‘My Favourite Hymns’ - a wonderful atmosphere of worship

Lower Iveagh District Officers and Cultural and Heritage Society pictured at ‘My Favourite Hymns’ in Dromore Orange Hall last Sunday evening (19th July). L to R: (front) Bro David Hobson (District Secretary), Bro Robert Murphy (District Lay Chaplain), Bro Rev Gerry Sproule (District Chaplain), Bro Edward Hanna (LICHS Chairman) and Bro Clifford Hanna. (back row) Bro Alan Jess (First District Lecturer), Bro George McLoughlin (Past District Master), Bro Mervyn Kernaghan (Second District Lecturer), Bro Dr Jonathan Mattison (Worshipful District Master), Bro Maurice Coburn (Deputy District Master), Sr May Dickson, Sr Alicia Dickson, Bro Geoffrey Dickson and Bro Tom Corbett.

An evening of ‘My Favourite Hymns’ organised by Lower Iveagh Cultural and Heritage Society, was held in Dromore Orange Hall last Sunday evening (19th July). The chairman of the group, Bro Edward Hanna, led the service and welcomed everyone to the second of what is now an annual event. Edward especially thanked Bro Dr Jonathan Mattison and Sr Alicia Dickson for their help throughout the year.

Sr Alicia Dickson, Bro David Hobson (District Secretary), Bro Maurice Coburn (Deputy District Master) and Bro Dr Jonathan Mattison (Worshipful District Master) read the Scripture lessons. Bro Eric Jess (Past District Master) and District Chaplains - Bro Rev Jim Mattison and Bro Rev Gerry Sproule led the prayers during which Bro Sproule referring to the evening as a “Wonderful atmosphere of worship”.

Andrew Smyth presided at the keyboard and led the hymns - ‘As the deer pants for the water’, ‘How great thou art’, ‘The old rugged cross’, ‘The Lord’s my shepherd’, ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus’, ‘Onward Christian soldiers’ and ‘Praise my soul the king of heaven’. Laura Johnston, accompanied by Ian Carlisle sang ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ and ‘Amazing grace’. Donacloney gospel singers, ‘The Watchmen’ accompanied by Gladys Dreaning sang, ‘Jesus the shepherd’ and ‘Press on - it won’t be long’. In introducing the first hymn, Errol McDowell, referring to the banners displayed in the hall, said that while we as Orangemen follow the banner emphasised the need to follow Jesus ever day by day, because nothing can harm you when He leads the way; in sunshine or shadow, whate’er befall, ensure that Jesus my Saviour is your all in all.

A retiring offering was taken for ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’, the charity supported by bandswoman Debbie Jordan, who died following a freak accident during the Twelfth demonstration in Killyleagh.


Lower Iveagh Cultural and Heritage Society who organised ‘My Favourite Hymns’ L to R: (front) Eric Jess, Maurice Coburn, Edward Hanna (Chairman) and Alicia Dickson. (back row) Tom Corbett, David Hobson, Geoffrey Dickson and Dr Jonathan Mattison.	Guest singers and musicians who took part in ‘My Favourite Hymns’. L to R: (front) Andrew Smyth, Laura Johnston, Gladys Dreaning and Jim Dreaning. (back row) Gilbert Alexander, Donald Bickerstaff and Errol McDowell.

20/07/2009