Taking care of Railway Street Presbyterian Church for over 40 years
At a presentation in Railway Street Presbyterian Church marking the 40th anniversary of Joe and Adeline McKibben's appointment as caretakers are L to R: (front row) Very Rev Dr Howard Cromie (Senior Minister), Kathleen Cromie, Dr Robin Coulter (Congregational Secretary), Joe and Adeline McKibben, Margaret Coulter and the Rev Brian Gibson. (Back row) Natalie Flanigan, Peter McKibben, Stephen McKibben, Sheryl! McKibben and Philip McKibben.
Joe and Adeline with their daughter Joanne and son Stephen.
A special service was held in Railway Street Presbyterian Church last Sunday morning (21st March) to mark the 40th anniversary of Joe and Adeline McKibben's appointment as caretakers.
During the service, Dr Robin Coulter (Congregational Secretary) and his wife Margaret presented Joe and Adeline with gifts and flowers in recognition of their tireless work in keeping the church and precincts in pristine condition.
In response, Joe recalled the day over 40 years ago when he arrived at Railway Street for his interview, "I was shaking then" he said, "and I'm still shaking today".
Joe went on to say, "Railway Street Church is the place to be - I love it".
Moved
The senior minister, the Very Rev Dr Howard Cromie, who was on Joe's interview panel, recalled that Joe had to sacrifice his much-loved pigeons when he took up the position as sexton and moved into the caretaker's residence at Railway Street in March 1969.
Following the service, Joe and Adeline's family, friends and members of the congregation packed the Church Hall for a reception held in their honour.
Prior to enjoying a celebratory lunch, Joe and Adeline cut a commemorative cake bearing a photo of the happy couple.
Ulster Star
02/04/2010
