New Killyleagh Presbyterian minister set to make history

30 March 2022

HISTORY is set to be made in Killyleagh with the appointment of a new Presbyterian minister.

The Rev Jonathan Boyd will bridge a 191-year gap when he takes up post in the town.

He received a ‘call’ from members of the Killyleagh congregation to become the leader of their church — the first person since 1831 called to lead a united Presbyterian church in the town. The last one was the Rev Andrew Breakey.

When a second Presbyterian Church was opened in Killyleagh in 1840, it led to two separate congregations each calling their own ministers over the years. They eventually amalgamated and have now become one congregation after the church was formally united last year.

At a meeting last week, Mr Boyd was the unanimous choice of the congregation to become the next minister.

He is currently minister of Hyde Park and Lylehill, near Templepatrick, where he has served for almost nine years.

Mr Boyd is married to Jane, and they have four children — Joshua, Jacob, Jonah and Joy.

The Clerk of Kirk Session of the Killyleagh church, Mr Graham Furey, said: “We are pleased that the Rev Jonathan Boyd has accepted our call and we look forward to him coming to Killyleagh.”

Mr Boyd is due to be installed as minister at a service in the Plantation Street church on Thursday, May 5.

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