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Sallaghy Parish celebrates it's 175th Anniversary

 


Bishop McDowell Revd Anita Kerr and Charles Crawford with Churchwardens

Sallaghy Parish, Church of Ireland just outside Lisnaskea, celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding on Sunday 14th June in glorious sunshine with over 150 people present, including many people who grew up in or have connections with the parish. In particular a warm welcome was extended to Mrs Eleanor Crymble (nee Rogers) and her husband David. Eleanor is the daughter of the Revd James Rogers who was minister in Sallaghy from 1959 − 1967, and also from 1974 - 1979. Eleanor's brother David who lives in Scotland sent his best wishes as did Canon Wallace Fenton who was minister in Sallaghy from 1987 - 1996. Unfortunately both were unable to attend.


David and Eleanor Crymble

The service was led by the Revd Anita Kerr and the opening hymn was "Lord, for the Years your love has kept and guided". The hymn "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord" based on the Magnificant' was followed by the lessons which were read by Richard Clingan and Hannah Frazer and Psalm 20.


The Group Choir

The Nunc Dimittis preceded the address which was given by the Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher. He spoke initially about what life was like in Fermanagh at the time of the founding of the parish. He then posed the questions, Are the people glad the church is here? Did it make a difference to the spiritual needs of our area to have had our church here for 175 years and what difference will it make for the next 175 years?' The life of faith in Sallaghy is interwoven with the livelihoods of its people and it was ever thus. We pray that through our faith we may be in such a relationship with God that we can fully appreciate the abundance of his blessing upon us in tough times as well as plenty.


People taking part in the service

Following the address, the Group Choir sang the piece You're the Word of God the Father', with Joyce Clingan as organist. Charles Crawford, Diocesan Lay reader, led the prayers.
The offertory hymn was "Brother, sister, let me serve you" and after The Blessing the recessional hymn was "Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart".


After the service, an excellent afternoon tea was served, during which everyone was able to watch a slideshow of over 250 photographs of the parish and parishioners though the ages.

Click on link below to view Order of Service and Commemorative Booklet

Order of Service and Commemorative Booklet