Holy Trinity Parish Church in Ballycastle was filled to capacity on the evening of Friday, September 4, for the Service of Institution of the Rev Emma Gibson as the new incumbent of the grouped parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin.
The event was a significant milestone, marking Emma’s transition from her previous role in Magheralin Parish within the Diocese of Down and Dromore, where she served as associate minister for four years.
The service was presided over by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, with the Rev Simon Genoe, rector of Magheralin, delivering the sermon. Emma’s journey to this pivotal role is notable; she is the daughter of the Rev Canon James Carson, a former rector of St Stephen’s and St Michael’s in Belfast, and grew up in Lisburn. Before answering the call to ministry, Emma worked as a primary school teacher, which undoubtedly informs her approach to pastoral care.
Emma trained at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and was ordained as a deacon in 2018, advancing to presbyter in 2019. She served her curacy in Ballymena Parish, navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, before moving to Magheralin.
In her remarks, Emma expressed a mix of emotions about leaving Magheralin, noting, “While it is difficult to leave Magheralin and the people we have come to know and love over the past four years, we are excited about God’s call to this new chapter of life and ministry in the Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin and the Ballycastle community.” She described it as “a real privilege” to be called to serve these parishes.
As a family, Emma, her husband Paul, and their young child are eager to integrate into their new community. Emma highlighted her daughter’s enthusiasm for living near the sea, looking forward to exploring the North Coast, and noted that their family dog, Dougal, would be thrilled about the new walking opportunities.
“My prayer is that together we will grow in our love for Jesus and serve our community with his love and compassion,” Emma stated, setting a hopeful tone for her ministry.
The congregation sang several hymns during the service, including Come, People of the Risen King, May the Mind of Christ My Saviour, The Church’s One Foundation, and Be Thou My Vision. Emma’s sister Lisa participated in the worship, leading the singing of Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me as the cornerstone of the service.
Readings were delivered by Emma’s father-in-law, James Carson, and her husband, Paul. Following the service, representatives from the Magheralin and Dollingstown Parish Churches, along with St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church in Ballycastle, shared speeches commemorating Emma’s appointment. Bishop George and Rev Emma also addressed the attendees, sharing reflections on the journey ahead.
The evening concluded with refreshments served in the Parish Hall, providing an opportunity for fellowship and celebration among the gathered community.
As Rev Emma Gibson embarks on this new chapter, the parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin can look forward to her leadership and a deepening of their communal life and faith.
