Diocesan News02 Jun 14

Warm welcome for new rector of Drumgath and Drumgooland

The Grouped Parishes of Drumgath, Drumballyroney, Clonduff and Drumgooland welcomed their new rector, the Revd Gerald Macartney, following his institution by Bishop Harold Miller on 30 May 2014 in Drumgooland Parish Church. The preacher at the service was Canon Robert Boyd, rector of Killyman in the Diocese of Armagh (pictured right, with the new rector and Bishop Miller). Canon Boyd and Revd Macartney are close friends as well as rectors of neighbouring parishes.

Gerald is married to Roberta and they have three children, Linda, Christopher and Victoria. They also have seven grandchildren, Ellen, Eddie, Zeke, Benjamin Jakob, Eli and Caleb.

Roberta who is from Laurelvale outside Portadown worked for a local retail outlet but now spends most of her time looking after her grandchildren.

On leaving school Gerald joined the Royal Air Force before returning home and working for the Civil Service. Ordination followed in 2003 and he served as a curate in Drumglass Parish, Dungannon before being appointed rector of Milltown Parish, both Diocese of Armagh, in 2005.

Speaking of his forthcoming ministry in Drumgath, Drumballyroney, Clonduff and Drumgooland Gerald said ‘I am obviously looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities ahead but also sad at leaving the many friends Roberta and I have in Milltown Parish and we wish them God’s richest blessing for the future.’