A NEW rector has been appointed to the parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck in Clogher Diocese.

The Revd. William Jeffrey, who has been serving as Curate Assistant in St. Mark’s Church in the parish of Ballymacash, in the diocese of Connor, since 2018, was announced as the new incumbent following a meeting of the Board of Nomination.

Welcoming Revd. Jeffrey to the diocese, the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd. Dr.Ian Ellis, said: “I am very pleased with the appointment of Revd. William Jeffrey to the parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck, and wish him and his wife, Alison, well in their move to the west.

"He comes to us from the busy urban parish of St. Mark’s, Ballymacash, where his love of liturgy and pastoral care have been much appreciated by his parishioners.

“His engaging personality, skills and wide interests will soon be recognised and appreciated by his new parishioners,” added Bishop Ellis.

Looking forward to his appointment, Revd. Jeffrey said: “I am delighted, humbled and thoroughly looking forward to being in the diocese of Clogher and serving the people as rector of the parish of Lisbellaw with Coolbuck.”

Revd. Jeffrey’s home parish is St. George’s, High Street, Belfast, in the diocese of Connor.

Prior to his current position in Ballymacash, he served his deacon internship year in St. Andrew’s Church, Killaney, and St. Ignatius’ Church, Carryduff, in the diocese of Down and Dromore.

Revd. Jeffrey’s training for ordination included a Master of Theology degree through Trinity College Dublin, and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, where he was awarded the Weir Prize.

He also holds a Professional Certificate in Ministry, awarded by the University of Chester.

Prior to ordination, he was a civil servant (Deputy-Principal) in a 32-year career within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

During this time, he became a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and later a Chartered Member of CIPD and holder of the CIPD Certificate in Training Practice.

Revd. Jeffrey is particularly interested in the part that music plays in worship, and encouraging optimum use of the Book of Common Prayer in services, and in the daily personal devotions of parishioners.

He has a heart for pastoral care and community outreach, and a desire for people to have a committed relationship with the living Christ throughout their lives, encouraging all to use their gifts and talents in building up the Body of Christ and in furthering God’s Kingdom.

Married to Alison, they have three grown-up sons: Paul (married to Amy), Matthew and Callum.

Revd. Jeffrey has family links with Clogher diocese. His late maternal grandmother was from Co. Fermanagh, and he still has close relatives living in the diocese.

Details of the date of the Service of Institution will be announced in due course.