Installation of new Canon at Dromore Cathedral
The Rev Bryan Martin has been installed as the new Canon of Dromara.
The Service of Installation took place at The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore, on Monday night.
A sizeable congregation of fellow–clergy, family, friends and well–wishers heard the Dean of Dromore, Geoff Wilson, read Bishop Harold Miller’s mandate for the Installation.
In the course of doing so, the Dean laid the black scarf – the insignia of the office – on the new Canon’s shoulders.
Then, in keeping with the entitlements and responsibilities of the role, the Dean added these words: “I do assign to you this Stall in the Cathedral and a place and voice in the Chapter thereof, and do invest you with all the rights, privileges and emoluments thereto belonging. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
At that, there was spontaneous applause on the part of the congregation.
Prior to the Installation the Rev Philip Thompson had preached a sermon based on the words found in the ninth chapter of Nehemiah, verses 6–15.
The Rev Thompson, who said he regarded it as being “a privilege and an honour to have been invited to speak in this beautiful Cathedral on such an occasion,” is Minister of Waringstown Presbyterian Church.
Dean Geoff Wilson had explained: “The new member of the Chapter is invited to suggest a preacher and form a service which the Dean then uses in ordering the event.”
Thus it was that the Rev Thompson found himself in the pulpit of one of the Church of Ireland’s most iconic buildings.
The ecumenical nature of the Canon’s choice was much–appreciated by those from non–Episcopalian backgrounds in the congregation, underlining as it did their unity in Christ.
The preacher paid glowing tribute to the newly–installed Canon, describing him as “my long–time friend and colleague”.
Highlighting the magnificence of the Cathedral, its centrality and the great opportunity it provides for Christian witness, the Rev Thompson encouraged his “brother in Christ” to continue in his well–formed habit of keeping the words of Scripture to the fore in all he does.
In what was a moving service, everyone in attendance played his or her part in full – clergy, wardens, choristers, praise group, congregation.
At times there was laughter in response to a well–timed and inserted quip. But at many more moments there was solemnity in keeping with the nature of the occasion.
The Processional Hymn was ‘The Head That Once Was Crowned With Thorns’; the Song of Praise was ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd (And I Will Trust In You Alone)’ and the Offertory Hymn was ‘When I Survey The Wondrous Cross’.
After the Recessional Hymn – ‘I Hear The Saviour Say’ – the Dean’s Dismissal Prayer was followed by Bishop Harold’s Easter Blessing.
After the service the clergy and laity adjourned to the adjoining Cathedral hall for supper.