Donaghadee Parish Church rehallowed
On Sunday 5 February, The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore, led a service of rehallowing of the ancient Parish Church of Donaghadee. This followed extensive renewal and restoration of the building which last saw major work 130 years ago.
The building had been rebuilt in 1626 during the plantation of Ulster by Montgomery and now in the 21st Century, it has undergone substantial renovation both inside and out. Externally, there has been repointing, rerendering and some stone replacement applied to the whole building, including the tall tower. Inside, the church has been totally refurbished with replastering, a new heating system and a new tile floor. With so much internal work taking place, the parish also took the opportunity to reorder the building for worship.
The service began with Bishop Harold Miller, Area Dean, Revd Canon Simon Doogan the Church Wardens and representatives of the Select Vestry being met by the Rector, the Revd Ian Gamble MBE, at the main door. Striking it with his pastoral staff, the Bishop prayed that all who entered this place would find a welcome that was not begrudging, judgmental or half hearted. He prayed: “May it be a welcome worthy of Jesus, a place where all God’s children may come”.
Their entrance into the building was marked by the singing of the ancient hymn, ‘Te Deum,’ accompanied by the organ, which had been reinstalled by Wells Kennedy Partnership.
Bishop Harold and guests received a warm welcome from Mr Michael Dunn, one of our most senior parishioners. The service continued with prayers and readings at the font, lectern, pulpit and holy table. Prayers were also offered for all those who lead worship and for the continued renewal of the congregation. Bishop Harold prayed: “May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, that you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit”.
The hopes of the congregation for our future were summed up in the prayer of rehallowing: “God our Father, graciously hallow with your blessings this parish church. May it be a place where the sorrowing find comfort and the tempted strength; where the lonely find fellowship and the sinner forgiveness; where the faithful find grace, and all offer you a holy worship; in the name of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen”
At the end of the service, presentations were made to Mr Damien McGivern of Killowen Construction, Lady Sylvia Hermon MP and Bishop Harold Miller, who acted as Joint Patrons for the project. The rector presented them with a reproduction of the 1878 plan for the extension of the church. This beautiful pen and watercolour sketch, shows in detail, the 1881 extension and the rector said that the architect Timothy Hevey’s drawing of a spacious chancel had provided the inspiration for the 21st Century reordering.
The rector commended the architect Mr Brian Quinn of Rooney McConville, Belfast, along with Killowen Construction, for doing an excellent job, both internally and externally. In relation to the external stonework, Mr Quinn’s experience of conservation was of vital importance, along with his eye for detail in the redesigning of the church for liturgical worship. The Bishop especially admired the beautiful tile floor designs based on Celtic motifs found in the building. The rector concluded by commending the architect and contractor for their professionalism, diligence and good humour.
The Evening Service was a celebration of the renewal and restoration of the building with the other congregations in Donaghadee. Again, Bishop Harold preached and worship was led by the combined church choirs of the town (around 50 people) along with the Parish Praise Group. The Revd Ruth Craig, minister of Donaghadee Methodist Church and Revd Alvin Little from Shore Street Presbyterian Church, also took part in the service.
This was the first opportunity for many from the other town churches to see the internal work, and as at the morning service, all admired the interior. The service was stirring and the sermon challenging; the bishop encouraging us to place God’s Word at the centre of who we are and all that we do in Donaghadee.
After both services refreshment were served in the Parish Hall with a chance to catch up with friends old and new.
The only major work still to be completed will be the addition of a side chapel for the Ministry of Healing and this will be dedicated after Easter. The renewal and restoration celebrations continue on Sunday 19 February at 7.00pm, when Donaghadee Parish Church will host the Area Deanery Festival Choral Evensong. The preacher will be the Revd Brian Stewart, rector of St. George’s Parish Belfast, and a combined deanery choir will lead the worship.
(Report by Donna Spence
Pictures by Mike McNeice and Len Meharg)