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News
New rector instituted to Parish of Magheraculmoney
Revd. Francis Rutledge.
The institution has taken place by Zoom of The Revd Francis Rutledge, as Rector of Magheraculmoney Parish, Kesh.
Revd Rutledge had been serving as Bishop’s Curate in Christ Church Primacy, Bangor in the Diocese of Down, and had also served in parishes around Ireland before taking up his present incumbency in Bangor 15 years ago.
The institution was conducted by Archdeacon Brian Harper, Archbishop’s Commissary and among those taking part included the Bishop of Down and Dromore, The Right Revd David McClay, who preached a short sermon.
Representatives from Magheraculmoney Parish also took part including Mr. Peter Booth, who read a lesson.
Also attending the institution by Zoom was the Rural Dean for Kesh, Canon Alan Irwin who formally presented Revd Rutledge for institution and the Provincial Registrar, Canon Colin Moore.
At the end of the official part of the institution, Revd Rutledge and his wife, Julie, were warmly welcomed by Mr Noel Graham, Rector’s Churchwarden, wishing them a fruitful ministry and also thanking all clergy and readers for taking services during the vacancy with a special thanks to Canon Alan Irwin.
Mr Scott Carson, on behalf of Bangor Parish, said that over the past 15 years, Revd Rutledge and his wife had helped to turn their church around, bringing it “back to life.”
There were also welcomes from neighbouring clergy in Clogher Diocese, Revd Charles Eames and Revd Paul Thompson.
Revd Rutledge, acknowledging the greetings, thanked everyone for taking part in the online institution and for praying for him and his family. He thanked all those in his former congregation in Bangor and now looked forward to Christ’s ministry in Magheraculmoney.
Revd Rutledge had said how he was looking forward to a new chapter in his ministry.
“This has been a great journey and we really believe our move to Ardess is a call from God. As followers of Jesus, we are excited about being Gospel players in a new local community and living out the Biblical drama together,” he said.
Revd Rutledge was ordained in 1987 and served as Curate in Holywood Parish Church between 1986-1989 followed by a curacy of almost two years in Willowfield Parish, Belfast.
In 1991, Revd Rutledge was instituted as Rector of St. Hilda’s Church, Belfast and was later appointed Rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Cork where he served until 2004.
Revd Rutledge was briefly in Clogher Diocese, serving in Donacavey and Barr before his appointment to Christ Church, Bangor, a shared church with a Methodist congregation.
He has been heavily involved in the Christians Against Poverty movement and reaching out to the local community.
Revd Rutledge and his wife, Julie have four grown up children and four grandchildren.