Rev David Kelly (Minister)
David is married to Lauren and has two beautiful children, Isaiah and Olivia. David commenced his ministry in Woodlands in April 2025 after almost seven fruitful years serving the congregations of Woodburn and Loughmourne.
Jonny Addis
Jonny is married to Olivia and has been attending Woodlands for over 20 years, becoming an elder in 2022. Outside of church life, Jonny is a teacher at Whitehead Primary School and has a keen interest in sports.
Brian Allen
Brian is married to Naomi and they have two grown up children: Jessica and Andrew. Brian says "I am a sinner saved by the Grace and Mercy of God I thank Him for it every day!" Brian's wife Naomi, started bringing Jessica to parent and toddlers in Woodlands over 20 years ago and was befriended by some of the wonderfully Godly ladies, who went on to invite her to a Christianity Explored course which God used to open both her and, subsequently, Brian's eyes to their need of a Saviour! Brian feels privileged to be a part of the Woodlands community of faith for over 15 years now, growing, learning and serving along side ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Dr Ian Drysdale (Clerk of Session)
Ian became a Christian when he was 18 and joined Woodlands in 1977 when it was a Church Extension Charge. He married Rae in 1981 and both have served God in a variety of ministries in Woodlands eg Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Holiday Bible Clubs. Ian was called to be an elder in 1981 and has been Clerk of Session since 2006. His main interest is in teaching God’s word whether in Cell groups or public preaching. He also has interests in discipleship and church growth. After 39 years in the classroom, including 17 as vice Principal - he joyfully retired in August 2017. He presently serves on the SU East Antrim District Support team. Ian and Rae have two adult children, Peter and Alison who are both married.
Peter Drysdale
Peter is married to Catrina and has been a member of Woodlands from a young age. He has been involved in a support role in various ministries over the years and became an elder in 2022. Outside church he works as a business analyst and enjoys reading, writing and technology.
Rick Gibson
Rick came to faith in 2014 and has been attending Woodlands since 2017. Ring served on committee since 2019 and was ordained as an elder in 2022. He is married to Heather and they have three beautiful children Jonah, Joel and Clara. Rick is a keen Manchester United fan.
Desy Hawthorne
Desy became a Christian over 55 years ago at his home church’s youth fellowship Easter Conference in 1967. He married Dee and came to live in Carrickfergus in 1973 joining First Presbyterian Church in the town and getting involved in the Boys’ Brigade there. Desy joined Woodlands in October 1978 when the new church building opened and down the years has served the Lord on church committee as well as an Officer and, for a time, Captain of 5th Carrickfergus BB Company. He was ordained as an Elder in 1987 being Clerk of Session for 13 years. Currently he is involved in several aspects of the ministry in Woodlands. He is retired after many years as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with his own business in the town and in his family life he has 3 married sons with 11 grandchildren.
Graham Hawthorne
Graham is married to Judith and has three beautiful daughters: Gracie, and twins Elsa and Evie and is foster daddy to Mark. Outside of Woodlands, Graham works in the charity sector for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Graham is actively involved in developing ministry to children and young people with additional needs through training church leaders and ministry workers to become more inclusive in their ministry. Graham grew up within Woodlands congregation and has been Musical Director of Woodlands since January 1998 and, working alongside David, has developed the music, musicians and support team to enable the church body to become an authentic worshipping community. Graham became an elder in June 2016.
Marty Holmes
Marty is married to Maggi and they have two grown up children, Mark (who lives at home) and Jenna (who lives in London). Although retired, Maggi finds plenty for Marty to do, but he also enjoys playing golf (sometimes well) and he loves all sport. Marty says "I love this Church and the variety of people within". God is doing great things in and through our fellowship, but Marty's yearning is to see everyone who can, be involved in some type of ministry. Let’s continue to see Woodlands grow in Grace and Mercy.
Brian Ingram
Brian and Norma and their four children joined Woodlands Presbyterian Church in 1986 having both come to faith in 1982. They have twelve wonderful grandchildren. Brian became a church elder in 1996 and is currently a cell group leader and recently retired after many years in the role as Designated Person for the Safeguarding of children and adults at risk.
Nathan McConnell
Nathan came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour as a 16 year old after fully understanding the gospel message . He has been attending Woodlands since 2012 and it is here where he met his wife Lynsey. Together they have two children, Elijah and Isla, and as a family they love every aspect of church life. Away from church life Nathan is a school teacher in East Belfast and has a passion for sport and particularly football where he enjoys being involved in coaching all age groups.
Andrew McCorkell
Andrew is married to Rachel and they have 4 children, Luke, Rebekah, Noah and Hannah. Andrew and Rachel have attended Woodlands since 2013 and became members in 2016. When not working, Andrew enjoys spending time out and about with the family. Andrew enjoys leading a cell group, learning and teaching and enjoying fellowship with other believers. Andrews loves that they, as a family, are able to be part of a Church that is Bible affirming and Christ centred.
John Morgan
John has lived in the Carrickfergus area most of his life coming to Woodlands from a young age. He became an elder in 2007 and is currently involved in the Small Groups ministry. John and his wife Kirsty have three boys, Sam, Jake, and Tom.
Robert Morgan
Robert has lived in the Carrickfergus area most of his life. Married to Karen with three married children John, Rachael and Peter. He joined Woodlands in 1984 and became an elder in 1990.
Jonny Parkes
Jonny is married to Lois and they have 2 children, Alfie and Eliza. He has been connected to Woodlands most of his life, coming up through BB and Youth Fellowship, becoming a Christian at the age of 17. He is part of the praise band in Woodlands and became an elder in 2022. Outside of church life he works in a local school and his main interests are sports, photography, graphic design and music.
Robin Scott
Robin came to faith in 1978 during a mission in his home congregation. In 1985 he left retail management to commence theological studies at Bible College in England. He is married to Joy and they have two daughters, Gillian and Judith. They joined the Woodlands family in 1989. Over the years he has been actively involved in church activities, Sunday school, Christianity Explored and committee. In 2007 Robin was ordained as an elder and enjoys being part of a community that are keen to share their faith with those who attend Woodlands but are also keen to live out their faith in the market place of life. Robin is the Chief Executive of Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland a Christian ministry to prisoners, former prisoners and their families.