Diocesan News25 Feb 15

New Rector For Drumragh (Omagh) And Mountfield Parish Churches

L to R: Canon Robert Clarke (Rural Dean), Right Revd Ken Clarke (former Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh), Revd Lorraine Capper (curate of the parish), Revd Ian Linton, Venerable Robert Miller (Archdeacon of Derry), Canon David Crooks (Diocesan Registrar), Mr Robert Lowry Scott, Lord Lieutenant of County Tyrone (Photo: Isobel O’Brien)

Parishioners of Drumragh (Omagh) and Mountfield Churches in the diocese of Derry welcomed a new Rector on Monday 23rd February. The Revd Ian Linton alongside wife Amanda and children Lucy and Eli have lived in Co Sligo since 2008 where Ian was rector of Drumcliffe Parish and Archdeacon of Elphin and Ardagh diocese.

The parish had been vacant since Revd William Seale moved to Kells Parish in October 2014.

Many of Revd Ian’s former congregation made the journey to Omagh to show their appreciation for his time as their rector and to wish him well in his new post. The Rt Revd Ken Clarke appointed him as his Archdeacon in 2012 and was also the preacher at the institution. In referring to the new Rector, Bishop Clarke highlighted Revd Ian’s visiting, preaching and ability to relate to anyone as the qualities which made him an excellent choice.

The Revd Linton served a curacy in St Macartin’s Cathedral Enniskillen before moving to Drumcliffe Parish as Rector and although he was an Archdeacon in the diocese of Elphin and Ardagh, the title and responsibilities do not transfer with him. He is an avid fan of TV quiz shows and has appeared on Channel 5’s ‘Brainteaser’, ‘The Weakest Link’, and most recently ‘Countdown’ where he had two wins.

After the service refreshments were held in the recently refurbished Parish Hall where the speeches were given by both former and current parishioners.