Revd Gareth Harron instituted as incumbent of Holywood Parish
Bishop Harold has instituted Revd Gareth Harron as incumbent of Holywood at a service on Monday 9 November. The church of St Philip & St James was packed as the parish welcomed their new vicar and the people of Magheralin said goodbye to their rector of 13 years. Bishop Ken ‘Fanta’ Clarke gave the address.
View the photo gallery here (courtesy of Jeremy Kinnen)
Gareth will be known to many in the diocese but he introduces himself to his new parishioners below:
I grew up, not too far away, in Bangor, so North Down is not a new and undiscovered country to me. As a keen birdwatcher (not as dull as it is made out to be) I used to walk the coastal path from Carnalea to Holywood very regularly when I was a teenager and student.
I studied Modern History and English at Queens before going down to Dublin to Theological college in 1992. That direct route from a primary degree into ministry formation is not as common as it once was but I was ordained at the tender age of 24 when, working in Willowfield Parish, people wondered if I was a “proper” minister or someone on work experience!
Moving on from Belfast, I served a second curacy in the Cathedral parish in Dromore. It was during this period that I married Ruth and we are very much a partnership in ministry. I really do not know where I would be without her faithful love and support. We are blessed with a family of 2 girls and one boy.
We are looking forward so much to writing new chapters among you in the coming months. I take very seriously the trust that your team of nominators has placed in me and thank them and the Diocesan team again for the incredible privilege of the opportunity to serve among you as a parish family.
Gareth, Ruth and family
(With thanks to Holywood Parish magazine)