Christian Education was sad to lose Rev Mercer from the work in Ulster due to his acceptance of a call to become the new minister of Faith Free Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina, USA.
Rev Mercer has been involved in the work in Mourne I.C.S. for a number of years and has served as Convenor of the Presbytery Education Board for the last five years.
A special night was hosted by the Education Board for Rev. & Mrs Mercer to acknowledge their labours.
Mrs Mercer had recently commenced teaching in Mourne school. Education Board members together with School representatives met at the Whitefield College of the Bible on Monday 15th June.
After a sumptuous buffet dinner, the secretary of the Board, Rev David Park, called upon Rev Kenneth Elliott to say a few words. He paid tribute to the faithful and wise service given by Mr Mercer over these past five years as Convener and wished him the Lord’s blessing as he moves to America. Rev Elliott presented a monetary gift to the outgoing Convener on behalf of the Education Board and Christian Schools.
Rev McClung presented a pencil portrait to the Lord’s servant, something to remind him of the year in which he left Christian Education in Ulster. Mrs Sharon Kirker had been commissioned to draw three of the well-known ministers of the 1859 Revival who were so manifestly used of God in Ulster’s Year of Grace. Mrs. Priestley presented Mrs. Mercer with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Rev. Patterson committed the Lord’s servants and their future to God in prayer.
Report by Rev D. Park
