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Knitted model Cathedral is unveiled at special service in Clogher

 


Members of the Knit Stitch and Natter Group with their model Cathedral.

A yearlong wait finally ended on Sunday evening, 26th June for the congregation of the Clogher Cathedral Group of Parishes, when they unveiled their model cathedral constructed from a timber frame and knitted exterior.

Members of the Knit, Stitch and Natter Group began their model Cathedral project during lockdown when they started knitting individual squares at home with the hope that when brighter days would allow, the squares would be brought together to form a single project. With the help of some carpenters, the creation of the miniature cathedral began and finished a year later.


Revd Olivia Downey playing guitar during the Praise and Worship Service.

The unveiling of this amazing piece of artwork took place during a Praise and Worship service in St. Macartan’s Cathedral on Sunday evening. The service was led by the Rector, Revd Olivia Downey assisted by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Ian Ellis with the switching on of the lights performed by Jasmine Domer.

Also during the service there was a dedication of an electric piano in memory of Mrs Martha Fannin, a former organist for many years. Her granddaughter, Sarah, is now one of the organists.

There were praise items led by Dean Raymond Ferguson and family members and hymns sung during the service were “How Great Thou Art,” “Shine Jesus Shine,” “Through all the Changing Scenes of Life”, “God Sent His Son”, “King of Kings,” “I heard the voice of Jesus say” and “To God be the Glory.” The organists were Diane Simpson, Sarah McKenna and Janice Clingen. The readings were by Ruth Fannin and Eileen Cutler and prayers were led by Isobel Stewart, Diocesan Pastoral Assistant and Alan Lavelle, Parish Reader.

The preacher was Revd Peter Ferguson, Rector of Derg and Termonamongan Parish Group.

During the service, a panel of four; Dean Raymond Ferguson, Revd Peter Ferguson, Andrew Gordon and Professor Rab Mollan discussed the meaning of worship with the Rector, Revd Downey.


The panel discussing worship with Revd Olivia Downey.

Bishop Ellis, in his thanks to everyone who had helped with the project, described the model cathedral as “an amazing piece of work which is quite astounding.'

He said that for the members of the Knit, Stitch and Natter Group “Their work is their prayer. This piece of art is a prayer.”


Bishop Ian Ellis dedicating the electric organ in memory of Mrs Martha Fannin.


Members of the congregation queuing up to see the model cathedral.