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Revd Anita Kerr instituted to Galloon Group of Parishes

 

On Friday 4th September 2015 the Revd Anita Kerr was instituted as Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Galloon, Sallaghy and Drummully by the Rt. Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, in St Comgall's Parish Church, Newtownbutler. The Revd Anita has already served two years as Diocesan Curate therefore the service was formal, but relaxed, as everyone knew each other.


Canon Maurice Elliott Revd Anita Kerr Rt Revd John McDowell and Churchwardens


The singing was led by the combined group choir with Mrs Grace Rickey as organist. The processional hymn was "I, The Lord of sea and sky". The first reading from Ezekiel chapter 34 vs 11-16 was read by Mr Richard Bell, followed by Psalm 76 which was led by the Ven. Cecil Pringle. Mrs Petula Stephens read the second reading from Acts chapter 20 vs 17-32 which was followed with the Grouped Choir singing the Gradual. They also sang "10 000 reasons (Bless the Lord)" accompanied by Miss Joyce Clingan on the organ and solo lines were sung by Mrs Mabel Clingan. Mr Charles Crawford read the Gospel from St John chapter 10 vs 7-16.


The Group Choir



Mrs Grace Rickey Organist


The Revd Canon Maurice Elliott, Director of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute preached the sermon and in his opening remarks he reminisced about his time spent in the village and in the church in particular as his father was a native of Newtownbutler. The focus of his sermon was based on the second reading from Acts chapter 20 vs 17-32. The sermon was followed by an instrumental piece when Miss Roisin-Elizabeth Kerr played "As the Deer pants for the Water" on the harp.


Neil Robinson Holly Hutchinson and Camerson Smith at the font


The Archdeacon, the Ven. Helene Steed presented Revd Anita to the Bishop and after the Declarations and the Act of Institution, the hymn "Thy hand, O God has guided" was sung. Following the Commission verses from the hymn "Lord, you gave the great commission" were sung as the Revd Anita was taken around the church. At the open door, Mrs Beulah Whittendale, Branch Leader of Sallaghy Mothers' Union, accompanied by Mrs Myrtle Allen, Branch Leader of Galloon & Drummully Mothers' Union, read Psalm 122 v 1; at the font Holly Hutchinson accompanied by Neil Robinson and Cameron Smith, representing the three Sunday Schools read from Matthew 28 v 19; at the prayer desk Mrs Eileen Hall, Honorary Secretary of Drummully Parish, read from Philippians 4 v 6; at the pulpit Mr Richard Clingan, Honorary Secretary of Sallaghy Parish read from 2 Timothy 3 vs 16-17; and at the Lord's Table Mr William Allen, Honorary Secretary of Galloon Parish read from 1 Corinthians 11 v 26.

After the new rector say the Peace the hymn "In Christ alone my hope is found" was sung, followed by prayers which were led by the Revd Anita and also read by Simon Wiggins, Andrew Crawford and Amy Sommerville, representing the youth of the Group. The offertory hymn "Colours of day dawn into the mind" and was followed by speeches and a presentation. Mr George Little spoke on behalf of the group of parishes, reflecting on the time already spent by the Revd Anita in the group and wished her God's blessing for the future. Mrs Eileen Hall presented the Revd Anita with a bouquet of flowers. Greetings from the local churches were brought by the Revd Colin Milligan, Miss Isobel Anderson and Fr Michael King, representing the Methodist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic churches respectively. In her response the Revd Anita thanked all who had helped organise, took part or supported her in the service. She also spoke about she looked forward to working together with everyone as her work within the group progresses.

After the recessional hymn "As we walked home at the close of day" the congregation moved to the Church Hall where an excellent supper was provided.


Simon Wiggins Amy Sommerville and Andrew Crawford who read prayers



Mrs Eileen Hall presents a bouquet to Revd Anita Kerr