New minister installed at Seaforde at Clough Presbyterian Churches

26 January 2022

A NEW chapter in the history of Clough and Seaforde Presbyterian Churches opened last week with the installation and ordination of a new minister, the Rev David Bingham.

Mr Bingham — who is the youngest minister in the Down Presbytery — succeeds former minister, the much loved and highly respected Rev Adrian Adger, who sadly passed away in January last year after a long battle with cancer.

The address during the service was delivered by the Rev Owen Patterson, minister of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church, who helped out during the vacancy following Mr Adger’s passing.

During the service, which was livestreamed to the nearby church hall and to people’s homes, Clough Presbyterian Clerk of Session, Mr William McCall and Seaforde Clerk of Session, Mr

David Croskery, both gave short

addresses formally welcoming their new minister.

Mr McCall also welcomed visiting clergy and members of both congregations to what he said was a special evening, thanking the Presbytery

Commission for its help during the

vacancy.

“We especially welcome David’s family, friends and associates to this very special occasion for us as a congregation of Clough and Seaforde. It is good to have David’s wife, Sarah, and daughter, Susannah, with us who are very important members of the Manse family,” he said.

“Having met David on a number of occasions it is good now to be able to address him as the Rev David Bingham and assure him of our prayers for him and his family.”

Mr McCall said many people have been in touch expressing their good wishes, assuring their prayers for David and his ministry in Clough and Seaforde. He said many have stated the high regard they hold David in.

“We give thanks to Almighty God

for how he has guided in fulfilling the vacancy and bringing the Bingham family to the Manse. David is the 22nd minister of Clough and Seaforde Presbyterian Church since 1685,” he said.

Mr McCall said it just over two weeks since the first anniversary of the passing of Mr Adger, explaining that the congregations still mourned his death and extending to Mr Adger’s wife, Karen, “our continued sympathy and support for the loss of her loving husband Adrian”.

He added: “We pray that God will bless David’s ministry in Clough and Seaforde.”

Mr Croskery said it was his privilege on behalf of the people of Seaforde to welcome the new minister and pray for God’s richest blessing upon him and his family.

He also gave a brief history of Seaforde church and also remembered the work and ministry of Mr Adger.

“We take great comfort knowing that Adrian is with the Lord and may we continue to pray for Karen in the years ahead,” he said.

Mr Croskery asked for God’s blessing on the new minister as he begins his ministry in Clough and Seaforde.

Following the service of installation and ordination, supper was served to invited guests in the adjoining church hall.

Local councillor Alan Lewis, who is a member of the Clough and Seaforde congregation, attended the service.

He welcomed Mr Bingham and also said he had many memories of Mr Adger.

“I am reminded of his commitment to our church, village and community. I personally reflect on his Christian guidance and support throughout his time at Clough.

As we enter this new chapter with David and his wonderful family we take strength from those who have gone before.”

He added: “On behalf of the community I warmly welcome Rev Bingham, his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Susannah, to not only our church but our community.

“I trust and pray that they will make our village their home and enjoy many years of success and future happiness at Clough.

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