Bishop returns to his parish roots
On the last Sunday in November 2006 Bishop Harold found himself back in the church where he grew up - St Katherine's Parish Church at Dunlambert Park, Belfast. The occasion was the Thanksgiving Service to mark the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the present church building. The first rector of the church was Canon T E Beacom and members of the Beacom family were able to attend the special day of celebration.
In his address Bishop Harold recalled some of his memories of growing up in the parish under the ministry of Canon Beacom and of the great affection he has for St Katherine's. He also said that while church going had changed over the last 50 years we are the living stones of today's church and that the Church of Jesus Christ would never fail and that God will never cease to build His Church. The New Testament reading was read by Canon Beacom's son, David and the service included hymns sung at the Consecration in 1956.
At the meal following the service the oldest parishioner, Mrs Jean McKnight, who celebrated her 100th birthday the following day, helped William cut a special cake to mark the anniversary.