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News
Warm welcome for new Rector to group of parishes in Co. Monaghan
At the Service of Institution of Revd Ian Cruickshank.
The Service of Institution of Revd Ian Cruickshank as Rector of Carrickmacross Union, Magheracloone and Ardragh parishes in Co. Monaghan by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis, took place on Thursday, 23 February in St. Finbarr’s Parish Church, Carrickmacross.
The service was attended by parishioners from all churches in the group along with a number of community representatives including the President of Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce and a civic leader from the local authority.
Bishop Ian Ellis leads the applause for Revd Ian Cruickshank following his institution.
The service began with the processional hymn, “To God be the glory! great things He has done,” with other hymns sung including “Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul,” “Alleluia, sing to Jesus!” and “Now thank we all our God.” The choir sang “How Great Thou Art, Majesty.” The organist was Pamela Ward.
The Act of Institution took place involving Bishop Ellis as well as Archdeacon Brian Harper who presented the incumbent-elect to the Bishop and Revd John McClenaghan, Diocesan Registrar, who read the certificate of nomination.
The readings were by Margaret Babington, Gina Breaden and Caroline Merrin.
The preacher was Revd Johnny McLoughlin, Rector of Aghavea, a personal friend of Revd Cruickshank for many years. He welcomed Revd Cruickshank’s wife, Donna and children; Paul, Hannah, Matthew and Rebecca to the service.
During the speeches welcoming Revd Ian to Clogher Diocese and the Carrickmacross area, Chancellor Ian Berry, Rural Dean, thanked all those who had looked after parishes during the vacancy, particularly Revd Charles McCollum and Archdeacon Nicky Rountree.
Keith Rothwell, from Revd Ian’s previous parish in the Diocese of Ferns, Co. Wexford, spoke warmly of his enlightening and thought-provoking addresses as well as his compassion to those suffering from illness and bereavement. He said he uses his experience in life well in his ministry and asked his new congregations to encourage and embrace him.
Philip Keegan, on behalf of the Select Vestry in Carrickmacross, welcomed Revd Ian to the area where they have always been proud of all traditions coming together and said they needed a spiritual leader who would guide and lead them in their lives. He also thanked those who took services along with Chancellor Ian Berry for his leadership and also thanked Caroline Merrin for her “trojan work” as a parish reader, treasurer and nominator.
Pastor Colin Creighton from Carrickmacross Baptist Church brought greetings from the various churches in the area.
Bishop Ellis concluded the remarks by saying a new chapter had opened in the journey for parishioners in the Carrickmacross group.
Revd Cruickshank is originally from Aberdeen, North-east Scotland and worked in a number of jobs including the oil rigs and the North Sea fishing fleets before training in theology at Belfast Bible College and Church of Ireland Theological College, Dublin.
He previously led mission teams to Kosovo and Ethiopia and has been chaplain to a number of soccer teams.
He comes to Clogher Diocese from the Diocese of Ferns where he was Rector in the rural parishes of Killane and Killegney with responsibility for the Union of New Ross and Fertagh.