Rev. Charles McMullen, Rev. Harold Gray, Mrs.
Jean Gray and Rev. David Knox.
THE congregation of Harmony Hill Presbyterian
Church hosted an anniversary service on Sunday to mark the 50th
ordination of their Senior Minister, the Rev. Harold Gray.
Current Minister the Rev. David Knox welcomed
family and friends to the service including Rev. Charles
McMullen from West Church in Bangor.
The evening hymns were all chosen by Rev.
Gray and the choir, under the leadership of Rev. Karen Campbell,
sang the anthem 'Wonderful Grace'.
Rev. McMullen spoke of his fond memories of
his time at Harmony Hill under Rev. Gray's direction and how the
clarity of his teaching prepared him to serve 'with the help of
the Holy Spirit'.
During tea which followed the service ex
Clerk of Session Mr. Clifford Boyd led speakers from Rev. Gray's
former congregations.
Rev. Gray was ordained in October 1956 and
took up the charge at Newmills in Co. Tyrone which four years
later joined with the Garland congregation.
In September 1969 he and his family moved to
Woodvale Presbyterian Church were he put his Christian spirit
into action during very troubled times.
The call to Harmony Hill came seven years
later and he remained there until his retirement in 1992.
New Clerk of Session Mr. Derek Alexander
spoke of Rev. Gray's forward thinking and presented him with a
cheque to mark the occasion.
Rev. Gray then spoke of his memories of the
past 50 years and reminisced with stories from all his
congregations. He thanked Rev. McMullen and Rev. Knox and his
wife Heather for their love and friendship over the years. Most
of all, he said, he thanked God for guiding him by the Grace of
the Holy Spirit.
The evening concluded with the saying of the
Grace and Rev. and Mrs. Gray greeted old friends who attended
the event.
Ulster star
20/10/2004
