On Friday 8th September 2023 the Northern Presbytery was pleased to install Rev David Fallows, B.Sc. as the new minister of Ballylaggan Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Rev Stephen Wright, Moderator of Synod welcomed all present and expressed delight along with all the congregation, that Ballylaggan, his home church was to have a pastor of their own again. He then opened worship with the singing of Psalm 94 v1-4 and Prayer. Rev Raymond Blair then preached a very challenging sermon from Romans Ch 15v 29 “I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ”. He preached under 3 words 1- CHRIST 2- BLESSING 3- FULLNESS and challenged the Congregation to pray for Rev Fallows that he as Gods servant would know the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Following an offering for the Reformed Theological College, Rev Samuel McCollum offered an Exposition and Defence of Reformed Presbyterianism. Rev James Blair then gave a historical narrative of the history of Ballylaggan RP church since 1763 unto this day. The congregation of Ballylaggan has provided 18 men for the ministry during this period.
Rev Raymond Blair, Moderator of Presbytery, put the prescribed questions to Rev David Fallows. Followed by the signing of the Formula, the installation prayer was conducted by Rev Joel Loughridge.
Rev Edward McCollum gave the charge to the minister and congregation from Is 8:20. Closing worship, Psalm 71 V 10-15 was led by the newly installed pastor who closed proceedings with prayer and the benediction.
After the close of the Service a short reception was held, Rev Fallows spoke briefly as interim moderator, followed by Mr Robert McCahon who thanked our interim Moderator for all his hard work and dedication to Ballylaggan during the vacancy so much so that the congregation felt led by God to call him. He presented Rev Fallows with a small gift to mark the occasion. A bouquet of flowers was given to Mrs Jennifer Fallows by Mrs Nancy McCollum from the ladies of the congregation. Mr Nat McCollum gave the younger members of the Fallows family a gift token on behalf of the young people of the congregation.
Various speakers brought greetings to Rev Fallows and family, including Mr Harold Kerr from Kilraughts, David’s previous charge and Rev Richard Murray, Drumreagh Presbyterian church. Our new minister concluded the speeches and acknowledged the Lord’s guidance to him while under call and hoped that God will use him to promote spiritual growth and development within the congregation and bring people to know the Lord for themselves. He then closed in prayer giving thanks for the supper provided for all, by the ladies of the congregation.
Robert McCahon, Elder in Ballylaggan RPC
