Mrs Ruth McNeill has just been appointed as the new Administrator for the Anglican Parish of Ballymena.
Ruth is ‘honoured and excited’ to take up her new role and has penned a few words to introduce herself to The Church Page readers.
She writes: “I am the fourteenth child of Stewart and Amy Dixon. Many of you will recall my late father, Stewart Dixon.
I was baptised in Ballyscullion Church of Ireland. At the age of four years, we as a family moved into Ballymena from the Grange. After moving to Ballymena, we attended St Patrick’s Parish Church. Throughout my Sunday School days my father was the Superintendent of the Sunday School. I joined the GFS as a little girl and later attended the Youth Club and Youth Fellowship. I was confirmed at 14 years of age in St Patrick’s Church. When it was in existence, I was a member of the drama group. I continue to support St Patrick’s Choir.
Throughout my working life I have always been involved in administration roles within Solicitors’ offices.
In 2007 Rev Stuart Lloyd asked me to take up the position as People’s Church Warden alongside Peter Chestnutt (Rector’s Church Warden). I really embraced this position, and it was an opportunity to welcome parishioners as they made their way into the Church. I was asked to be Rector’s Church Warden in 2016 alongside Richard Cotter (People’s Church Warden). At that time there was not a Rector, but we had the anticipation of the then new Rector, Rev Mark McConnell. That was a very exciting period in the Church’s life and not only that but that was the year I met Alex McNeill who later became my husband. I was People’s Church Warden again in 2017 alongside my husband Alex (Rector’s Church Warden). We were married at St Patrick’s Ballymarlagh in 2017. As Ballymarlagh has many precious memories for me personally (where my father worshipped), Alex and I made the decision to attend the services there. In 2019, I was Rector’s Church Warden alongside Jackie Greer (People’s Church Warden).
I am very much as I would say a “‘BCP’ type of girl!” I really appreciate the Anglican ethos and I am fully committed to serving our Heavenly Father.
As I take up this appointment as Parish Administrator, I hope to be of service not only to Rev Mark and Rev Emma but to all of you. I look forward to meeting you and being of assistance to you whenever I can.”
Ruth will be in the office Monday-Wednesdays 9.30am-1.30pm and will be glad to help. You may contact her during those hours on 028 2563 0741 or kilconriola@btconnect.com
