Revd Dr Bryan Follis instituted as rector of Hillsborough
Bishop Harold welcomed Revd Dr Bryan Follis into the Diocese of Down and Dromore as rector of Hillsborough Parish at a service of institution on Saturday 15 March. The preacher at the service was Revd Canon Terence Cadden, who has known Bryan since his days as a parishioner in Shankill Parish when Terence was a curate there.
Bryan is married to Eleanor, who works part–time as a community midwife in Belfast, and they have two daughters, Esther (12) and Rachel (10).
Previously he was Rector of All Saints’ Church, Belfast near Queen’s University. Bryan served there for 13 years during which time the church enjoyed steady growth year on year. All Saints’ Church drew in new people from a wide range of social backgrounds and from various ages: students, young families and pensioners.
Central to Bryan’s approach to ministry is expository preaching with an emphasis on applying the Bible to all of life. He also places a high value on building a meaningful sense of church community.
Before his appointment to All Saints’, Bryan Follis served as Curate in St Mark’s, Portadown for almost 3 years. He was ordained in June 1998 by the then Archbishop Robert Eames. Having served in Armagh and Connor diocese, this is Bryan’s first appointment in Down and Dromore.
In addition to his regular parish ministry, Dr Follis has written two academic books along with a number of booklets aimed at the ‘person in the pew’. One of these on “Depression and Stress” has sold widely and been used by a number of churches to help people struggling with depression.
Prior to ordination, Bryan worked with the Northern Ireland Civil Service for 11 years.
Speaking about his new parish, Bryan Follis said: “ Of course I feel rather nervous as I take over as Rector but we are thankful for the prayers of so many. As a family we really look forward to settling into our home, putting down roots in the community and getting to know individual parishioners. Those we have met so far have already helped us feel very welcome to Hillsborough!”
See some photos taken before the service here.