Dromore Presbyterian Sunday School teacher retires after 40 years of service

DROMORE Presbyterian Church has paid tribute to long-serving Sunday School teacher Goldie Martin, who retired after an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service.

A special presentation was held on Sunday, September 21, when Rev. Jonathan Cowan, along with church members Doreen Keys and Andrew Oliver, presented Goldie with gifts to mark the milestone.

Goldie admitted she was “very surprised” by the gesture.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she said. “Rev. Cowan is a very good minister; he really put me at ease. Before the service, he said to me, ‘I don’t want you to get a shock, but we are doing a presentation to you today.’”

Goldie began teaching Sunday School in the mid-1980s and went on to become superintendent, overseeing timetables, events, and the children’s choir. For decades, she faithfully taught the senior class every Sunday.

“I don’t think I was ever sick on a Sunday,” she said. “I was always there. I feel very thankful for my good health.”

Reflecting on the most rewarding parts of her service, she said: “The highlight has been seeing the children grow up through the three different Sunday School age groups. I’ve had the privilege of teaching them from the age of four or five, watching them become full members of the church at around 15, and even seeing some of my former pupils married in the church. Last year alone, five children I taught became full members through communion. That makes me very proud.”

Goldie said she particularly enjoyed teaching the New Testament and took pride in helping to nurture the faith of generations of young people.

“I will miss it now,” she said. “But I will still be out at my church to see the children.”

Following the presentation, the congregation enjoyed a celebratory dinner in the church hall, with a three-course meal offering a choice of turkey and ham, salmon, or roast beef, followed by dessert, tea and coffee.

Paying tribute to her colleagues, Goldie described Doreen Keys as “very good” and noted her recent ordination as one of the newest elders in the church.

Looking back on her 40 years of service, she summed up her feelings simply: “I took great pride in my work, and it has been a joy to watch the children grow in their faith. It was busy at times, but always worthwhile. I am thankful for the years I have had.”