Mount Merrion celebrates 50 years
Rector of Mount Merrion Parish in Belfast, Revd Adrian Green, describes a week of events celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the consecration of the church which sits on the edge of Cregagh Estate…
Our 50th anniversary celebration week began on Mothering Sunday, when Canon Jono Pierce from St Finnians, our ‘mother’ church, was the guest speaker. Naomi Long MLA also attended this service with her husband and all the ladies present were given flowers.
Over the course of the week we had a display of photographs showing life on the Cregagh estate since it was built as well as life in the church over the years. We also invited the local primary schools to complete a sheet which stated ‘I love Cregagh because …’, either with a piece of writing of a picture. The winners were chosen by Bishop Harold Miller at our fun day and prizes given to all the children who entered.
There were also a series of poems and short stories on display about life in Cregagh which were produced by a creative writing group based in the local Greenway centre. This exhibition grew as more people donated photos over the course of the week and was a source of much reflection and laughter.
Throughout the week we also ran a Treasure hunt around local businesses as a way of showing our gratitude for the way in which they served the community and in an attempt to increase footfall in their shops. Again Bishop Harold drew the winning entries and the winners won prizes donated by the participating shops.
Other events that took place were a Daffodil Tea Dance, Quiz Night, Amy Roberts Concert, Messy Church, Hog Roast and Family fun afternoon and talent show. It was great to see new faces at all the different events.
Bishop Harold spoke at our Grand Finale on Saturday 16 March, the actual anniversary of the consecration of the Church of the Pentecost. Finally, on the Sunday at a service attended by the Deputy Mayor of Castlereagh, Cllr Tommy Sandford, Canon David McClay was the guest speaker.
After the service five white doves were released and the two oldest members of the congregation cut the anniversary cake. Pictured above, Mrs Lila Bremner and Mr Jim McDowell (father of Bishop John McDowell) both of whom are in their nineties.
Pictured below, the release of doves and Cllr Tommy Sandford calls in at Messy Church.