Rev. Dr. Colin Burcombe (Convenor of the Vacancy)
Following Rev. Robert Beggs' retirement in summer 2022, the congregation entered a period of vacancy, of which Rev. Dr. Colin Burcombe is the convenor.
Clerk of Session: Mr Kenneth Galbraith
Ken became acquainted with the congregation in the late 1960s. He married Roslyn Stewart in 1972 and together have three daughters, two grandchildren all of whom are big people now. Over the years Ken has been associated with the Sunday Schools, Bible Class, Youth Fellowship and was Captain of the Boys Brigade. Nowadays his church activities include the Discipleship Groups, Prayer and Praise Groups.
Ken was once an active sailor at Newtownards Sailing Club but has now retired but maintains a keen interest in all things nautical. Nowadays Ken enjoys a cup of coffee in the garden or anywhere else for that matter.
Pastoral Visitor: Hilary Hawthorne
Hilary is our volunteer Pastoral Visitor. She grew up in Londonderry but became a member of McQuiston when she married her late husband Godfrey. Hilary came to know Jesus personally around 25 years ago and has lived out her faith ever since, exercising her gifts first in children’s outreach and now in ministering to senior members of the church family.
In 2018 she was called and ordained as an elder in the congregation. She loves visiting and chatting to those who are in care, house bound or ill and really wants to see seniors come to saving faith in Jesus even in later life. She has three grown up children and 4 grandchildren. Hilary’s loves music, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Pianist: Mr Mark McKeown
Mark is a highly talented musician (not his own description) with wide experience who first came to the church in early 2003. He was brought up in south Belfast, studied music at the Queen’s University of Belfast, and is a graduate of the Pianotech Programme at the University of Western Ontario.
Mark has featured prominently in the Music @ McQuiston concerts in recent years and has a big interest in jazz music. Mark is also something of a sportsman. He plays golf, was a member of the under 18 Northern Ireland Soccer squad, and during the 1990-92 seasons played football for Glentoran. Now alas, he plays football only occasionally.
Caretaker: Mr Sam McNerlan
Sam has been looking after the church buildings since the end of 2001. Apart from cleaning and tidying the halls, preparing the premises for the various meetings and activities. Sam is a keen gardener and enjoys keeping the planters at the front of the church building well stocked in colourful display.
He is a committed Christian and over the years has developed a ministry of hospitality and service to those working about the building and the many people who call to see members of the ministry team.