Popular ministry couple, Brian and Pamela Smyth are set to leave Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill after 11 very happy years in the village.
On Friday, 12 April 2024, Brian will be installed as the new Minister to the joint charge of Garvagh and Killaig Presbyterian Churches, exactly 11 years to the day and date of his ordination and installation in Trinity.
Reflecting on the last decade or so of ministry in County Antrim, Rev Brian Smyth said: “We have enjoyed the work and the people at Trinity. There is a great sense of warmth and unity within the congregation; the warmth of the Spirit is really evident there.”
“In virtually every one of the last 11 years, people have been putting their faith in Jesus as Saviour. 72 new communicants have been added to the role and I have had the privilege of baptising 36 people, 18 of whom were children while 18 others were adults on profession of faith, and we give God all of the glory”, he added.
Brian is quick to pay tribute to Pamela, whom he cites as: ‘a tremendous support and encouragement’ to him throughout his years in Trinity, not to mention the Belfast City Mission, Child Evangelism Fellowship and Bible College since he was ‘called’ there in 1991.
Looking ahead to this new chapter of ministry in Garvagh & Killaig, Brian told The Church Page: “We make the move with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. We firmly believe that God has called us to this new charge, and we will do our best to serve the Lord well in Garvagh & Killaig.”
Appropriately, Brian finished off with a word to the people of Trinity in Ahoghill.
He said: “I will continue to pray for the folk in Trinity and would encourage them to stay true to the Word of God as they move forward in their walk with Him.”
Brian’s final services in Trinity will be on Sunday 31st March 2024 at 11.30am and 6.15pm. His installation is planned for 7.30pm in Main Street, Garvagh Presbyterian Church on Friday 12th April 2024.
