Congregation bids farewell to ‘much-loved minister’

NEWTOWNSTEWART and Gortin Presbyterian Churches marked the retirement of Reverend John Hanna at a special joint service on New Years Eve.

Both congregations had been vacant since April 2019 until Rev Hanna, Minister Emeritus of Glendermott Presbyterian Church, was appointed as Stated Supply in January 2021.

Tributes were paid to the minister by James Baxter, Clerk of Session in Newtownstewart and Adrian Adams, Clerk of Session in Gortin.

“We thank Reverend Hanna for his very active and diligent ministry with both congregations for two years, for his faithful pastoral care to all members of the congregations and especially for the very welcome visits to those who were ill both at home and in hospital,” they said.

“Your outstanding pastoral visits were particularly caring and sensitive to those who suffered bereavement and your regular visits to the families concerned were very much appreciated.”

Mr Baxter and Mr Adams then presented gifts to Reverend Hanna on behalf of their respective congregations.

The role played by Reverend Hanna’s wife, Mrs Hanna, did not go unnoticed and was marked with a bouquet of flowers presented by Valerie Campbell.

The couple were given a standing ovation of appreciation as the service came to a close, testament to the impression they made on the Newtownstewart and Gortin community.

Immediately afterwards, there was soup at the adjoining church hall and the community had the opportunity to say a personal farewell to the much-loved mnister and his wife.

And in the spirit of New Year’s Eve everyone sang a very moving and poignant rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, led by organist, Florence Caldwell.