News

Installations to Cathedral Chapter in Clogher Diocese

 

Around 500 people from across the diocese and beyond gathered in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen on the Second Sunday before Lent, 8th February 2015, to mark an important occasion in the life of Clogher Diocese with the Installation of three members of the clergy to the Chapter of the two Cathedrals in the Diocese. The Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenneth Hall installed the Revd Canon John Stewart as Chancellor, the Revd Canon Brian Harper as Prebendary of Tyholland, and the Revd Canon Mark Watson as Prebendary of Devenish at the special Service of Holy Communion, which was celebrated by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell. The Preacher was the Very Revd Gregory Dunstan, Dean of Armagh.

The Bishop recently announced the three appointments to the Chapter. Commenting on the appointments, Dean Hall said "it is very appropriate that Chancellor John Stewart as Registrar of the diocese should become Chancellor in recognition of his many years of service to successive Bishops of Clogher. I also welcome the new appointments to the Chapter of our Cathedrals. Canon Watson has served in the diocese for a number of years and is involved in many aspects of the community that shape the life of County Fermanagh. Canon Harper, although a more recent arrival in Clogher, has a great deal of pastoral experience in the Church of Ireland and has quickly gained the confidence of his fellow clergy, as seen in his recent election as a Clerical Honorary Secretary of the Diocesan Synod and Diocesan Council. We wish them well in their new offices."

The processional hymn was Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart, the Mandate was read by the Revd Canon Ian Berry, and the Installation was conducted by the Dean. Each of the Cathedral Chapter members led the Penitence based on The Ten Commandments. The Epistle, Philippians chapter 4, read by the Revd John Beacom, Ballinamallard Methodist Church, followed psalm 20. The Gradual hymn was In Christ there is no east or west, and the Rt Revd Mgr. Peter O'Reilly, PP, VG, Parish Priest of Enniskillen, read the Gospel, St Luke chapter 6.

Prayers of the People were led by two members of each parish which the three clergy being installed are rectors. These included Miss Abigail Farrelly, Killadeas Parish; Mrs Muriel Henderson, Trory Parish; Miss Lorna McHugh and Mr Richard McBride, Magheracross Parish; Miss Rebecca Dane, Garvary Parish; and Mrs Kathleen Kettyles, Derryvullen South Parish. The Offertory hymn was When morning gilds the skies. During communion the Choir sang Ave verum corpus by Mozart, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, and Still, my soul be still by Getty and Townend. Communion was followed by the hymn Sing of the Lord's goodness, and the final hymn was O praise ye the Lord! Praise him in the height. Everyone was invited to St Macartin's Cathedral Hall for refreshments after the service.

Pictured from left: Cllr Keith Elliott (Churchwarden), Dean Kenneth Hall, Canon Brian Harper, Dean Gregory Dunstan, Bishop John McDowell, Revd Sampson Ajuka (Bishop's Chaplain), Chancellor John Stewart, Canon Mark Watson and Mr Jim Elliott (Churchwarden).