Rector ‘instituted’ in Parish of Ahoghill & Portglenone

Originally from Coleraine, Gary is married to Gillian and the couple have four children. Their eldest, Daniel is studying Biomedical Engineering at Jordanstown; Bethan is about to begin teacher training in Stirling and twins Hannah and Timothy, (13), both attend Ballymena Academy.

Gary himself was educated at Coleraine Academical Institution before moving to Cardiff to read Computing and later, Theology.

Revealing a little of his personal testimony, Gary said: “I became a Christian at the age of 16 through Youthmix, a youth congregation made up of young people from local churches, in Coleraine. I would also pay tribute to the faithfulness of my youth fellowship leaders and Canon Harry Woodhead in Killowen Parish Church and acknowledge the part they played in me coming to faith and knowing Jesus as my Saviour.”

His ordination took place in Llandaff Cathedral, Wales in 1991. He was a curate in two parishes in the Diocese of Llandaff over a period of six years, before he was appointed Rector of Dromara and Garvaghy, Diocese of Down and Dromore, in 1997.

A move to the incumbency of Kilkeel beckoned in 2001 and then to St Paul and St Barnabas, Diocese of Connor, in 2008.

Talking about the lead up to his latest appointment, Gary said: “The opportunity to serve in Ahoghill & Portglenone came through a conversation with Bishop Alan Abernethy. Then it was a case of discerning that call with the parochical nominators. I met with them and prayed and with God’s help, I came to the conclusion that it was the right step to take.”

A number of people took part in Gary’s‘institution.’ It fell to Captain Scott McDonald, (Minister-in-Charge of Glencairn) to preach. Also involved was Archdeacon Stephen Forde, (Dalriada), Bishop or Connor, Rt. Rev. Alan Abernethy and of course, various parishioners from Ahoghill and Portglenone.

Around 400 families currently worship in the two parishes. Pastoring such a large number of people promises to be an interesting and enriching challenge for the incoming Rector, who went on to say: “

“I am excited but daunted by the enormity of it all. However I know that with God’s help and by working with the people in the parishes all things are possible.”

“I look forward to working in both Churches, helping them to discern God’s call for them at the moment and putting together a strategy for the future. Together we will be looking at different aspects of ministry, the elderly, youth, children, families, the local communities and implementing a Parish Development Programme”, he explained.

Gary has a passion for preaching and teaching and helping people live our their faith.

Outside church, Gary likes to swim, read and spend time with his family. He also admits to being a secret supporter of the Welsh rugby team. When Gary was serving in Wales, JPR Williams was a friend and member of his congregation and both of his eldest children are Welsh so there are always divided loyalties in the Millar household!