John rings bells to herald his retirement
The Revd John Dinnen, former Dean of Down Cathedral and rector of Hillsborough parish for the past 23 years, retired from active ministry on New Year's Eve. After bringing his final service (which was the Watchnight service, at St Malachy's in Hillsborough) to a close, John, accompanied by Bishop Harold, was invited into the Bell Tower, where he was presented with a gift from the Hillsborough Bell Ringers to mark his retirement.
Earlier in December Hillsborough parish held a farewell reception for John, and his wife Jane, which provided an opportunity for parishioners, family, colleagues and friends to come together to thank John for his ministry and to wish him and Jane a long and happy retirement. Special musical items and presentations were the order of the day and provided much fun and hilarity for everyone. One such item from the senior choir was on the theme ‘John, Reverend John' and afterwards the choir presented John with a framed copy of the song to serve as a permanent reminder!
John was appointed as incumbent of Hillsborough in 1984 and at the same time was Dean of Down Cathedral from 1996 until 2006. He served his curacies in All Saints, Belfast and Carnmoney (both in the diocese of Connor) and from 1974 to 1984 was firstly Assistant Dean and then Dean of Residences at Queen's University, Belfast.