New chapter in Ballycastle as Rev Emma Gibson instituted rector of Ramoan and Culfeightrin

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, Rev Emma Gibson with husband Paul, and their young daughter. (Images: McAuley Multimedia)

A new chapter has begun for two North Coast parishes following the institution of the Rev Emma Gibson as rector of the Grouped Parishes of Ramoan and Culfeightrin.

Holy Trinity Parish Church in Ballycastle was packed on Friday evening, 4 September, as parishioners, family, friends and clergy gathered to welcome their new incumbent.

For Rev Gibson, the move also brings a return to familiar territory within the Diocese of Connor. She previously served her curacy in Ballymena Parish during some of the most challenging years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A new home on the North Coast

Rev Gibson comes to Ballycastle from Magheralin Parish in the Diocese of Down and Dromore, where she has served as associate minister for the past four years.

Speaking about the move, she said:

“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 being called to serve the two parishes as “a real privilege”.

“As a family, we look forward to getting to know people, building new friendships, and sharing in the life and worship of the parish,” she said.

Her hopes for the new ministry extend beyond the church itself and into the wider community.

“My prayer is that together we will grow in our love for Jesus and serve our community with his love and compassion,” Rev Gibson added.

From teaching to ordained ministry

Originally from Lisburn, Rev Gibson worked as a primary school teacher before training for ordained ministry at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.

She was ordained deacon in 2018 and presbyter in 2019, subsequently serving her curacy in Ballymena before moving to Magheralin.

Rev Emma Gibson and husband Paul, pictured with their young daughter.

Rev Gibson is married to Paul and the couple have a young daughter. The family is also bringing their dog, Dougal, to their new North Coast home.

She said her daughter was particularly looking forward to living close to the sea and exploring what the North Coast has to offer, while Dougal is expected to be equally enthusiastic about the prospect of new walks.

Ballycastle congregation gathers for institution

The Service of Institution was led by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, with the Rev Simon Genoe, rector of Magheralin, preaching.

The service included the hymns Come, People of the Risen King, May the Mind of Christ my Saviour, The Church’s One Foundation and Be Thou My Vision.

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Members of Rev Gibson’s family also took part in the service, including her husband Paul, while musical worship included Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me and Cornerstone.

Following the service, speeches were delivered by representatives of Magheralin and Dollingstown Parish Churches, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church in Ballycastle, and representatives of both Ramoan and Culfeightrin parishes.

Bishop George and Rev Gibson also addressed those gathered before refreshments were served in the Parish Hall.

The institution formally begins Rev Gibson’s ministry with the grouped parishes and a new chapter for her family in Ballycastle, where she has made clear that getting to know and serving the wider community will be central to the years ahead.