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News
New Rector instituted for Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk group of parishes
The Institution of Revd Canon Mark Watson as Rector of Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk.
The institution of the Revd Canon Mark Watson as Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk by the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd John McDowell, took place on Wednesday evening, 31st January 2018 in Christ Church Parish Church, Maguiresbridge.
Canon Watson had previously been Rector of Trory and Killadeas Parishes, also in the Diocese.
A large number of parishioners were joined by invited guests and clergy from within Clogher Diocese and beyond for the occasion.
The hymns sung at the service included: “Behold, the mountain of the Lord,” “The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want,” “I am thine, O Lord, I have heard thy voice,” “Jesus, keep me near the cross” and “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way.” The organist was Timothy Elliott.
Representatives from both parishes within the Group read the lessons; Mervyn Johnston, Alan Morrison and Andrea McIlveen with other parishioners taking part in the Act of Institution.
The preacher was the Revd Alan Irwin, Rector of Colaghty Parish, also in Clogher Diocese.
The collection was taken up for the Clogher Ministry Fund which facilitates the development of lay and ordained ministry in the Diocese.
Following the service at a reception in Christ Church Parish Hall, where the congregation joined the new Rector and his family and other clergy for refreshments, an official welcome was extended by representatives from both parishes and from the local community.
Firstly however, Barbara Johnston, speaking on behalf of the Trory and Killadeas group of parishes, spoke of the many initiatives which Canon Watson led while Rector of those parishes and she wished Canon Watson and his family best wishes in this new chapter in his ministry.
Jean Kennedy and David Graydon, Rector’s Churchwardens from Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk Parishes, welcomed Canon Watson and his family to the area and the Revd Rodney Beacom, Minister of Maguiresbridge Presbyterian Church, brought greetings from his church.
Canon Watson, in his short address, thanked everyone from both parishes for their devotion and hard work to make the transition to his new parishes as easy as possible.
Bishop McDowell closed proceedings by thanking everyone involved in the process of nomination and making the arrangements for the Service of Institution.
Canon Watson, a native of Omagh, served as a Curate in the Grouped parishes of Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin in Connor Diocese between 1995-1998 and served as Rector of Brackaville, Donaghendry and Ballyclog (Coalisland) in Armagh Diocese between 1998-2001. Following this he was appointed Rector of Killesher (Florencecourt) in the Diocese of Kilmore in 2001. He was then appointed Rector of Trory and Killadeas parishes in Clogher Diocese in 2006, where he has served for the past 11 and a half years.
Canon Watson and his wife, Rona have two sons, Samuel and Peter.