, and his wife Heather, she grew up in Lisburn. Before training for ministry, she worked as a primary school teacher.

Emma trained at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and was ordained deacon in 2018 and presbyter in 2019. She served her curacy in Ballymena Parish through the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, before moving to Magheralin.

The Rev Emma Gibson, newly instituted rector of Ramoan and Culfeightrin, with the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor, at the service in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Ballycastle, on September 4. Photo: McAuley Multimedia Ltd

Emma said: “While it is difficult to leave Magheralin and the people we have come to know and love over the past four years, we are excited about God’s call to this new chapter of life and ministry in the Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin and the Ballycastle community.”

Emma added that it was ‘a real privilege’ to have been called to serve these parishes.

“As a family, we look forward to getting to know people, building new friendships, and sharing in the life and worship of the parish,” she said.

She said that her daughter was especially looking forward to living close to the sea and exploring everything the North Coast has to offer, adding that the family dog Dougal would be just as excited about all the new walks!

“My prayer is that together we will grow in our love for Jesus and serve our community with his love and compassion,” Emma said.

The Service of Institution was led by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison. The hymns were Come People of the Risen King, May the Mind of Christ my Saviour, The Church’s One Foundation and Be Thou My Vision.

Emma’s sister Lisa and brother-in-law Rait Metsamaa led worship, singing Yet not I, but through Christ in me and Cornerstone.

Readings were by Emma’s father, Canon James Carson; and her husband Paul.

Following the service, there were speeches by representatives of Magheralin and Dollingstown Parish Churches; St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church, Ballycastle; representatives of both the Parish of Ramoan and the Parish of Culfeightrin; Bishop George, and Rev Emma herself.

Refreshments were later served in the Parish Hall.

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