Rector of Drumbeg retires
Revd Raymond Devenney preached his final sermon as the rector of Drumbeg at morning worship in St Patrick’s Church on Sunday 26 February. The magnificent historic church was packed to capacity for the service. Organist, Ross Morrow, together with the parish choir led the congregational praise that aptly included, ‘Lord for the years your love has kept and guided’. The choir sang the anthem medley: Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” (excerpt), and Vivaldi’s “Gloria”.
In his final sermon, Mr Devenney gave thanks for the wonderful time he and his wife Kathy have spent at Drumbeg, where both of them were very happy. He also thanked the parishioners, family, friends, clerical colleagues and his wife Kathy for the help and support he had received during his ministry at Drumbeg, saying, “It was all very much appreciated”.
After stating that ‘the church must change’ and ‘the church must not change’, he explained that we must embrace change – it is part of our life and part of our Christian journey saying that Christ came to bring abundant life and the church is there to change lives. After emphasising the need always to be faithful to the Christian message which like our Lord is “yesterday, today and forever” the same; he concluded by giving thanks to almighty God and to the parishioners for the privilege of being part of the church’s ministry in the Parish of Drumbeg in its lovely setting in the Lagan Valley.
During Holy Communion, Mr Devenney was assisted by Canon John Bell, former rector of Holy Trinity, Drumbo and the Rev Robert McKee, former Non– Subscribing Presbyterian Church Moderator and former minister of Killinchy.
At the conclusion of the service, several presentations were made: Mrs Betty McClean (People’s Churchwarden, pictured right) presented a gift to Mr Devenney on behalf of the parishioners; Olivia McAteer and Jenna Foyle presented a gift to Mrs Kathy Devenney on behalf of the Sunday School; and Mrs Margaret Hegarty presented a gift on behalf of the Drumbeg Residents Association.
Following the presentations, Basil McCrea MLA, wished the Drumbeg rector a happy retirement. Commending him for over eleven years of ministry at Drumbeg, Mr McCrea said, “The Revd Ray Devenney is an inspirational man who has served Drumbeg wonderfully. Your retirement is well deserved and I want to wish you well. This service is well attended which is a credit to your leadership and guidance over the years. You have done fantastic work bringing all faiths together for special services at the church and I look forward to seeing your successor carrying on this great work.”
Lunch was served afterwards in the church hall providing the opportunity for parishioners and friends to say farewell to their rector of 12 years.
Mr Devenney has served 41 years in the ministry, of which the last 37 were in the Diocese of Down & Dromore. He was ordained in 1970 and served curacies in Ballymena (Diocese of Connor), where he met his wife Kathy, and in Ballyholme (Down & Dromore) before becoming rector of Killinchy with Kilmood and Tullynakill in 1981. In September 2000 he became incumbent of Drumbeg and will retire on 29th February. He and Kathy have two sons, Paul and Chris. Outside of the ministry he had many sporting interests. He is a former Irish Chess Champion, got his ‘colours’ for Fencing at Trinity, and enjoyed playing squash.
L–R Revd Robert McKee, Mrs Lorna McKee, Revd Ray Devenney, Mrs Kathy Devenney, Mr Basil McCrea MLA and Canon John Bell.
With thanks to John Kelly for the report and photos.