Once hailed as 'the best joiner in Dromore' by a former employer, Ernie's service to his own church, and others in the area, has drawn on his trade, as well as his faith.
Ernie spent 38 years working for John Graham (Dromore), reaching the managerial position of Joinery Foreman before working for several other local construction companies.One of a family of craftsmen - his late father Walter and late brother Joe were also noted carpenters with John Graham(Dromore) - among other things Ernie turned his 'God-given' talent to making the pulpits for Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church, Dromore and Drumlough Presbyterian Church.Described as a brilliant woodworker, he can certainly be said of have left his mark, in more ways than one, at First Dromore (Non-Subscribing), where in the early 1980s he personally constructed the two 16-foot windows at either side of the pulpit, as well as the sacramental War Memorial window.
Beyond that, having taken over the sexton's position from the late Mr. Billy Mitchell in 1994, he has for decades been actively involved in various church activities, including the Property Committee, helping to ensure the smooth running of Christian worship in the Rampart Street meeting house.Ernie's oft-quoted life philosophy - "better wearing out than rusting out" - is equally evident in his other pursuits, which between them demonstrate an until-recently tireless athleticism, a commitment to charity, a passion for music and, again, his skill at woodworking, with which he has produced five guitars and the racing body for a 1929 Riley sports car.A keen sportsman, he began in the mid-1980s to take part in fun-runs, only lately hanging up his running shoes, and his most recent achievements include raising £1,720 for the Paul Russell Trust Fund.
Beyond that, having taken over the sexton's position from the late Mr. Billy Mitchell in 1994, he has for decades been actively involved in various church activities, including the Property Committee, helping to ensure the smooth running of Christian worship in the Rampart Street meeting house.Ernie's oft-quoted life philosophy - "better wearing out than rusting out" - is equally evident in his other pursuits, which between them demonstrate an until-recently tireless athleticism, a commitment to charity, a passion for music and, again, his skill at woodworking, with which he has produced five guitars and the racing body for a 1929 Riley sports car.A keen sportsman, he began in the mid-1980s to take part in fun-runs, only lately hanging up his running shoes, and his most recent achievements include raising £1,720 for the Paul Russell Trust Fund.
His love of music finds voice not only in his church choir, but among the ranks of the renowned Dromore and District Male Voice Choir, of which he has been a member for some 20 years.The congregation of First Dromore (Non-Subscribing) Presbyterian Church presented Ernie, and his wife Norah, with gifts last week, to mark his retirement as Sexton. (text, Dromore Leader)
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