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Induction of Pastor Richard Garnham at Moira Baptist Church

Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his wife Elaine and son Ryan at his Service of Induction in Moira Baptist Church on Friday 12th September.

Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his wife Elaine and son Ryan at his Service of Induction in Moira Baptist Church on Friday 12th September.

Pastor Richard Garnham, previously Pastor of Carr Baptist Church (near Carryduff) was inducted as the new Pastor of Moira Baptist Church at a Service of Induction on Friday 12th September. He succeeds Pastor David McFarland, who was inducted when the present church sanctuary was opened in October 1995 and stood down in December 2003 due to ill health.

Church elder Mr Maynard Mawhinney led the service and welcomed the new Pastor and his family, visitors and guests, which included Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson and Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Lisburn Mayor) and Mrs Jean Crawford (Mayoress). Mr Mawhinney assisted by elders Mr Peter Smyth and Mr Adrian Patterson conducted the act of Induction and Mr Andy Lilburn led prayers for the new pastor and the people.

In response to his induction and welcome, Pastor Garnham spoke of his step of faith on his adventure with God. Referring to God the divine potter, he recalled his Christian upbringing under parents that walked the talk; he also gave thanks for Sunday school teachers and youth leaders that helped mould his life. �God has still lots to teach me�, he said. Referring to the ministry of his predecessors Pastor Jonathan Watson and Pastor David McFarland, he recalled how the church has grown and how he is now placed to be part of the church�s history and how that with God�s help he can reap what they have sown. He also paid thanks to the leadership given during the 6-year vacancy at Moira and went on to thank all who organised and took part in this memorable service. Pastor Garnham concluded by saying that he counts it a privilege to be invited to be the pastor of this church and speaking of the �work in progress� he said that Moira would march on - because God is at work.

 

L to R: Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, Pastor David McFarland (1995- 2003), Pastor Richard Garnham, Rev Canon Roderic West and Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Lisburn Mayor). L to R (back row) Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Lisburn Mayor), Mrs Jean Crawford (Mayoress), Dr Sam Gordon (Guest Preacher) and elders Mr Andy Lilburn, Mr Peter Smyth, Mr Maynard Mawhinney and Mr Adrian Patterson.
L to R: Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, Pastor David McFarland (1995- 2003), Pastor Richard Garnham, Rev Canon Roderic West and Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Lisburn Mayor). L to R (back row) Councillor Ronnie Crawford (Lisburn Mayor), Mrs Jean Crawford (Mayoress), Dr Sam Gordon (Guest Preacher) and elders Mr Andy Lilburn, Mr Peter Smyth, Mr Maynard Mawhinney and Mr Adrian Patterson.


In his address Dr Sam Gordon charged the new pastor to preach the word and be a faithful and fruitful ambassador of the King of Kings. He also emphasised the need to be a humble servant ensuring that the spotlight is on Jesus Christ. In his charge to the congregation, Dr Gordon said, �stand by your man - pray for him and his family as together you serve the Lord�.

Greetings were brought by the Rev Howard Gilpin, minister of Moira Presbyterian Church on behalf of local churches; Mr Billy Colville, Secretary of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland; and Mr Victor Scott, Carr Baptist Church.
 

Pastor Richard Garnham is welcomed by local clergy Rev Canon Roderic West (St John�s Parish) and the Rev Howard Gilpin (Moira Presbyterian). Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his mother Sylvia, wife Elaine and son Ryan (right) and L to R: (back row) Brother Rodney and sister-in-law Jacqueline Garnham; sister Karen McComb; and nephew Joshua and niece Leah. Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his wife Elaine and Elaine�s mother Francis and father David (right). Also included are L to R: (back) Elaine�s Brother-in-law Keith and sister Karen Lindsay, son Ryan and her nephews Jonathan and Matthew Lindsay.
Pastor Richard Garnham is welcomed by local clergy Rev Canon Roderic West (St John�s Parish) and the Rev Howard Gilpin (Moira Presbyterian). Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his mother Sylvia, wife Elaine and son Ryan (right) and L to R: (back row) Brother Rodney and sister-in-law Jacqueline Garnham; sister Karen McComb; and nephew Joshua and niece Leah. Pastor Richard Garnham pictured with his wife Elaine and Elaine�s mother Francis and father David (right). Also included are L to R: (back) Elaine�s Brother-in-law Keith and sister Karen Lindsay, son Ryan and her nephews Jonathan and Matthew Lindsay.
 

David McCavery and the Moira Praise Group led the praise, the hymns included, �Jesus is King�, �Power of the cross� and �Give me a faith�. The soloists were Alison Smyth and Craig Skene.

Following the service a delightful supper was served providing the opportunity for members of the congregation to meet their new pastor and his family.

Ballynahinch man, Mr Garnham, is the son of the late Station Officer Reggie Garnham who was killed on duty on the 16th January 1984. Pastor at Carr Baptist since August 1999, he is married to Elaine and they have a 10-year-old son Ryan. Mr Garnham commenced his ministry at Moira last Sunday morning (14th September) when the subject for his address was aptly entitled, �Forward with God�.


13/09/2008