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.
