Well-known minister to retire at Easter

Lily Dane • Published 11 Feb 2010 10:12 0 Comments

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Precentor William Johnston and his wife Sylvia.

A well-known minister in the Clogher Diocese, Precentor Dr. William Johnston, rector of Kilskeery and Trillick Church of Ireland Parishes, is retiring this Easter.

He will conduct his last service on Easter Sunday after almost 40 years' service to the ministry, 19 years' service in his current post.

A native of Tievemore, Pettigo, his early education was attained in Dernasesk School, where he finished at the age of 14 and went to pursue a business career.

He worked in Johnston's shop in Pettigo and later at George McCrea's, Pettigo, before going to Robert Dickie and Sons in Enniskillen, where he became manager.

On leaving Dickie's, Mr. Johnston went to Greystone College in Cumberland, where he did a pre-ordination course; he then spent three years in the Church of Ireland College in Dublin.

He was ordained at St. Donard's Church in East Belfast in June 1970 and served as curate there until going to Killeter, Castlederg, as a curate in 1972.

In 1978, he was appointed rector of Drumclamph with Clare and Langfield Union (between Omagh and Castlederg).

After 13 years' service there, he took up his current rector's position at Kilskeery and Trillick, where he will serve until stepping down at Easter.

Over the years, Mr. Johnston added to his qualifications, attaining a Diploma in Theology from London University; a Bachelor of Theology from a college in America; a Social Sciences honours degree with the Open University; a Masters degree in Modern Contemporary History with the University of Ulster and a Phd with Bradford University.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in schools' boards of governors and will continue to lend his help.

A keen beekeeper and gardener, he will maintain these interests during his retirement and he will help out in the Clogher Diocese if needed. He will also have more time to visit his grandchildren.

He is married to Sylvia, formerly Ternan, whose family had been in business in Enniskillen, and they have a son and two daughters, Colin, Karen and Claire. Colin is married to Kirsten and their two children are Finlay and Lucie.

His four decades of service to the Church of Ireland ministry have been a source of enjoyment for Precentor Johnston who describes his office as a way of life for the entire family. He will be sorry to leave and pays tribute to the support of his parishioners over the years.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Feb 10

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