Retirement of Rev Mark Johnston
Rev. Mark Johnston had his last Sunday as Minister of our Groomsport congregation on 1st February, 2026.
The congregation marked the occasion with a special meal at the Stables restaurant in Groomsport on Saturday 7th February.
At the end of the meal Rev. Robert Beckett, Moderator of the EPC spoke about Mark’s 42 years in the ministry, in the EPC at Richhill and Groomsport, in London, the USA and Wales. There were greetings from the new Interim Moderator Rev. Marcus Hobson, and the minister of Groomsport Parish Church Rev. Elliot Swattridge. Rev. Gareth Burke shared some memories of their time in the ministry going back as far as the Queens’ University Christian Union. Rev. Johnston responded with thanks and spoke of God’s enabling over the years in the work.
Presentations were then made to Rev. Mark Johnston, Fiona and Lindsay.
The meal was beautiful, including a cake made for the occasion. It was an excellent time of fellowship and a very fitting way to mark this time of change for the Groomsport congregation and the Johnston family.
Marcus Hobson
