With the challenges to churches in the county becoming ever greater, the situation of three rural Presbyterian churches shows the difficulties that come with looking after a Parish in an isolated part of the world.

Tempo, Pettigo and Irvinestown have been “vacant” since 2015 as the congregations’ search for their new minister.

Unlike other denominations where the minister or priest is appointed to a particular parish, in the Presbyterian Church, parishes have the autonomy to "call" their minister.

At the moment the Reverend Rodney Beacom looks after the three churches alongside his own Churches of Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler.

Carole Trimble who is Clerk of Sessions at Tempo Presbyterian Church admits that the rural nature of the three churches is causing difficulties in finding a new minister.

"The problem is we are small congregations, but we are widespread. It’s over 20 miles between Pettigo and Irvinestown and on a Sunday morning the minister has to travel between three services and not only that he is pastoring a huge area of the country as well. Not everybody is prepared or suited to doing this.

"We have a lot going for us and have no real problems as such except it is a heavy duty charge. It is a small Church over a big area."

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr. Charles McMullen believes the parishes are place of great potential.

Dr. McMullen spent the summer of 1985 in the area and visited the Parishes in August as part of his role as Moderator.

He has fond memories of his time in the county and knows how attractive the area is for somebody to move into.

"They were warm, hospitable, welcoming people," he said.

"When I became Moderator, I wanted to make sure to spend some time and return and say thank you.

"I can’t understand as it is a very attractive parish. Ideally, they would love to have a minister and as time goes on you may become discouraged. As well as saying thank you I wanted to visit to give them incentive and to keep going."

Describing the process, Dr.. McMullen said there has to be a good relationship between the parish and the incoming Minister and sometimes you may not get what you want.

"It is like casting out a line. It can be a long day fishing and you catch nothing but the next day you get four or five. There has to be a good relationship between the minister and people and it's about building that relationship.

"They are three very settled communities and loyal to their parishes. I would love for them to have their own minister and they are places of great potential."

These words were echoed by Mrs. Trimble.

"We are just hoping and praying that the right person will come along. We have a lot to offer a minister.

"It is a lovely area to live in and to work in and the people are really easy to get on with. Once somebody made the move they would love it."