About Us
Agherton Parish is a family, welcoming people of every age and background. Each person is valued and has a place in parish life. We especially encourage our young people to be actively involved, recognising their energy and gifts as vital to our future.
We are committed to being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us - our finances, buildings and resources. With integrity and care, we are a community where all feel safe, respected and supported. St Paul wrote "one body in Christ", called to love and serve together.
Looking forward to 2026 and beyond, we commit to deepening our relationship with Christ through prayer, supporting families and caring for the poor and lonely - living out Jesus' call to be salt and light in the world.
Our Ministry Team.
Rev Malcolm Ferry
Revd Malcolm is married to Carol, and they have three grown-up children - James, Sarah and Rebekah.
Originally from Donaghmore in the Diocese of Armagh, Malcolm began his ordained ministry here at Agherton Parish, Portstewart, in 1996. After serving in several parishes across the Dioceses of Connor and Derry & Raphoe, he is delighted to return as Rector to the church where it all began.
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"Agherton holds many happy memories for us," Malcolm says. "It's wonderful to be back among such generous and welcoming people as we continue our journey of faith together."
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Malcolm enjoys music, football (he's a loyal Manchester United fan and is chaplain of Coleraine FC!), and time with family and friends.
Rev Brian Shaw
Local Ordained Minister
Originally from Greyabbey, Rev Brian Shaw rediscovered his faith after some years away from church and soon felt called to serve God in ministry. That journey eventually led to his ordination as a Deacon in Portstewart — a special moment made even more meaningful by the presence of Canon Kevin Graham, who had first encouraged him years earlier.
Now serving at Agherton Parish, Brian combines his ministry with full-time work at Triangle Housing Association, helping people with learning disabilities and social barriers to develop skills and find employment. He and his wife Naomi live in Portstewart with their two young sons, Thomas and Isaac.
“I’m grateful every day for the chance to serve God here in Portstewart and to share in the life of this wonderful parish community.”
Naomi Jennings
Family Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Naomi Jennings recently joined the team at Agherton Parish and is passionate about supporting and encouraging families in Portstewart and beyond. With a background in nursing, family support, and mission work, Naomi has cared for children and families in many settings — from the NI Children’s Hospice and Barnardo’s to work with refugee families and time spent living in India.
Born in Ballymoney, Naomi is married to Nigel, and they have three children — a daughter at university and two boys in secondary school. Together, they love the outdoors, adventure, and life on the beautiful North Coast.
“I’m passionate about helping families experience God’s love in real and practical ways — and I’m excited for all that God has in store for us here at Agherton Parish.”
Parish Nurses
"The parish nurses will look for those who are most vulnerable – the elderly, people coming home from hospital, new mums and others. This is a holistic approach to pastoral care".
“An important aspect to these appointments will be that the parish nurses are able to pray as part of the spiritual care of those being visited. When a person in authority prays with someone, it gives them a heightened sense of God’s peace and well–being."
"By reconnecting people in the geographical boundaries of the parish to a church that cares, we want them to reconnect with a church that worships,”
Eileen Irwin
Eileen said she was ‘blown away’ by the role. “I have a long history of nursing, most latterly in the community, but with the constraints in the NHS you don’t get the opportunity to explore Christianity or faith,” she said. “When I saw this job, I thought ‘Wow, that’s what holistic nursing is all about!’
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“What an opportunity in these days when there is so much mental illness and loneliness. This job is about signposting people to existing services and giving support from a Christian perspective on their journey.
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“I am very excited to be able to share faith and nursing together. It is so new and innovative, it is just wonderful and an interesting new challenge of faith.”
Noelle McNinch
Noelle said “My nursing experience has involved school nursing, diabetes, elderly care and palliative care. I have gained counselling skills and have completed courses in youth ministry, pastoral care and recently the ‘Cornhill Course,’” she said.
“As a nurse, total patient care is my aim, and pain can be caused by physical, emotional and spiritual distress. This new role permits the nurse to use God’s Word, prayer and to spend time with parishioners in order to alleviate their pain and aid in the healing process.”
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Who's Who in Agherton Parish
Office Administrator
Sexton
Garry Huffington
Sacristans
Diana Hall
David McCullough
Hon Secretary
Maureen Glover
Tel: 02870833277
Director of Music
Adam Roxborough
Select Vestry
Rector, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon.Secretary, Hon.Treasurer, Eleanor Anderson, Beryl Dobbs, David Gamble, Alicean Handforth, Alison Huffington, John Lindsay, Richard Mills, Wilf Ridge, Rae Scott, Dylan Sheppard
Hon Treasurer
Rosemary Peters-Gallagher
02870833277
Churchwardens
Ann Brown
Lucy Huffington
Glebewardens
Rector's- Derek Smyth
People's - Danny Platt
Church Based
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Being faithful to God for this generation and the generations to come
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Promoting the Christian way of living through our example
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Encouraging parishioners in their call to serve in our various ministries
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Bringing sacred ministry to the elderly
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Continuing the vital work of our Parish Nurse ministry to those in need
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Celebrating our growing church and the increased Sunday attendances
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Developing our worship through a range of church music
Community Based
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Increasing our children's work and supporting the local primary school
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Maintaining our beautiful historic church
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Improving the parish centre facilities
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Maintaining our Christian leadership in Portstewart
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Pioneering mission work in the community for those with little or no connection to church
OUR VISION for 2026-2030
The Church of John the Baptist