Rector – Liz O’Ryan
Hello! My name is Liz O’Ryan and I am mother of three grown up children, wife to Phil and Rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Haddington. I grew up in Oxfordshire and spent twenty years in south Birmingham where I taught Primary School children for 15 years, got married and had the family. When Phil’s job brought him to Scotland – Greenock to be precise – I had never visited beyond Manchester (!) – but now, twenty years later I can say that the move north has the best thing for me and all the family.
When I arrived in Scotland the children were small and it took me years to realise my lifelong calling to the priesthood. But in 2011 I was ordained deacon, and ordained priest in 2012. After enjoying my three year curacy at St John’s Greenock I became Associate Priest at St Augustine’s, Dumbarton and St Mungo’s Alexandria. After almost five years it was clear God was calling me to move again in order to take on my own parish and through His grace and providence I came to Holy Trinity – going from one side of the country to the other! I took up the post in March 2019.
Since being here I have enjoyed the town and also the beautiful countryside. I have gone walking in the Lammermuirs and feel very much at home amongst the historic buildings which remind me of Oxford. The church and its people remain a constant joy and privilege to minister to. In 2020 we are focussed on our 250th year of our building – although we know that it was actually built on the site of a much older Franciscan Abbey – which has given us a sense of history and our story. The year has involved organising a monthly event which has brought the community together and meant we have got to know each other in new and exciting ways.
Holy Trinity remains one of the most welcoming congregations I have had the pleasure of knowing. We are like a big family. The church is open every day and I hope that those who visit or pop in for a few moments can sense God’s peace and welcome. If you are reading this, please feel free to email me or phone with any queries or questions:
07949 667 135
Judith Wilkinson – Anna Chaplain, Lay Representative and Sacristan.
I’ve been a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church since moving to East Lothian in 1988 and have held several roles within the church.
In February 2024, I was commissioned as an Anna Chaplain and the following July I was Licensed to be the Chaplain to the residents in Haddington Care Home (HCH). I was appointed and authorised by, and I’m accountable to the Rector and Vestry of Holy Trinity Church. So far, this has been a great success and I find my Ministry there to be very rewarding. Anna Chaplaincy is an ecumenical, community-based chaplaincy to older people, and whilst the organisation is part of the Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF), my role is to reach out to people of all faiths and none. I make no distinction between church-goers and non-church-goers and I include relatives and carers who also need to be shown love and hope. In my time at HCH, I have held regular services of Holy Communion, Memorial Services for residents who have died and a Service of Remembrance on Armistice Day. It has been a privilege and honour to get to know the residents and staff at HCH, and I’m very thankful to have been accepted by all and regarded as part of the “team”.
I have been the Lay Representative of Holy Trinity congregation since 2011. This role requires me to attend the Diocesan Synod twice a year and to report any significant issues or news arising from those Synods to the congregation. Synods are also a good opportunity to catch up with other Lay Reps, clergy and friends in the Diocese! Usually, we hold an annual Diocesan “Big Day” in the spring or early summer which gives every congregation in the Diocese a chance to socialise and meet new friends.
I have held the role of Sacristan since 2004. This involves having a team of Altar Servers to assist the clergy during Eucharistic Services and to make sure the church is set up for the service. I like to involve any children in clearing up after the services such as snuffing out the candles and clearing away the silverware so that they have an idea of the meaning of our service. I’m also responsible for ordering all supplies necessary for our services, candles, Communion bread and wine etc. This is indeed a fascinating Ministry which I’m reluctant to give up any time soon!
Rectors Warden – John Elcock
In 1988, my appointment as a Lecturer at the Scottish Agricultural College (from which I have since retired), brought the Elcock family from Surrey to Haddington. Since then we have been proud to call Holy Trinity our spiritual home.
As Rector’s Warden, I do what I can to support Liz in her ministry with us. It is also the job of the Rector’s Warden to look after the fabric of the Church, Rectory and Trinity Centre.
I enjoy sport, ringing bells, singing and am the proud owner of a 1941 vintage tractor.
