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Rev Joanne Megarrell appointed as the new rector of Moira Parish

Rev Joanne Megarrell.

Rev Joanne Megarrell.

THE Rev Joanne Megarrell has been appointed rector of St John's Parish Church, Moira in succession to Archdeacon Roderic West who became rector of Seapatrick Parish, Banbridge in April 2012.

Joanne is the daughter of Albert and Irene Megarrell who now live in Waringstown; she has two sisters and a brother. Joanne and her sister, the Rev Lorraine Capper, were the first two sisters to be ordained in the Church of Ireland. After attending Lurgan College, Joanne progressed to Queens University, Belfast and after graduating with a B.A. (Hons) in German and Biblical Studies and subsequent PGCE, she became a teacher of German and English in Limavady.

Joanne grew up in the parish of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in Magheralin under the ministry of the late Dean Roland Hutchinson and the Rev Dr. Chris Easton. She became a parish reader there before going to the Theological College, Dublin to train for the ordained ministry. After obtaining a BTh at the Theological College, Joanne was ordained as deacon in Dromore Cathedral on 22nd June-2003 to serve as curate assistant at Moira Parish.

Speaking of her appointment Joanne said, "I feel deeply humbled and honoured to be called to be rector of Moira; my heart is here with these people but I never dreamt I would be appointed rector.' Details of the institution will be announced in due course.

Ulster Star
13/07/2012