Welcome to Tullylish!
Welcome to the Revd Brian Cruise who has been instituted as the new rector of Tullylish. Bishop Harold conducted the service on Wednesday 6 July 2016 and Revd David Bell, one of Brian’s colleagues from Cookstown, gave the address.
Introducing Brian
Brian Cruise grew up in a Christian home in Dundonald in the Parish of St. Elizabeth. The family began to worship in St Mary’s Ballybeen after his mother became organist there and at 13 he became a Christian through the ministry of (Bishop) Ken Clarke.
During these years Brian was involved in, amongst other things, CMS camps, CSSM, Church Army Camps and Evangelism Explosion, all of which helped to develop skills and a heart for ministry of many different kinds.
He went to Trinity College Bristol, where, under the leadership of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, he received a very practical and rounded training for ministry. This was further developed in the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin.
Ordained in 1988, Brian served his curacy in Shankill Lurgan under two rectors – Dean Norman Lockhart and (Bishop) Ken Good.
He has just completed almost 24 happy years as rector in Kildress and Altedesert enjoying ministry to a farming community.
Brian is married to Charlene and they have 3 grown up children and one grandchild.
He says: “I have a passion and love for the local church. I deeply believe that a relevant, inspired, properly resourced and encouraged local church can be the most effective way of bringing the gospel to an ever changing society. For me, relationships are at the heart of a strong fellowship.”
“Now a new chapter is about to be written,” continues Brian. “We are very excited about returning to County Down, to our new Parish of Tullylish. It is a privilege that every rector has in getting to know parishioners as we journey together in our relationship with our Father and share together in our laughs and tears, strengths and weaknesses and our hopes and fears.”