People are the most valued resource here at First Portadown. Within the large family of our congregation, an outstanding number of people volunteer their time and skills to our work and witness. From teachers and leaders to caretakers and tea makers, each are vitally important in the life of our Church.
We are led by a strong pastoral team and Kirk Session. Find out more about our pastoral team in their profiles below.
Pastoral Team
Rt Re
Minister
Reverend Stafford Carson was installed as minister of First Presbyterian Church, Portadown on 3 June 2005. He is a graduate of the University of Ulster, Queen's University, Belfast, and Westminster Theological Seminary. Mr Carson served as minister of Kells and Eskylane Presbyterian Churches, Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, and from 2000-05 was Executive Vice President of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is married to Patricia and they have three children, Sara, Luke, and Ruth.
Rev Stafford Carson's blog: www.staffordcarson.com
Assistant Minister
Alastair was inducted as assistant minister at the beginning of April 2009. He previously served as assistant minister in First Antrim, and then in Harryville, Ballymena, where he was ordained in May 2007. Alastair is a graduate of St. Andrews University, and Queen's University, Belfast, having also spent two years at Regent College, Vancouver. He completed the Cornhill Training Course, London (The Proclamation Trust) in 2004. He is married to Judith and they have a baby girl called Philippa.
Link: The Proclamation Trust
Mr. Jack Bennett
Lay Assistant
Secular employment was followed by preparation for full-time Christian ministry. This involved Bible College plus three most helpful years in evangelistic work with the Faith Mission mainly in the Midlands of England followed by one year’s study in London – all excellent training for missionary work in Brazil.
Jack left UK for Brazil in 1971 to work with Acre Gospel Mission in the Amazonia region. In October 1973 he married June and they served the Lord together for another 15 years in Brazil. God blessed them with 3 sons: Andrew, Mark and David. A six-year pastorate in a small church in rural mid-Ulster preceded a busy and profitable period of seven years as Secretary of Acre Gospel Mission, based in Belfast. His appointment as full-time lay assistant in First Portadown Presbyterian Church took effect as from 1st February 2002 and he happily fulfils his role as part of the Pastoral Team of the church.
Margaret Hynes
Lay Visitor
Margaret is a wife and mother who has extensive experience as a midwife and manager in the Health Service. She combines her responsibilities in the church with part-time duties as a midwife in Craigavon Area Hospital. In her role as lay visitor Margaret has a special interest in the pastoral needs and concerns of the women in the congregation.
Director of Music
Paul Savage
Paul was appointed Director of Music in April 2009. He graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast in July 2007 with a degree in music. Aside church duties, Paul is a piano tutor, teaching from home and in primary and secondary schools. Paul is very much enjoying praise and worship in 1st Portadown as he encourages and works with various age groups and styles!
