Death of Revd Canon Dr Ernie Long
Revd Canon Dr. Ernie Long has died at the age of 102. The funeral will be in Knockbreda Parish Church on Tuesday 12 April at noon.
Pictured here with Bishop Harold as he celebrated his 100th birthday, Canon Long was, we believe, the oldest minister in the Church of Ireland.
He was also one of the world’s oldest published authors, having written “Renowned Reformers” (Slieve Croob Press) in 2015, ‘Famous Clergy’ (Slieve Croob Press, 2013) and his autobiography ‘The Long of it’ (Slieve Croob Press 2009).
As an author and academic, Canon Long wrote much on Church and Society, Orange Order history and philosophy, Unionism and Protestantism. He was a recognised authority not only in Ireland, but throughout the world and was the Senior Grand Chaplain of the Grand Loyal Orange Lodge of Ireland.
Canon Long wrote much on social and missional issues for the Church of Ireland, and represented the church at various events and functions.
Bishop Harold said:
“Canon Ernie Long was, I believe, the oldest clergyman in the Church of Ireland until his death a few days ago. He was a man with a remarkable range of interests, from the Orange Order to football to church history and theology. He was also a prolific writer and editor of the magazine for the Diocese of Dromore for many years. His entire ordained ministry was within Down and Dromore. When I visited him around his 102nd birthday in the nursing home, he told me that he was hoping to bring out a new book, on ‘Mighty Missioners’, the first of whom was the redoubtable WP Nicholson. His conversation was always interesting, his faith secure, and his determination legendary. He will be greatly missed.”