People

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.

Rev Robin Brown

Minister

Robin was born in Bangor and raised in First Bangor Presbyterian Church. He committed his life to follow Jesus while at BB Camp in Scotland. After studying Civil Engineering at Queens University, he worked for three years in Belfast before answering God’s Call to ministry within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, serving his Assistantship in Rathcoole.

In 1990 Robin’s first charge was in Ardstraw and Douglas Congregations before being called to 2nd Randalstown in 1999. He was installed as our minister in First Portadown in April 2017.

Married to Liz they have four children; Simon, Emma, Robyn and Peter. They also have five grandchildren; Kyle, Sophie, Naomi, Jack and Rebecca – with a sixth grandchild on the way!

Joanna McFarland

Ministry Coordinator

Joanna is our Ministry Coordinator for emerging adults and has been part of First Portadown since the Spring of 2023. After graduating she worked as a Multimedia Developer before answering the Lord’s call to serve Him in London for eight years. While in London she did various mission work, completed the Cornhill Training Course, and spent four years on staff working with women and youth at the International Presbyterian Church Ealing. She has recently completed an MA in Theology with Union Theological College. Her role in First Portadown focuses on evangelism and discipleship primarily among the 18-35 age group.

Robert Dowey

Clerk of Session

Kirsty Lee Finlay

Church Administrator and Female Pastoral Worker

Kirsty-Lee grew up in Portadown and even though First Portadown was not her home church, she spent much of her childhood attending the Sunday School here. It was through Edenderry CE that Kirsty-Lee came to faith and continued to attend CE into her early twenties when her first daughter was born.

Kirsty-Lee studied Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis University College and spent 12 years working as a Playgroup Leader in an Early Years setting in Dungannon. In 2018 Kirsty-Lee took a leap of faith and answered God’s call to say goodbye to her work with children and take up the role of Church Administrator. Kirsty-Lee is also the Female Pastoral Worker.

Kirsty-Lee is married to David and they have three children, Leah, Charlotte and Ryan.

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