St John’s Orangefield welcomes a new rector
Bishop Harold has instituted Revd Ross Wilson as rector of St John’s Orangefield. The preacher at the service was Archdeacon David McClay, rector of Willowfield, where Ross has served as curate for the past 3 years.
Welcoming the new rector on behalf of the Select Vestry, Barabara Lomas pointed out that it was something of a homecoming for Ross as his grandparents, aunts and uncles and even his mother had strong connections with the parish.
Ross is married to Sonia and they have 3 girls aged between 9 and 15. He was brought up in Bangor and then Ballynahinch before going to university in Bath where he met his future wife. They married and worked in business around London for a few years before joining a Christian charity called Viva Network.
About 10 years ago the family moved to Thailand with Church Mission Society to help develop a social action project. Tragically, within 6 months of their arrival, their leader died suddenly and the slum where they worked was destroyed by fire. They began working for an Anglican church in the city–centre instead and loved it!
“During this time, we became convinced that God was asking me to get ordained, as a life–calling to encourage people in faith,” says Ross. “So after 6 years in the Far East, we returned to England for theological training in Bristol before moving back home to Northern Ireland – to Willowfield Parish – where we have enjoyed 3 very happy years.”
Ross loves sport but particularly enjoys watching football (Nottingham Forest fan) and rugby (Ulster season ticket holder). Sonia loves movies and chocolate!
Of their move to Orangefield, Ross says: “We are really excited to be part of what God wants to do in and through His church at St John’s, Orangefield. We have already met a number of amazing people who are part of the church here, and are looking forward to getting to know many others in the church and in the neighbourhood. We are praying that God will grow things in St Johns….grow our faith together, grow the number of people we are helping to engage with God and grow our impact together on the community around us.
“As we begin to minister on the Castlereagh Road, please pray for the transition and settling–in period – that we would build good relationships with the people of Orangefield Parish and that together we will be fruitful for God.”