St Finnian’s parishioner celebrates her 100th
When Johanna Alcorn was born, the First World War hadn’t even started, flights over open sea were something of the future, George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion opened in the West End and Blackburn Rovers won the Football League championship. A pint of beer cost 2 1/2d (one new penny), a four–cylinder car cost £730 and dinner at the Savoy in London was seven shillings and sixpence (37 1/2 p). The Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith, was paid a salary of £5,000.
This was a time when a lot of the things we call basics today were still a thing of the future or a luxury. Johanna herself went to school in bare feet and only wore shoes on a Sunday going to church.
Johanna Alcorn was born on 18 February 1914, so long ago that even Eric Hay hadn’t joined the choir and Canon Battye’s Sounds Sacred hadn’t broadcast. In fact, the BBC was only formed when Johanna was 8 and St. Finnian’s wasn’t to be built for almost 20 years.
She was brought up near Dunfanaghy in Co. Donegal where she learnt scripture verses and hymns by memory, and started her working life in Arnold’s Hotel.
She moved into her house in Mount Merrion Avenue when it was first built over 65 years ago. What a blessing it is to Johanna to be able to continue living in her own home. She became a faithful parishioner of St Finnian’s, although latterly, naturally she hasn’t been able to come to church, but Johanna’s daughter, Margaret Scott is still a regular worshipper.
Johanna has 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and on her 100th birthday on February 18th, she had a party in her house with many family members present. There was also ‘open house’ in the afternoon for neighbours and friends to wish her happy birthday. There was a steady stream of well–wishers.
Our picture shows our Bishop Harold Miller and Revd Colin Darling passing on birthday congratulations from the diocese and the parish after presenting Johanna with a card and a wonderful birthday cake, specially baked for the occasion by Jean Crawford. What a remarkable milestone.
Johanna also received her telegram from the Queen, and a birthday card with a picture of HRH on the front, looking very regal. Because Johanna was born in Donegal, she also received an official birthday greeting from the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, who also sent a very generous birthday cheque.
We wish her many happy returns and huge congratulations on this milestone, with best wishes for the next 100 years! We thank God for her long life and wish her God’s richest blessings in the days ahead.
With thanks to St Finnian’s Parish, Cregagh