Rev Geoffrey Allen has accepted the Call of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church and will become their new minister in succession to the Rev John Hawthorne, who moved to Dervock Reformed Presbyterian Church in April 2006.

Son of former Presbyterian Moderator, The Very Rev Dr Harry Allen, he attended New Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine and in 1998 married Lisburn woman Donna Mullarchey; they now have 2 children, Chloe (age 6) and Ethan (age 2).

After studies at Union College, Belfast Mr Allen gained a B.Th. degree in 1998 and from 1997 to 2000, was Assistant Minister at Craigyhill Presbyterian Church, Larne. In 2000, he was ordained and installed as minister of Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler Presbyterian Churches and since resigning from this charge in 2007, he has pursued further studies at the Reformed Theological College, Belfast.

Mr Allen will be installed by the Eastern Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at a Service of Installation in Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm.

Since Mr Hawthorne left Dromara in April 2006, the Convenor of the vacancy has been the Rev David McCullough, minister of Dromore Reformed Presbyterian Church.

09/09/2008