Re-dedication service at All Saints' Parish Church
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| L to R: Mrs Maureen Campbell (Peoples Churchwarden), Mr Geoffrey Simpson
(Peoples Glebewarden), The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy (Bishop of Connor), Rev
Canon William Bell (Rector), Mr Donald Finlay (Rector's Churchwarden) and Mr
David Orr (Rector's Glebewarden) at the re-dedication service which was held
recently at All Saints' Parish Church in Eglantine to mark the reopening of
the church after major refurbishment. |
Work which began last April, involved restoration of the church roof and stonework; upgrading disability access and lighting; and repainting of the interior of the church. It was most appropriate that the historic church, consecrated in July 1875, was re-dedicated on All Saints' Day. Re-dedicating the church, The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor assisted by the Rector, the Rev Canon William Bell, gave thanks to God for 134 years of Christian work and witness in the church and parish of All Saints' Eglantine and for the lives of all those who have worshipped here. New carpet for the choir vestry, presented, by the Mothers' Union, was dedicated during the service.
The Parish was assisted with this essential work by a grant of £97,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). This grant was vital to enable the small Parish of All Saints' Eglantine to undertake this project. Along with funds that the Parish had put aside over a number of years for this project, the Parish has to raise a further £70,000.
A wide variety of fund raising activities have already taken place and more are planned over the next few years to involve parishioners, friends of the parish and the wider local community.
The Rt Rev Alan Abernethy (Bishop of Connor) preached the sermon. Also taking part were Donald Finlay (Rector's Churchwarden), David Orr (Rector's Glebewarden), Maurice Wright, John Leckey, Ben Simpson and Rosemary Taylor. The Scripture readings were, 'God's Temple is to be a place of prayer and forgiveness' (1 Kings 8: 22-30) and 'Christ the living stone is the true foundation of our faith' (1 Peter 2: 1-10). Mrs Norma Bell presided at the organ and together with the church choir led the thanksgiving praise that included, 'I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord' (Psalm 122), 'Bright the vision that delighted', 'God, whose city's sure foundation, 'God is here! As we his people, and 'Great Shepherd of your people, hear'.
06/11/2009
