Native to Lurgan, Sydney and his wife Freda, were 'called' to the congregation from Donaghcloney Elim Church six years ago. Throughout this time there has certainly been a consolidation of the work and witness of the thriving local fellowship both at home and abroad.
Says Sydney: "We are a very 'missionary minded' Church. In practical ways we would be involved in providing clothing, foodstuff, toys and financial help to overseas Mission Stations."

He adds: "In Northern Ireland Elim's responsibility is to Central and Southern Africa. This year our main focus is on Zimbabwe, which is very much in the news and also it is the 30th anniversary of the Vumba tragedy.

This atrocity is particularly well remembered by the Cullybackey people because of Roy Lynn, a member of the Church and one of the missionaries who was murdered."

Alongside his heart for international missions, Sydney has also enjoyed his day-to-day responsibilities as a preacher and Pastor.
He adds: "I like talking to people on a one-to-one basis and visitation, especially those in nursing care and hospital who can no longer get along to Church, I feel a big responsibility in that direction."

"I do want to say that we have appreciated living in Cullybackey, we have a great rapport and relationship with the Ministers in the village and indeed with the people there. I must say that I have really enjoyed meeting with them all".

Sydney realises that it will not be easy for him to lay down the reins of full-time ministry.

Having become a Christian at fourteen, he has been preaching regularly since he was seventeen. And, despite having no formal theological training, Sydney was invited to become Pastor at Annaghanoon just over 20 years ago after serving in various offices in his local Church. He attributes his knowledge of the Scripture to personal study and also to the faithful expository teaching of his minister Pastor John Harris. Truly therefore it can be said that he is a Christian Pastor equipped by the spirit and power of God.
Consequently, retirement will not be an entirely painless process but Sydney and Freda hope to be kept busy with numerous activities.

He says: "I would like to think that I will be kept busy with preaching engagements, obviously helping out in Churches where they have no minister and involved in other types of Christian service."
"My wife and I also do Tour Leader for Huttons Special Interest Tours in that we would lead Christian tours for them. We have recently returned from Torremolinos and the day after we finish in Cullybackey, we will be going to Bournemouth with a group for a week."
In conclusion Sydney would like to thank the many people of Cullybackey for their good wishes as news of his retirement became known in the village.