A farewell presentation to Archdeacon John Scott
The diocese said farewell to the Archdeacon of Dromore, The Ven John Scott, and his wife Laura at a light lunch in Church House following the Council meeting on Thursday 22nd September.
John has been Archdeacon since 2005 and he and Laura have spent their entire ministry in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. He retires at the end of September after, “22 really happy years,” as rector of Seapatrick, Banbridge. He was presented with the gift of a lawnmower (represented, in the circumstances, by a toy replica) whilst Laura received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Bishop Harold paid tribute to John for his loyalty and faithfulness and the integrity of his ministry among the people of the diocese. He also spoke warmly of Laura and the way in which she had fulfilled her role, not just as a rector’s wife, but as a friend and supporter of others.
John, “a person of few words,“ said of Laura in reply that the best day of his life had been, “the day I met this lady beside me. It’s always been very much a team ministry and she has been the one who’s always kept me on the straight and narrow, always brought me down to earth and kept me right in so many ways.”
He thanked Laura for the sacrifices she had made during their ministry to which she graciously replied that, rather than sacrificing, she had in fact gained much.
Throughout his ministry, John’s number one passion has been the Ministry of Healing and a desire to care for people. He is Chair of the Churches’ Council of Health and Healing and Northern Ireland Warden of The Order of St. Luke. “Our ministry has always been based on people, either in the parish or in the community – just being there for people,” he said.
That close involvement with people is reflected in his interests outside the church. He has been Northern Ireland Padre of the Air Training Corps since 1980 and squadron chaplain before that. He is also County Chaplain of the NI Scout Association. Perhaps it’s no surprise to hear that he needs only 6–7 hours sleep a night.
John concluded by thanking everyone for their fellowship and generosity and expressed appreciation to the staff of Church House for their helpfulness. “It’s been an enlightening 5 or 6 years and a privilege to serve the diocese in this way,” he continued.”I want to wish Roderic West all the best as he takes over.”
The Scotts will initially retire to Ballynahinch as they house hunt and decide where to settle. John will carry on many of his outside interests, do a little DIY, maybe some golf and plenty of grass cutting!
Biography
John Scott was born in Londonderry, the eldest of 3 boys whose father was the manager of the Magee’s factory in Donegal Town.
At the age of 8 he went to live with his grandparents in Dungannon and eventually attended the Royal School where he played rugby for the 1st XV. John’s passion for sport continued through his university career at Trinity College Dublin. Alongside, “a little study,” he enjoyed rugby, rowing and boxing, even taking the UK Universities Heavyweight Title in 1970.
The two most important days of John’s life were to take place in June 1971 and August 1972. On the first, he was ordained in Bangor Parish for the curacy of the same. It was the realisation of a sure call he had received at the age of 4. On the second he married Laura (nee Ferguson) in Fahan, Donegal, the person with whom he was to share his ministry.
After three years in Bangor John became curate to Canon Eric Barber in Holywood Parish. He stayed for 6 years before taking up his first incumbency in St Gall’s, Carnalea in 1980.
In 1990 he and Laura moved to Seapatrick, now with 3 children – Cathy, Ian and Alyson – who, many years later, have produced 4 grandchildren between them.
He was made a Canon of Dromore Cathedral in 2002 and accepted Bishop Harold’s invitation to be Archdeacon in 2005. He retires on 30th September 2011.