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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

Farewell Service for Pastor Robert Murdock and family

Pastor Robert Murdock pictured giving an emotional address at his Farewell Service in Wallace High School on Friday 30th November.A Farewell Service for Pastor Robert Murdock and his family was held in Wallace High School on Friday 30th November. Pastor Murdock, who was installed in Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ballymacash on 8th June 1996 has accepted a call to serve in Emmanuel Baptist Church, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. The family plan to leave Lisburn at the end of the year (circumstances permitting) with a view to Robert taking up his post on 1st January 2008.

Alistair Quigley, former assistant minister at Emmanuel, led the service and David Martin, Church Secretary, welcomed the large congregation and visitors and gave a special welcome to guests including Pastor John Shearer, formerly Pastor of Hill Street Baptist Church, Ballymena, now Pastor of Musselburgh Baptist Church, Scotland.

Roy West, a Church Elder, recalled the beginnings of Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1989 and how since then, the church has grown from 30 to 110 members with an average attendance of 250. He went on to say that just as the congregation grew, so too did Pastor Murdock's family. He recalled the many good times under Pastor Murdock's ministry especially the radio broadcasts and successful gospel missions. Giving thanks to Pastor Murdock's pastoral and outreach work, Roy concluded by saying 'We're glad we called you, and thanks for coming'. Roy and his wife Lila then presented gifts to Robert, his wife Elaine and their children Katherine (10), Jayne (9), Adam (6), Grace (5) and Caleb (3).

Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir pictured at the Farewell Service in Wallace High School on Friday 30th November. L to R: (seated) Dr Hamilton Moore (Principal of the Irish Baptist College), Pastor Robert Murdock and Pastor William Colville (Director of the Association of Baptist Churches). (back row) Alistair Quigley (Elder), Pastor John Shearer (Musselburgh Baptist Church, Scotland), David Martin (Church Secretary) and Roy West (Elder).

Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir pictured at the Farewell Service in Wallace High School on Friday 30th November.
 

L to R: (seated) Dr Hamilton Moore (Principal of the Irish Baptist College), Pastor Robert Murdock and Pastor William Colville (Director of the Association of Baptist Churches). (back row) Alistair Quigley (Elder), Pastor John Shearer (Musselburgh Baptist Church, Scotland), David Martin (Church Secretary) and Roy West (Elder).

In an emotional response, Pastor Murdock spoke of his decision to accept God's call to Canada as 'Heart-wrenching' and recalled how during his ministry, the main things were the plain things and the plain things were the main things. He went on to say that his successor will come to a 'Happy Church' and concluded by speaking of his regret at leaving Emmanuel Baptist, a church he 'loved dearly'.

Emmanuel Baptist Praise Group led the worship and the Church Choir accompanied by Paula Coulter and conducted by Suzanne Walker sang several items of praise. The soloist was Julie Larmour. Also taking part in the service were Dr Hamilton Moore (Principal of the Irish Baptist College), Pastor William Colville (Director of the Association of Baptist Churches) and Pastor John Shearer (Musselburgh Baptist Church, Scotland).

Supper was served afterwards allowing the congregation and visitors to say farewell to their Pastor who has given 11 and a half years of faithful service. 

1/12//2007