Inspirational Presbyterian minister Adrian Adger loses cancer battle

Rev Adrian Adger, the minister with Clough and Seaforde congregation, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Married to Karen, Rev Adger was originally from Ahoghill in Co Antrim but had settled in the Mournes area.

Speaking to the News Letter in July 2019, he said he had only been married for four years when he learnt that the kidney cancer which he had previously beaten had returned, and this time it was incurable.

However, he said, he found hope in the scriptures.

“Being diagnosed is a dark and difficult time. There are a lot of people in despair and heartache. 38.4% of people in the UK will have cancer at some stage in their life. My story is not a unique story.

“I was 54-years-old whenever I was told I had incurable cancer. I felt a sense of loss, my life has been cut short. But as I worked through those questions – although I don’t have all the answers – I found hope from reading the scriptures.”

As well as writing the book, ‘Facing Cancer Standing Tall: One Christian’s journey to finding joy,’ Rev Adger also recorded several inspirational videos of his journey.

In a message on Facebook, Clough and Seaforde Presbyterian Church said: “Our dearly loved Minister, Husband and Friend Adrian was called home to Glory in the early hours of Wednesday morning.”

The message states that the manse remains strictly private due to the Covid restrictions, and adds: “There will we a service of thanksgiving for the life of Rev Adrian Adger live streamed on Facebook on either Friday 15 or Saturday 16 January and time will be confirmed later. Please uphold Karen and the family circle in prayer.”

Clough Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Lewis said Rev Adger was both a minister and “a very dear friend” to the congregation.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Reverend Adrian Adger. A man of strong Christian faith, full of joy and a contagious smile which spread to everyone that he met. This loss is a truly devastating blow for not only his family but the wider community and congregation of Seaforde and Clough.

“Adrian and Karen moved to Clough and made the village their home. They instantly became part of our community. Rev Adger went the extra mile to attend events and involve himself to reach out and integrate himself into the fabric of our lives. He was not only our Minister but a very dear friend,” he said.

“His bravery and dedication was evident, following the diagnoses of his illness. He authored books and produced short videos while carrying on at the pulpit, articulating his struggle and faith in the hope that others might find comfort in their hour of need. Adrian embodied all the Christian qualities which ensured his light shone onto those who needed help and reassurance.

“On a personal level he strengthened my faith, steadied me in times of worry, and was very much the pillar of spiritual guidance both personally and professionally. I’ll remember the long-detailed telephone calls which began with a problem and concluded with a solution followed by some laughter. Not long after I was elected I welcomed Adrian and Karen into the council offices, where we shared a prayer, to me that will always be a very special personal memory, which I will hold dear.”

Cllr Lewis added: “We have lost a true friend, an absolute gentleman, which we will never see his likes again. I send my deepest condolences to Karen, and the wider family circle. Adrian will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

READ: Rev Adrian Adger: I was 54 when I was given incurable cancer diagnosis

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor