This week, the 256th Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland will take place in Thomas Street Methodist Church, Portadown with the installation of a new President of the Methodist Church in Ireland.
The Conference is the “supreme court of the Church”, as the “final authority in the Church in all matters of doctrine, worship, discipline and order”.
The first conference in Ireland was called by John Wesley in 1752 and was held in Limerick. With a few exceptions, the Irish Conference had been chaired by the successor of John Wesley, the President of the Methodist Church in England, until recently.
In the last number of years the Church has elected a President annually – who chairs the Conference and other committees throughout the year – as well as visiting Methodist congregations all over the island and representing the Church in the public sphere.
Taking place from Thursday, June 5 to Saturday, June 7, the Conference will begin with a Ministerial Session on Thursday morning and will conclude with the Representative Session and installation of the Portadown Methodist Circuit Superintendent, Rev Alan Wardlow, as the new President of the Methodist Church in Ireland.
Speaking to the installation of Rev Alan Wardlow as President, Minister of Thomas Street – and Rev Alan’s immediate Methodist colleague in Portadown – Rev Darrin Thompson said: “I am just absolutely delighted that Alan is being installed in our church, and on the circuit he is Superintendent of.
“Portadown Methodism is very proud. Alan has faithfully served the people of Portadown for seven years now, and we will miss him greatly locally, but he will be a true blessing to the Methodist Church for the next 12 months as President.”
The website for the Conference explains: “This year, as we focus as a Connexion on growth and evangelism, we want to be renewed in our passion and conviction to make Christ known. Like Paul, we want to declare that the love of Christ compels us.
“The Rev Alan Wardlow – as he steps into the role of President of the Methodist Church in Ireland – will lead us on this journey, inviting us to rediscover the power of the Spirit at work within us, and challenging us in how we are to live out the love of Christ every day.”
An Ordination Service will then take place on the Friday evening at 7.30pm, where two new Ministers will be ordained, including Portadown-born, Rev Andrew Topley and Rev Fadzi Jongoro.
Of Rev Andrew Topley’s ordination, Rev Darrin Thompson added: “Rev Andrew Topley is one of Portadown’s own, and it will be so special for him to be ordained in Thomas Street.
“Andrew is well known in the town, and held in high regard by many. But the churches are so delighted he has reached this stage, and his testimony of God’s saving power is a blessing for all to see.”
The Conference will conclude on Saturday June 7 at approximately 7pm.
