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Rev Paul Jamieson installed as the new minister of Hillhall Presbyterian Church



The Rev Paul Jamieson was installed as the new minister of Hillhall Presbyterian Church by a commission of the Dromore Presbytery at a Service of Installation on Friday 29th February. Mr. Jamieson, former minister of Christ Church Presbyterian, Dundonald, will succeed the Rev Dr Jack Richardson MBE, who retired in December 2006.

The Moderator of Dromore Presbytery, the Rev Gary Trueman (Minister of Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church, Dromore) assisted by the Clerk, the Rev John Davey (Minister of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church) conducted the service and act of installation.

In his address, the Rev Andrew Thompson (Elmwood Presbyterian) explained that God calls us to be part of His church pointing out that the church is not just a building, but like a building it needs Christ to be the sure foundation. He further explained that we must allow ourselves to be built together in Christ and be called to holy living and be living stones proclaiming that Jesus is alive. He concluded by emphasising the need to be consistent and Christ-like, reminding the minister and the congregation of the daunting call to bring people to God and God to people.

In his charge to the new minister and the congregation, the Rev Adrian McLernon explained that in 1st Samuel 16 we encounter a man chosen by God and emphasised that Mr. Jamieson is God's choice for Hillhall and charged Mr Jamieson to be continually burdened as he pastors his new flock. Just like Samuel, he said that the new minister should be a man with a burden, a man chosen, a man who is spiritual and a man who is a servant. Mr McLernon concluded by asking the congregation to be patient with their new minister as, just like the potter, God moulds him to be the man He wants in Hillhall.

Mrs Maxine McConaghy presided at the organ and the church choir led the worship and sang the anthem 'Lord, for those who had a vision'. The congregational hymns were, 'To God be the Glory', 'The Lord's my Shepherd' and 'In Christ alone'.

A collection of over '1500 was taken up for the Students Bursary Fund.

Mr McLernon led an informal part of the evening and spoke of his delight of filling the post of convenor of the vacancy as the congregation enter a new phase of ministry at Hillhall. He wished the new minister and his family well. Mr John Connor, Clerk of Session also welcomed the new minister and his family saying that they comes to a congregation where relationships are good. Referring to the congregation of Christ Church Presbyterian, Dundonald, he said that their loss is Hillhall's gain and prayed that the new occupants of the manse and the congregation would have many years of happy fellowship and spiritual enrichment. He concluded by paying tribute to the Rev Adrian McLernon for his leadership, support and pastoral care during the 14-month vacancy.

Addressing his new congregation, Mr Jamieson thanked the Kirk Session for their confidence in him in presenting the call for him to be the new minister of Hillhall Presbyterian Church. He said, 'It's with a very clear sense of God's guidance that I have come to this congregation. Hillhall church has a reputation of being warm, friendly and welcoming and we have experienced this warmth'. He expressed thanks to Mr Norman McConnell and his team for their helpfulness in preparing the manse and expressed thanks to Mr John Connor for his helpfulness, advice and wisdom. In conclusion Mr Jamieson paid tribute to the great work done by his predecessor, the Rev Dr Jack Richardson MBE and said that he looks forward to working with him in the years ahead.

Bringing a memorable evening at Hillhall to a conclusion, the Rev Ken McReynolds, Rector of Lambeg Parish Church, welcomed the new minister on behalf of the local churches.

Refreshments were served afterwards, allowing members of the congregation to meet and chat with their new minister, his wife Jean, their son Jonathan (16) and daughter Leah (14).

Mr Jamieson commenced his pulpit ministry in Hillhall last Sunday (2nd March) at 11.00am and 6.30pm.

03/03/2008