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Annahilt Rector installed as Canon

The Rev. John Robert Howard, Rector of the Grouped Parishes of Annahilt and Magherahamlet was installed as Prebendary of Dromara on the Chapter of Dromore Cathedral on Friday 24th March 2006.  The service was held in the Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore, and the Dean of Dromore, the Very Rev. Stephen Lowry, conducted the installation ceremony. The church was well filled for the occasion with many of Mr. Howard�s family friends, parishioners and colleagues in the ministry, some coming from as far away as Cork and Essex in England.  The Dean of Dromore - the Very Rev. Stephen Lowry and the Precentor - the Rev. Canon James Sims led the service; the Treasurer - Canon  Roderic West and the new Prebendary - Canon Howard led the prayers; the Archdeacon - the Venerable W. John Scott and the Chancellor - the Rev Canon Brian T. Blacoe gave the Scripture readings.  In an inspiring address, the Rev. Canon Philip Patterson - Prebendary of Dunsford, chose as the topic �Ministry in the 21st Century� outlining the priorities of ministers today and the basis for hope and confidence in the face of all difficulties of ministry stating that �God gives us hope in the Gospel.�  David Falconer - Organist, and the Cathedral Choir led the praise; the anthems were: �Magnificat,� �Nunc Dimittis� and �Blessed be the God and Father� and the hymns were: �Lift high the cross;� �O thou who camest from above;� �Lord, you give the great commission;� and the recessional hymn was �Forth in the peace of Christ we go�.  After the service of installation, the ladies of the congregation served a lovely supper in the Cathedral Hall.

 

The Dean and Chapter of Dromore is first mentioned in 1240.  This medieval group of Dean, Archdeacon and several Prebends was formalised with the letters patent issued on 20th July 1609 to form its current shape: Dean, Archdeacon, Chancellor, Precentor, Treasurer and Prebendary of Dromara.  Each stall in the cathedral is associated with particular parishes.  The Prebendary of Dromara has historically connections with the Parish of Dromara, whilst the other chapter members are associated with other parishes.  A native of Cork, Mr. Howard succeeds Canon Charlie Leeke who retired as Prebendary of Dromara in January this year.  Robert was ordained on 29th June 1984, serving as curate assistant to the former Chancellor of the Diocese, Canon John Moore, in Donaghcloney and Waringstown and was Ordained Priest  - Holy Trinity Church, Waringstown on 30th June 1985.  From 1988 to 1994, he was Rector of Saint Ninian�s, Belfast in Connor Diocese and was instituted as Rector of Annahilt and Magherahamlet (Diocese of Dromore) on 4th February 1994.  His installation as Canon has no impact on his role as Rector, but represents an acknowledgement by his bishop of his valuable service and contribution to the life of the Diocese and of a faithful ministry of almost 22 years.

 The Rev. Canon Robert Howard pictured with his proud parents Kenneth and Violet Howard from Cork

The Rev. Canon Robert Howard pictured with his proud parents Kenneth and Violet Howard from Cork, at the Service of Installation in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 24th March 2006.

 

Pictured at the Service of Installation in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 24th March 2006 is L to R: (front row)  Miss Nan McMurray - Warden, the Rev. Canon Philip Patterson - Prebendary of Dunsford, the new Prebendary - Rev. Canon Robert Howard, the Right Rev. Edward Darling and Scott Mackey - Warden.  (back row)  Archdeacon John Scott, Precentor James Sims, Dean Stephen Lowry, Chancellor Brian Blacoe and Treasurer -  Roderic West, Rector of St. John�s Parish Church, Moira.

 

 Pictured at the Service of Installation in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 24th March 2006 are L to R: Archdeacon John Scott, Precentor James Sims, Dean Stephen Lowry, the new Prebendary - Canon Robert Howard, Chancellor Brian Blacoe and Treasurer  Roderic West, Rector of St. John�s Parish Church, Moira.

The Rev. Canon Robert Howard pictured with his parents Kenneth and Violet Howard from Cork, at the Service of Installation in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 24th March 2006.  Also included are Robert�s brother Mark (right) and his sister Rosemary (back row) with her husband Adrian and family Meghan and Adam, from Essex England.